mikshag

I'm picking up a 05 Equinox to test drive for the weekend, tomorrow afternoon.

May I ask for your impressions on the following questions:

1) What is the ride quality like once you put a few KM's or Miles on it?

2) Is pickup sluggish / is it hurting for more power with the 185 HP engine? I will usually have 5 (Me, Wife, Two kids, Mother IL) usually in the truck.

3) Any niggling things that bother you?

4) MP3 Player is there any thought to add an Aux connection for an external MP3 Player. Saab enthusiasts have done this as the spot is available in the centre console

The price point on this SUV is very preferrable and with 0% financing up here right now, its making this more favourable than an import.

Thanks for your responses.

Langning

So far I am liking my Equinox a lot. Mines is an AWD LT and I feel like driving a Lexus RX320 look-alike and paying a lot less...

* the drive is smooth.
* The wind noise (from front) is loud when going over 70mpg.
* LT looks better than 2 color LS
* I got the 17" wheels and tire choice is limited, save the $300 and insist on the 16" wheels.
* As in my other posts, I get about 18 mpg (and only 20.6 mpg last fillup). Coupled with the small 16 gls tank, my cruise range is about 240-300.
* I don't have the MP3 option, but my 6-speaker RDS radio is so good, I tune to the radio. For your 2 kids, get them the aftermarket backseat-DVD player.
* My wife complaints about the position of head rest as she naps while I drive.
* Hate the antenna and it shake a lot

We were shopping for a cheap car to replace a 96 Cavalier. My parents were with me and I showed her the Equinox just to let her feel a SUV is like. Having sitting on my Cavailer backseats so many years, my mom must be surprised how roomy the backseat and leg room. My mom convinced me to buy the Equinox, the saleman gave no effort to score a sale...

Did you buy the Equinox? Essentially you be paying the price of a car for a SUV.

mikshag

Thanks. I'm looking at a fully loaded AWD LT and the test unit is an AWD LS. I picked up the Demo yesterday afternoon and here's what I think: I remember when I test drove the RX-300 years ago the body roll when braking was excessive. They finally fixed it on the RX330.

Loads of room in the back which I like. Adjustable seating to suit your needs.

Handling: The front end / shocks are very soft. We have speed bumps down our street and it (Equinox) seems to bottom out on the down slope. The ride is soft but I'm comparing it to an 01 QX4 and a 04 Saab 9-3. I'm sure after a little driving it, I'll get used to it.

What are your thoughts? I wonder if the 17 inch tires would make a difference?

The body roll in a corner is quite excessive at 30 kmh. I would have hoped some contoured seating would help me stay in the seat.

The steering is like butter would like it more tighter at lower speeds. i think its speed sensitive so I'll provide more feedback later.

Performance: Not bad acceleration for 185 hp. My problem is I drive a 04 Saab as a daily driver, so I can't compare. I have not took it on the highway yet

Have you driven some distance in it yet? Those head rests are a little wierd in positioning and look.

I can't beleive for a 2005 drum brakes are still used. Anyway they refer to 4 wheel ABS which says something for the technology.

Well I'll let my wife drive it today. I am very finickey when it comes to the ride and such. I'm sure she will feel differently.

Will provide more feedback later tonight.

Antonio Waxer

1) it creeks and rattles even after 4k
2) totally under powered..just wait until you want to climb a hill
3) gas mileage is the pits , paint has runs in it and is thin in spots(can see primer) , rear head rests total obstruct rear view, dash rattles, front end had noises, did i mention really bad gas mileage..lol other than that it handles really bad in the snow for an AWD vehicle.
4) sorry didn'tgetthat option

Buy foreign..Toyota, Nissan..your resale value will at least make up for the financing charges and poor gas mileage

mikshag

After a week of humming and haaaaaing, I've just purchased a 2005 Volvo XC90 2.5T. I know you can't compare the two....

I was very dissapointed with the Equinox product and its ride quality and very surprized at the current offerings at Volvo.

I've added a "wear package" that covers everything from nicks, scratches, worn tires for a minor cost. Can't complain there.

Off to the Volvo Forum. Enjoy and thanks for the feedback.