2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Chevrolet Equinox
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2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox ▼
- Price Range: $8,600 - $19,300
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat room
Cons
- Steering/handling
Vehicle Highlights
Equinox debuted for 2005 as a smaller, less-expensive midsize-SUV companion to Chevrolet's TrailBlazer. It shared its car-type platform with the Vue from GM's Saturn division, but has a longer wheelbase and body, and has steel body panels in place of Vue's plastic. Equinox seated five; no 3rd-row seat was offered. The rear seat slid fore and aft 8 inches to maximize passenger or cargo space. The one-piece rear hatch did not include opening glass. Equinox came in LS and uplevel LT trims, both with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. A 185-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission made up the sole powertrain. Traction control was standard on the front-drive LT, optional as part of the ABS option on the front-drive LS. ABS was standard on all but the front-drive LS. Curtain side airbags are optional. Available features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and OnStar assistance.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD w/17-inch wheels Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Chevrolet Equinox:
Antilock brakes became standard on all versions of the Equinox for 2006.
2007 Chevrolet Equinox:
Equinox got a revised suspension and interior appearance and added safety features for 2007. An antiskid system and rear disc brakes were newly available for '07 and were standard. A revised suspension and steering system were designed to improve ride and handling response. Curtain side airbags were optional and now included rollover deployment. Equinox's instrument panel, radio, and climate controls got redesigned. A navigation system and remote engine start were newly available.
2008 Chevrolet Equinox:
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox gained a pair of new models, one bent toward luxury, the other toward performance. Equinox LS and LT models were joined this year by the luxury-themed LTZ and high-performance Sport.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Despite having less horsepower than most of its rivals, Equinox furnishes lively takeoffs and smooth passing response. A test front-drive LT did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Expect the slightly heavier AWD versions to be a bit slower. Fuel economy is above average for the class. Front and AWD test models averaged 18.0 mpg. Also above average is Equinox's ride. This SUV benefits from its long wheelbase and comfort-biased suspension tuning. At the same time, that softness is a detriment to its handling. Body lean in turns is pronounced, and the steering suffers from vague feel. The available AWD is a wet-weather bonus but is not meant for serious off roading. Equinox is no more or less quiet than other midsize SUVs. Some testers believe the V6 engine sounds coarse in full-throttle acceleration. Others complain of tire roar and body drumming over rough pavement. The interior is a mixed bag. Most materials are appropriate for the price, but the cabin still has a cut-rate feel due to some hard plastic surfaces and imprecise switchgear movement. The power window switches are located on the console with the automatic transmission lever, which some testers feel is inconvenient. Seat comfort is good, with generous head and leg room both front and rear. The reclining, adjustable rear seat is a comfort plus. Visibility is hindered by thick front and rear pillars. And while the rear seats don't fold completely flat, Equinox has a flexible cargo hold. A fold-flat front passenger seat allows loading of longer items, and an adjustable height cargo shelf adds to cargo carrying options.
Value for the Money
Sloppy steering and handling make Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin feel like cumbersome trucks, even though these SUVs have car-type chassis. Both also lack the mechanical finesse of competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. On the upside, Equinox and Torrent have an absorbent ride, versatile interiors, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.
Sloppy steering and handling make Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin feel like cumbersome trucks, even though these SUVs have car-type chassis. Both also lack the mechanical finesse of competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. On the upside, Equinox and Torrent have an absorbent ride, versatile interiors, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD w/17-inch wheels Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Equinox includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Equinox .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Electrical problem:
The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)
Electrical problem:
The check engine light may come on, due to failure of the EGR valve. The Delphi valve is to be replaced with a Seimens valve kit and have the PCM flashed. (2005-06)
Fuel gauge:
The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2005-06)
Vehicle noise:
Rattling noise from the front end is caused by bad bushings for brake caliper pins. (2005-06)
Vehicle noise:
Noise from the front accompanied by sensation felt in steering wheel may be due to insufficient steering rack preload. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,700 |
| Brakes | $580 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,130 |
| Exhaust System | $810 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,110 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $570 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Equinox details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Equinox LS | $15,500-17,200 | $14,100-15,700 | $9,900-11,000 |
| Equinox LT | $17,000-18,500 | $15,600-17,000 | $10,900-11,800 |
| Equinox LTZ | $19,000-20,500 | $17,500-18,900 | $12,400-13,300 |
| Equinox Sport | $19,500-21,000 | $17,900-19,300 | $12,700-13,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| Equinox LS | $13,000-14,500 | $11,800-13,200 | $7,500-8,400 |
| Equinox LT | $14,500-16,000 | $13,200-14,600 | $9,000-9,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| Equinox LS | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| Equinox LT | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| Equinox LS | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| Equinox LT | $10,500-11,800 | $9,500-10,600 | $5,600-6,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Equinox include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3776 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.6 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Equinox teams a 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 204 | 185 | 210 | 5-speed automatic: 18.5/23.5 | 5-speed automatic: 18 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Equinox include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Equinox |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Equinox:
An incorrect primer may have been used when installing the windshield, liftgate glass, and the side stationary glass. In the event of a crash, the windshield may not be retained to the extent required by safety standards. Dealers will replace the windshield, the liftgate glass, and the side stationary glass.
2005 Equinox:
Improperly-seated fitting can prevent ignition key park lock cable auto-set from correctly adjusting the cable; can keep shifter from locking in "Park" position when key is removed.
2005 Equinox:
Some vehicles may have an improperly adjusted shifter park lock cable, which could allow the vehicle to be shifted out of park with the ignition off. Dealer will inspect and adjust the cable.
2007 Equinox without roof rail airbags or sunroof:
An interior surface falls short of a Federal safety standard and poses an increased risk of head injury in a crash. Dealers will install an energy-absorbing foam piece to each of the A-pillar trim assemblies.
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