2276 messages,
Last post on Sep 23, 2012 at 7:01 PM
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Chevrolet Equinox Forum.
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Chevrolet Equinox, SUV
#2073 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [jim_dandy]
by nvbanker
Apr 09, 2008 (7:23 am)
I have to differ with you on the 3.4L engine. I've had two of them, and they have both failed me. The one in my 2000 Olds Alero has breeched the intake manifold gasket, and is leaking coolant out onto the ground. The one in my 2001 Chevy Venture just over heated because the cooling fan relay is faulty. Now coolant is in the oil and the engine is knocking. I fear the engine is toasted. Only 79,000 miles on the Venture, and 80,000 on the Alero, and no, I don't neglect them. Not impressed with the 3.4L ChiCom assembled engine, nor with GM in general, though I have plenty of their cars.
#2074 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [bob171]
by grosloup
Apr 09, 2008 (10:30 am)
For the bad gas mileage it always depends on how you drive, then some poeple are harder on brakes than others, the turning radius is reasonable and quite understanding for a 108 inches wheelbase vehicule (this you should have known before buying it) it's not G.M.'s fault, the snow build up is obvious I could see the problem even though I bought mine in may and about that loud? backfirering noise... they all do that and yes it is normal.
I've owned G.M. products since my first vehicule ( 8 in all ) since 1975. My first car was a used car then the rest were all bought new. Can't say a word about bad quality, maybe I was lucky? Sure I had some problems with my cars but mechanic will always be mechanic, you'll never get a perfect car. And my next vehicule will still be probably a G.M. again.
I'm not the type of guy who throw a dozen of eggs in the garbage because one of them was cracked.
#2075 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [jim_dandy]
by farout
Apr 09, 2008 (11:57 am)
Were you aware the of engines orgin? I n the sales guide it says not to say anything about it unless asked. There appears to be a slip it in if you have to, but don't bring it up unless you really have to. Thanks for your imput.
farout
#2076 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [bob171]
by jim_dandy
Apr 09, 2008 (6:51 pm)
Wow! I'm just minding my own business,
thinking life is great in my trouble free Equinox,
cruzin down the hi speed digital highway, then BAM!
Crap! a "Hit and Run Blogger"
Oh what a feeling!
Hey Jim, do ya think we can convert him?
No it's too late, he's gone to the Dark Side.
#2077 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [jim_dandy]
by nvbanker
Apr 10, 2008 (8:54 am)
Crap! a "Hit and Run Blogger"
Hey, I still have the Venture, and a GMC Sierra right now as well, so I'm not exactly on the Dark Side. Just not thrilled with this 3.4L ChiCom lightweight motor.
#2078 of 2276 Re: Totally Happy with my 2005 Equinox! [jim_dandy]
by luv_my_nox
Apr 13, 2008 (5:33 am)
"Obviously" I have driven alot of cars in my time and the Equinox is a great vehicle.
All car manufactures have seen there share of problems, even Toyota.
Google "Toyota Sludge" and you will see what I mean.
The Equinox is a smooth running SUV.
No complaints here.
#2079 of 2276 Re: Equinox Help [philw]
by gmanyday
Apr 22, 2008 (8:05 pm)
Hi there.
I dont mean to step on your toes, but suggesting to someone to buy a hyundai????.I agree that at first glance they may seem like an attractive option, however in the end they are not a wise choice.Maintenance is expensive,parts are ridiculously expensive,mysterious check engine light that is almost always on for some reason or other......etc.etc..etc. I'm a certified automotive technician and have been so for nearly 13 years and i can tell you that we see our fair share of hyundais and about 7 out of 10 owners say they wouldn't consider buying another one.Yes they have excellent warranties(they have no choice, its probably their strongest selling point) however most people want to buy a good vehicle, not a good warranty.Personally i want to get in my car in the morning and get to work on time and not have to console myself by saying "at least the warranty is good".The equinox is an excellent vehicle that will get you Where you want to go, When you want to go, with absolutely no fuss and in great comfort and style.Plus if you have kids, especially teens the rear seat is by far the most spacious in its class and even more spacious than many full size s.u.v's
#2080 of 2276 Re: Equinox Help [gmanyday]
by philw
Apr 23, 2008 (5:42 am)
So, 13 years as an auto mechanic ...Well how about 22 years as a Hyundai owner and not one of them has cost me a dime. I even owned a pony. My personal history and that of all of my friends who own Hyundai brand vehicles speaks for itself. I find that problems may occur with Hyundais when untrained technicians with per-conceived negative ideas about Hyundais, attempt to fix cars that they don't know. That would be like a VW tech trying to fix a Chevy. When I service my Chevy, I go to a GM dealer. My Hyundai dealer would always look after my Hyundai issues; but that's never happened because my Hyundais have never needed Hyundai service. I drive my Equinox every day for work. It starts it runs and it stays on the road. It's noisier than a Santa Fe, it's smaller than a Santa Fe, it's less peppy than a Santa Fe, and it's every bit as reliable as a Santa Fe. Oh and did I mention that the Santa Fe is less expensive to own than the Equinox? The fit and finish is better on the Santa Fe. Hey the Santa Fe has heated exterior mirrors. (something you would think would be standard on a vehicle destined for the North American market) .
My point is The Santa Fe is a much better bang for the buck. And you don't have to drive North American brands to get comfort, reliability and good value; that's just false.
Our family (brothers, sisters in-laws etc..) owns 25+ vehicles. I have to say that the GM's see the shop more frequently than the Hyundais. The Fords are the worse. The Chryslers don't do well beyond 3 years (60Kms). I just have no hesitation to recommend Hyundais. They are all excellent value for the dollar.
#2081 of 2276 Re: Equinox Help [gmanyday]
by nvbanker
Apr 23, 2008 (3:59 pm)
mysterious check engine light that is almost always on for some reason or other....
I don't want to start a war here - but this is interesting to me - I have indeed experienced a fair amount of Check Engine lights on Hyundais, and especially Kias.....however, the brand that has almost universal mystery lights on in my experience is good ol' General Motors. In fact, the "Service Engine Soon" light is currently lit in my 2002 GMC Sierra pickup as we write this! It's 2 knock sensors that are both faulting, and require dismantling of the intake manifold and everything on top of it to get to them.
Hyundai isn't perfect, but IMO, it's better than, or no worse than, GM as far as mystery lights are concerned, and I've sold a ton of both cars.
#2082 of 2276 Equinox a good car? think again.
by elfjon
Apr 23, 2008 (6:49 pm)
some may say there is a price for performance, but the Equinox carries neither. the engine is slow and every ineffiecient. 3.4L in a V6 should be making well over 200 hp. in the Equinox, they make only 185 hp. that's less than the 3.0L V6 in the Escape, and the same as the V6 in the Sportage, which uses significantly less fuel. GM as a much better V6 in so many of their other cars...the 3.6L. fortunatley, it is available in the Equinox, but only the top trim level. At least it will offer better fuel economy and a better tranismission.
handling needs to be improved also. the steering is light and unresponsive. at least it is smooth. they either need to kill the nasty electric steering and get the hydraulic steering back, or retune it so that it is up to par with the Malibu's. Body roll is pretty significant and the turning circle is huge. a long wheelbase is great, but then the steering needs to be that much more responsive.
the ride is ok, but it can get bouncy on the highway.
the exterior may look ok (compared to its twin the Torrent, the Equinox is dated), but the interior quality is deplorable. GM really needs to nicen up the inside. Make the easts more comfortable, get rid of the plastic, move the sifter to the floor with a console, and more the window switches to the door where the belong. at least the rear seats are roomy and slide. the cargo area is pretty big too.