2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Change year or car

Change year or car

$23,035

starting MSRP

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Interior space and versatility
  • Ride comfort
  • Automatic-transmission response
  • Availability of AWD

The bad:

  • Engine noise
  • Visibility
  • Uncertain construction quality

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2008 Chevrolet Equinox trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Performance Equinox Sport
  • FWD or AWD
  • Passenger- and cargo-area versatility
  • Electric power steering
  • Standard ABS and electronic stability system

2008 Chevrolet Equinox review: Our expert's take

By


The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport is the answer to a question I thought no one was asking: “Why isn’t there a deluxe, high-performance version of the Equinox?”

Shows what I know. The Equinox, introduced as a 2005 model, has filled an important but moderately low-profile niche for General Motors: As a five-passenger “crossover,” sharing bits and pieces with the Saturn Vue, it targets consumers who don’t need the ruggedness of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, or want a minivan like the Chevrolet Uplander. Though offered in all-wheel-drive, the Equinox is no off-roader, and most sold are front-wheel-drive. It’s an attractive, utilitarian vehicle marketed at a reasonable price, powered by a reasonably old-fashioned, Chinese-built 3.4-liter V-6 engine with 185 horsepower. Hard to get excited about that.

For 2008, that sensible-shoes Equinox remains, but it’s joined by the Equinox Sport. The Sport is more than just a bigger engine, though: Quite a bit of suspension work has been done to the SUV, the numb electric power steering was replaced by a much better hydraulic unit, handsome 18-inch tires and alloy wheels replace the 16- or 17-inchers on other Equinox models, and some modest but effective body trim identifies it as something different.

So does the sticker: Base price of our front-drive Equinox Sport is $27,380. Had we wanted the all-wheel-drive model, that would have added $1,600. The least expensive Equinox starts at $22,995, including shipping, and even at that price, the base Equinox is very well equipped. Standard on all models is air conditioning, a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player, cruise control, antilock brakes, stability control, keyless entry and a five-speed automatic transmission to go with the 3.4-liter V-6. The next step up from the base LS is the LT, then the LTZ, then the Sport. Load up an all-wheel-drive Sport with most all options, including a navigation system, and you’re nudging $34,000.

The test Sport had several options, including leather upholstery, a sunroof, roof racks and side-curtain airbags, bringing the total price, with shipping, to $29,580.

Inside, the Equinox still has some interior trim that belongs on a less expensive model, but there are some very nice features: The rear seat slides forward or back about eight inches, giving you the option of lots of room for passengers or cargo. With the seat toward the rear, there’s room aplenty for five six-footers. There is no third seat, but Chevrolet could probably squeeze one in there if they tried — the Equinox is big enough.

Instruments and controls are standard GM-issue, which is fine. The front seats are supportive; rear seats are comparatively hard and upright. Even with the rear seat all the way back, there’s still lots of luggage space.

On the road, the Equinox Sport shines. The ride is firm but compliant, and handling is better than I thought I’d ever see in an Equinox. This engine, optional on the new Malibu, has plenty of punch, nicely delivered through the six-speed automatic transmission. And you don’t pay much of a price in fuel economy: The test Sport is EPA-rated at 16 mpg city, 24 highway; with the regular 185-horse engine, it’s 17 mpg city, 24 highway. Both engines run on regular gas.

The Equinox Sport, and its counterpart, the Pontiac Torrent GXP, add some genuine spark to serviceable but otherwise dull vehicles. Good for General Motors.

Sentinel Automotive Editor Steven Cole Smithcan be reached at scsmith@orlandosentinel.com.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior design 3.8
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value for the money 4.1
  • Exterior styling 4.2
  • Reliability 4.2

Most recent consumer reviews

2.3

Equinox the lemon that squeezes you

Bought used from dealer after a new transmission, brakes, and turn signal control was installed. A year later dealer rebuilt that transmission twice in 4weeks. Then I had to replace power steering pump 4 times along with lines, complete gears and lines. Then rear end, bearings and entire suspension. Then had put in another transmission. Not sure if the part list will ever end because I have literally rebuilt the car under a 160,000 miles

1.0

Worst vehicle Ever

Put thousands of $ in Chevy, I have a Honda Accord with 170,000 miles never have a problem, only 100,000 on Chevy, junk don’t buy!! Unless you have money to just throw away!!! Will never buy GM ever again foreign from now on!!!

2.6

WORST car I’ve ever owned

I’ve had this car for 8 months now, At first it was a fun roomy fast car... it won’t pass emissions, had to replace the cat converter, 02 downstream, And then everything WAS good... My car was starting to pull back while accelerating and driving, had multiple mechanics look at it saying my car was in great shape, not a few days later the entire engine blew up, timing belt broke, gaskets blew and my engine seized. My car has Maintained, always has oil in it, everything taken good care of. The car has 153000 miles on it. The engine was TOAST, i had to completely get a new motor for my car that was more than what the car is worth, Now I have a new/used engine in the car with 88,000 miles on it and now my transmission is going out !!! And my car is driving touchy and terrible. This has been nothing but a headache and a mistake and a loss of money.... This car Is a LEMON. The mechanic who replaced my engine told me this car is a lemon as well.

See all 60 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/100,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

See all 2008 Chevrolet Equinox articles