Well, I'm really tired of my Explorer and the gas mileage it doesn't get. We've been shopping around in the 20k price range for a new SUV. We've been looking at Trailblazers, Envoy's, and Equinox's. All sligly used of course.
We found an 05 Equinox 11k miles black with black and tan leather interrior. Its a 3400 V6 FWD with 185HP. I love the way it drove and it looks nice I think. It had plenty of go for an SUV and for my wife to drive. Lots of nice little handy useless compartments that I like. I have to say something I thought was awesome was the back of the passanger had a plastic back for a cover. Now that seems stupid unless you have kids. Then you know exactly what I mean. So much easier to take care of and clean when your kids sits in their car seat kicking the back of the seat.
I read reviews on them and everyone was good. With 19 city and 25 highway MPG that defineatly fits me. I just wanted to know what everyone else though. Had any friends with expieriences or any your self. Anything good/bad?
It was fully loaded, even had the towing package. Although I dont plan on towing much and with FWD 185HP I'm sure it doesn't tow a lot but thats fine with me. I think this one may have been AWD actually. I didn't know that was an option so I didn't think to look or ask.
do yourself a huge favor and go look at the 2006 Suzuki Vitara. it's the same exact (literaly) truck with slightly better engineering and a 10year/100,000 warranty.
"Formerly known as Jammit - JBO member since 1998" JBOM | CSS.net
Both my mom and myself tested the Equinox. It did ride nice and everything and seemed really practical. The seats were unconfortable but as I hear with a little wear they break in really well. I liked the slidding rear.
The things that I didn't like about it is, If I am correct...
Engine : China
Transmission: Japan
Assembled: Canada (which I don't mind)
But since I do make the Trailblazer, and Envoy
Engine: USA
Trans: USA
Assembled: Moraine, Ohio
17 City 22 Highway and I have the 5300 V8 DOD 300hp and 330ft/lb
Also if you do get a Trailblazer or Envoy try to find an '06 where the 5300 is an option and the interior is sooooo much better.
I've always liked the styling of the Equinox. I would have bought one instead of my Vibe, but unfortunately it cost more then I could afford at the time. I've been following it since it was just a concept car.
I'm a little disappointed at the engine choice. 185hp is decent, but not spectacular. Its also based on older engine technology, and it should be retired and replaced perhaps with GM's new 3.5L V6. I think 210hp would do that thing so much more good.
The ride quality is excellent, and it tends to handle a little more like a large car then an SUV. It could stand for a little less body roll, and for that I would look towards someone hopefully making a swaybar upgrade.
By far my favorite thing about it though, is something that having kids you will really appreciate more then any other feature of the car. That is the size of the rear doors. Stand back and look at the thing, and admire exactly how wide the rear doors are. When you have kids, that is a *very* good thing. Also with being able to move the seats back, it makes it harder for the kids to kick the front seats, which makes for a much more peaceful drive. If you have kids, and want a mini-suv, this is it. Don't look any further.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein
Jookycola wrote:do yourself a huge favor and go look at the 2006 Suzuki Vitara. it's the same exact (literaly) truck with slightly better engineering and a 10year/100,000 warranty.
1. Its the same vehicle, just a different name slapped on it.
2. Its engine is not better, it is in fact worse. It also puts out 185hp, but it only puts out 184 lb-ft of torque, compared to 210 lb-ft from the Equinox. The Equinox will be faster, and it looks better without the spare tire slapped on the rear hatch. It looks stupid there, and it makes the rear hatch heavier, which sucks when you have to open and close it, which for a daily driver is probably pretty often.
NfamousZ24 wrote:Also if you do get a Trailblazer or Envoy try to find an '06 where the 5300 is an option and the interior is sooooo much better.
Pretty sure he's not going to even consider the Trailblazer... he started out saying he hated his Explorer. Pretty sure he'd hate the Trailblazer as well then. The Equinox gets 2mpg better, and these days thats a big difference. Also the Trailblazer is a truck, and handles like one. The Equinox is smaller and lighter, and handles a little more like a car. As for the engine being build in China, well that's yet another reason I hope they switch to the 3.5L/3.9L V6. They put out more power vs similar displacement, are more fuel efficient, and are built in New York.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein
ok so youre bitching about the gas mileage and then want to look at vehicles that get practically the same mileage?
i guarantee you that youll get the same mpg out of any of the vehicles you listed as you do the explorer
19 and 25?
thats not much better than 16 and 21
if gas is such an issue why dont you just get the 4 cyl Toyota Highlander
i used to own a equinox......my wife and I loved the vechile to death, we thought it rode great had plenty of room, was great in snow, everything. The reason we got rid of it was because my wife drives a lot for work(we had 13000 miles after 6 months). The gas milage that we were getting with it was nowhere close to what it was rated at.we were getting about 17-18 mpg with a mix of city and hwy driving (more hwy than city). So that is why we got rid of it after 6 months. There are som forums on the web about the nox and 1 of the biggest complaint s was the mileage.
Member since: 03/2005
themarin8r wrote:ok so youre bitching about the gas mileage and then want to look at vehicles that get practically the same mileage?
i guarantee you that youll get the same mpg out of any of the vehicles you listed as you do the explorer
19 and 25?
thats not much better than 16 and 21
if gas is such an issue why dont you just get the 4 cyl Toyota Highlander
Are you crazy? You're going to tell me that a 3400 V6 on a much lighter vehicle FWD is going to get the same gas mileage as a 5.0 V8 AWD that is a freakin pig? Yes gas mileage is a big issue but its not my only reason. So upgrading 3-5mpg is a big deal.
Jookycola, I've seen the Suzuki before. Its ok but I prefer to take the Equinox. For some reason I just cant bring myself to buy a suzuki SUV. Plus like Dave said in an SUV that torque loss is a big deal.
NfamousZ24 the one I drove had 11k miles on it. The seats must have already broken in because I thought they were extremely comfortable. Yet they had that look like they were real nice looking but not real comfortable.
Dave, thanks for all the good info. I was hoping you and or Mr. Goodwrench would chime in. I didn't know the rear seats moved back. I didn't spend a ton of time with it just a quick look over. Were going to try and sell the Explorer outright instead of trade in. We'll do ok like that but take a small hit if we trade in.
Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm still going to look at some other vehicles but I'm VERY interested in the Equinox.
Dave wrote:
NfamousZ24 wrote:Also if you do get a Trailblazer or Envoy try to find an '06 where the 5300 is an option and the interior is sooooo much better.
Pretty sure he's not going to even consider the Trailblazer... he started out saying he hated his Explorer. Pretty sure he'd hate the Trailblazer as well then. The Equinox gets 2mpg better, and these days thats a big difference. Also the Trailblazer is a truck, and handles like one. The Equinox is smaller and lighter, and handles a little more like a car. As for the engine being build in China, well that's yet another reason I hope they switch to the 3.5L/3.9L V6. They put out more power vs similar displacement, are more fuel efficient, and are built in New York.
I know he is leaning towards the Equinox I am glad that he is looking towards GM. But can you blame me for trying to push what I build. That would keep my plant running for another 48 seconds. LOL
I cant wait till this Iraq war is over and the UN needs another order of 500 SUV's. The last Gulf War they ordered 500 white Blazers.
Sadly a lot of the new SUV's they've been using are Explorers. We do have a lot of blazers but they are all 02's and stuffs that the cops use. The nice SUV's we use for various things are Explorer Sports. We have a few colorado's now. Would be nice to see more GM's though.
Rabbit(AKA RedAssassin) wrote:themarin8r wrote:ok so youre bitching about the gas mileage and then want to look at vehicles that get practically the same mileage?
i guarantee you that youll get the same mpg out of any of the vehicles you listed as you do the explorer
19 and 25?
thats not much better than 16 and 21
if gas is such an issue why dont you just get the 4 cyl Toyota Highlander
Are you crazy? You're going to tell me that a 3400 V6 on a much lighter vehicle FWD is going to get the same gas mileage as a 5.0 V8 AWD that is a freakin pig? Yes gas mileage is a big issue but its not my only reason. So upgrading 3-5mpg is a big deal.
dcjes wrote:i used to own a equinox......my wife and I loved the vechile to death, we thought it rode great had plenty of room, was great in snow, everything. The reason we got rid of it was because my wife drives a lot for work(we had 13000 miles after 6 months). The gas milage that we were getting with it was nowhere close to what it was rated at.we were getting about 17-18 mpg with a mix of city and hwy driving (more hwy than city). So that is why we got rid of it after 6 months. There are som forums on the web about the nox and 1 of the biggest complaint s was the mileage.
if you read that post there youd see that i was pretty much right
i bet you get 15-18 mpg in the explorer
so the equinox woulnt be much better if at all.
Rabbit(AKA RedAssassin) wrote:Well, I'm really tired of my Explorer and the gas mileage it doesn't get.
I'm sure you're right. The gas mileage isn't the number 1 reason. There are lots of others. The gas mileage just adds to it. So anything better is good.
My ex had one and she loved it, but complained on fuel efficiency. Personally i thought it was well built and real comfy, with a good ride. I don't consider this a small SUV in any way.
You may want to put this one in consideration.
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=6&i=123178&t=123178#123178
Also I would like to add. That for 2007 there will be some updates on the Equinox/Torrent. None of which of a replacement of the 3400 V6.
Some of the changes:
-New center console
-New audio systems
-Driver's info center
-New instrument panel trim
-4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS
-Stabilitrack
-Remote start
-new wheels
-Navigation
-new colors
Torrent adds
-more info on DIC
-Tire monitor
-auto dimming mirror
-(AWD) rear axle 2.48
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
Mr. Goodwrench. Thanks for the info on the Saturn. We were just looking at them also and we do like them. With fuel effieciency that of the Green Line it would be nice. If the starting price is 21,500 like they state I could probably swing a brand new one by the time they are released. Kind of sucks that the Equinox isn't getting what it was rated for fuel. Because I really like the Equinox a lot. I'll probably still keep it in mind but going to keep looking. Were going to be selling the Explorer anyways and my wife will drive the 1999 Chevy Prizm for a while. So that extra 300 a month plus insurance will just go in the bank for a down payment.
The SUV's that they are going to make on that Lambada (sp) Platform are looking nice. Sucks that my plant yet again is going to compete within the same company.
If you want a Car like ride go with Eqinox/ Vue/ Torrent. If you don't mind the truck like ride like myself and want that extra towing capacity like myself then look towards the 360 platform.
lambada? you mean lambda?
yeah maybe I am to lazy to look it up.
NfamousZ24 wrote:The SUV's that they are going to make on that Lambada (sp) Platform are looking nice. Sucks that my plant yet again is going to compete within the same company.
If you want a Car like ride go with Eqinox/ Vue/ Torrent. If you don't mind the truck like ride like myself and want that extra towing capacity like myself then look towards the 360 platform.
When I got the Explorer I did like most men did and was happy because I had a V8 decent towing capacity and a trailer hitch. I've towed one trailer so far, haha. So now i'm being more realistic and I'm just looking at SUV's that are a more car like ride.
Basically I want a stylish mini van
my mom loves hers except for the gas mileage deff doesnt get what its rated at
Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:That for 2007 there will be some updates on the Equinox/Torrent. None of which of a replacement of the 3400 V6.
That just blows. I can't understand why they are hanging on to that antiquated engine, when they have several engines that are much better, and will probably add 1 or 2 mpg to the vehicle as well.
Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:And if fuel efficiency is your #1 priority check here.
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=6&i=98499&t=98499
& here for pics and more info
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=6&i=111601&t=111601
For pure fuel efficiency, the Saturn is a good choice, unfortunately the Vue does not share the larger rear doors and seating area of the Equinox. The Equinox is 7 inches longer overall, and the majority of that comes from the larger rear seating area. Of course that also adds about 200 lbs to the car.
Bottom line is what you want it for. Equinox is probably a little better for a family-oriented vehicle, but the Saturn Green Line wins hands down, no contest, when it comes to fuel efficiency.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein
I drove one all winter and really liked it. Simple yet sleak styling inside and out. Don't expect a performance breakthrough, however build quality and convienence of features are strong points.
I'd recommend one.
Do you need a big suv? or would a smaller one do?
Perhaps look at the Escape/Mariner or even a RAV4 or CR-V
I know that this may have no bearing on you, but I personally like the Pontiac Torrent better. At the car show I looked and got into both the base models and top of the line Equinox and Torrent. The Torrent was just nicer overall in my opinion and didn't feel as cheap.
Then again, I love Pontiacs and think that they always look better over whatever their Chevy "brother" is.
Dave wrote:Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:That for 2007 there will be some updates on the Equinox/Torrent. None of which of a replacement of the 3400 V6.
That just blows. I can't understand why they are hanging on to that antiquated engine, when they have several engines that are much better, and will probably add 1 or 2 mpg to the vehicle as well.
Here is the kicker though...
The 3500 3.5L V6 (LX9 201hp/220tq ) found G6, Malibu, and on GM minivans will be dropped for 2007. But the 3400 3.4L V-6 (LNJ 185hp/210tq) will continue on the Equinox/Torrent----- these two are the only ones using this engine in GM N-A!
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
