- 2010
2008 Chevrolet Equinox
- Used Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox - What the Auto Press Says
The Equinox delivers two powerful V6 engine choices, crisp styling, and an interior noteworthy for its space and comfort. However, the steering and handling are not quite up to par -- rendering the Equinox a ranking in the bottom half of its class.
For 2008, the Equinox gets two new trim levels. The ultra-performance Sport model boasts a V6 engine with an extra 79 horsepower and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The luxury-minded LTZ model comes with upscale interior and exterior touches. "This car has a subtle refinement of its own," says the Boston Globe. "It's not much shorter than either a Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and yet it feels like a much smaller, gentler vehicle. That's probably because, from its base, it is built more like a car, with unibody construction instead of the truck-like, body-on-frame architecture of the other two."
The Equinox SUV is the subject of much criticism for its steering and handling, even in the new Sport version. Many test drivers feel steering does not provide adequate response. resulting in an overall ranking near the bottom of the Affordable Crossover SUV class. Still, many appreciate the Equinox's expanded cargo space and the V6 engine's acceleration.
Chevrolet has managed to squeeze 17/24 mpg fuel economy from the Equinox -- not bad for a V6. But that rating does place the SUV in the bottom half of the small SUV class -- ominous for Chevy in an era of record high gas prices.
The Equinox comes in several trims -- the base LS, mid-level LT, luxurious LTZ, and performance-minded Sport. The Equinox comes in either front- or all-wheel drive.
- "The Equinox Sport, and its counterpart, the Pontiac Torrent GXP, add some genuine spark to serviceable but otherwise dull vehicles. Good for General Motors." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "So this is an affordable people and cargo hauler from Chevy and a gigantic improvement from its old Trackers. This is a solid, well-mannered truck, but the test model was nothing fancy." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Equinox Performance - 7.0 (Good)
The majority of test drivers of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox feel that the engine in the SUV performs quite well, though there is general agreement that the steering and handling are not on par with the best vehicles in its class. Consequently, the Equinox ranks in the middle of its class. The Morning Call explains: "The steering system is GM's new electric steering system, which is intended to provide precise control and performance. However, it falls short and needs a bit of finesse. Steering is dead-on center and feather light at cruising speeds, yet can suddenly become heavy when parking." Read More
Equinox Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
The majority of reviewers find the Equinox's exterior styling agreeable, leading to a ranking in the top half of the class. U.S. News' Rick Newman deems it "Hot. The Equinox is a bit bulky, but it has a streamlined and aerodynamic look -- for an SUV." Despite the Equinox's large size, it's still considered a compact SUV. Read More
Equinox Interior - 7.7 (Good)
Almost all test drivers applaud the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox's interior, including its comfortable seats, tranquil noise level, and pleasant styling and materials. The praise propels the SUV to an interior ranking near the top of its class. "General Motors is making it a point to upgrade the fit and finish of its interiors, and it works here," says the Boston Globe. "There is still plastic and molded seams where you might get stitched leather in far more expensive vehicles, but the overall effect is one of quality." Read More
Equinox Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox does very well in federal government crash tests. It also comes with plenty of accident avoidance features, including Traction Control. A plus for young families is that the rear seat is especially safe for up to three children. Read More
Equinox Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevrolet offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
