Overview & Reviews

Part of a growing segment of plus-sized small crossover SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox splits the difference between compact and midsize utility vehicles and offers roomy accommodations in a five-passenger layout. Like other vehicles in its class, the Equinox emphasizes style, amenities and day-to-day practicality over more traditional SUV attributes. In short, the Chevy Equinox is a fine choice for commuting to work or transporting pets, but it's not suited for towing, or anything more rugged than a gravel road.

Although the Equinox has always had a roomy interior and an easy-driving nature, the plain styling and low-quality interior materials in earlier models are none too impressive by today's standards. Later versions of this Chevrolet crossover have made big strides in quality and are available with more desirable features and engine choices.

User Reviews:

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  Its an Okay Car - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Megan - November 21 - 10:27 am

  This is the first car Ive ever owned. I needed an AWD vehicle that could do well over long distance and could haul my stuff to and from college. I drive it about 300 miles every weekend. Ive only had one major problem - There was clunking in the rear end right after I bought it, and that seemed to clear up after I took it back to the dealership. But now theres some awful grinding noise in the front when I make turns (wide turns, I might add). I love the cars design and color. But anything would be great compared to my 89 Grand Prix. What a load of junk. Im just worried about how long the Equinox will last. Hopefully more than 5 years!

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Gerald - November 19 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for the style & fuel mileage. This vehicle has very cheap interior & mechanical components. Interior finish rubs off with use. Radio finish comes off. Gas cap broke. Windshield washer pump quit. If you open the windows there is a terrible thumping from air presure.

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  Crash Survivor - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Bill - November 19 - 3:47 pm

  I was t-boned on the drivers side by an Olds 88 7-7-08 at an intersection. My wife and two sons 8 & 6 were passengers. The force of the crash bent the floorboard causing the rear passenger wheel to buckle causing our SUV to roll. When it finally came to a stop we were laying on the drivers side facing the direction we came from. Surprisingly none of the air bags deployed. We all climbed out of the broken passenger windows with little more than minor scratches. I would give the Equinox a 10 for safety other than the extra chance of a roll-over crash that all SUVs have.

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  Great SUV with few minor issues - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Kerry - November 13 - 10:15 am

  I bought this car back at the end of 2006 and it has proven to be a great SUV. For an SUV, it gets good gas mileage. I drive over 100 miles a day (highway and city) and get about 23 miles per gallon. I have had no major issues other than the normal brake pad changes, new tires and oil changes which you can expect on a vehicle that went from 24K miles to 74K miles in 2 years! I would recommend this car to everyone, good for the price.

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  2005 Equinox LT - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Margie - November 12 - 12:23 am

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle, especially for the price. I am, however, dissatisfied with the gas mileage. It has been quite sporadic (from 16 to 20 mpg)since I bought it in December 2004. I finally took it to the service dept. in July and was told that a new program was downloaded for it. So far I have gotten 20 mpg after interstate driving and 18 in town. Doesnt look like Ill fare so well after this next fill-up though. Other than that, it is fun to drive (I downsized from a Ford Expedition) and it is comfortable enough for 2 adults, 2 carseats, a stroller, and groceries!

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  Good Enough - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By theccur - November 11 - 2:29 pm

  This is a powerful and reasonably comfortable truck with enough cargo room to transport a fair amount of watever you normally haul as well as a good sized trailer or boat. It is even reasonably attractive. I like my truck but would not recommend going without warranty coverage. There are a host of minor (correctable) problems that GM fails to correct unless you complain, and then only at the owners expense. Brakes and coolant are ongoing issues. Fortuately my dealer is reasonably responsive. I dont feel my money was badly spent, but it could have definately been better spent.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By CHSNikki2004 - November 9 - 6:23 pm

  An awesome car. Super fun to drive and tons of space. All my friends love it! It gets 17-22 MPG.

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  Bang for the buck - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jim - November 9 - 3:53 pm

  This is a beautiful SUV. I really like the exterior look and finish. The large back seat is amazing. More horse power(see Saturn Vue) would be appreciated. Interior plastic looks cheap. Did I mention leg room in the back is amazing? So far its everything its cracked up to be. I compared it to all other SUVs in its class and the Equinox won hands down. Long term reliability is the only remaining issue. More refinement needed as well. Grab handles, locking gas cap, rear gate glass opening. Its a great vechicle for the money, and with a few changes it would be perfect.

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  LT Equinox FWD - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Nicksdad6702 - November 9 - 11:50 am

  Great ride and great looks. Overall with price, features and looks it is a best buy in my book.

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  Love the Drive, Hate the mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Pat Host - November 8 - 9:10 am

  I love my new 2005 Equinox as far as handling, driving, sporty. But we traded in a large van for something with better mileage, and this is NOT getting it. Our mileage on this vehicle is at least 5 mpg lower than it is rated. I have read that this vehicle is overrated as far as good mileage, in Newsweek, I believe. The Equinox has the exact same engine as my larger Silhouette, but the Silhouette gets much better mileage. That doesnt make much sense. We have taken the Equinox back to the dealership to be checked, but they say there is nothing wrong. This is very frustrating.