Surprised and shocked. This Chevy is one of the nicest cars I've driven.

I've been driving a rental Chevy Equinox LTZ for about a week while on vacation. It is awesome. Smooth, quiet ride. Beautifully designed interior. Amazing level of features, including blue-tooth phone, comprehensive on board diagnostics for everything from individual tire pressure to oil life. It is truly one of the nicest vehicles I've driven (we got it after bitching to the rental company about the horrible Mitsubishi Endeavor they initially gave us), and our Infinity SUV-driving friends agree. But then they said, "still, I'd never buy an American car." If I were in the market for a new car, I'd definitely consider one of these if this is the way Chevy is now building cars.

And GM reports their problems to the NTSB.

May the best car win!

not to shabby.

But it's going to take a damn good car to make me think of ANY GM product again after the way GM shafted over Saturn and Saturn owners.

I love my 2005 Saturn Vue, and it's the third Saturn I've owned. But it also might be the last GM car I'm willing to own.

about my '03 Saturn Ion.

We've owned an S-car, an L-series, and now a Vue and an Ion. I may be cynical, but I had thought that perhaps they were thinking about ditching Saturn for a while--the writing seemed to be on the wall back when they came out with the Equinox, which was basically in competition with its older brother, one of the most popular Saturn models.

The Equinox is a long-wheelbase version of the Theta platform, the Vue was a short-wheelbase version. Unless they start selling the Opel Antara or Daewoo Windstorm in the US, there's nothing quite like the Vue was.

Or, for that matter, nothing quite like Saturn was.

It was fairly obvious for the last nine or so years that GM wanted to knife Saturn and leave the body in an alley somewhere. They didn't like how independent Saturn was and wanted to make it have far closer ties to the rest of GM. The abandonment of the iconic plastic body panels was one of the major signs.

And while GM is offering $2000 to Saturn owners in incentives to buy another GM car, I've got a really bad taste in my mouth about GM.

I'm driving a new Malibu and it is terrific. Good gas mileage, handles well, and it's comfortable. My last three cars: a Ford T-Bird, a Chevy Malibu (2003) and now a 2010 Malibu.....Good cars, all!

Even better than advertised. It handles beautifully and it's a great looking car, too.

"Adman"


:rofl:

But I do advertising for the Democrats.

People usually only post about bad experiences with products and services. But this car is so above and beyond what I expected from a Chevy that I felt it deserved to be told.

get rid of the unfunded retirement burden.

i think the new corvettes are some of the best corvettes ever made.

i also think they offer about the best bang for the buck when you compare to M3 (BMW), Porsche etc.

Kick ass bargain.

I was going to buy a new car-- I'd just get a cheaper model. Great mileage, solidly built, and it's perfect for my needs. I'm not sure why Chevy isn't pushing it more.

What I really don'ty understand is how closed minded, or flat out bigoted, some people can be-- it's as if they'd be embarassed to be in some cheapass, redneck American car.

A good car is a good car-- fuck all where it's made.

Made in Canada, but at least by union labor.

My biggest gripe with their lineup is that if you want a sedan, it's damn near impossible to find them with a manual transmission.

Or you need to help your friends who aren't so concerned about their status and what everybody thinks.

It was amazing to hear them say how nice this car was and how well it compared to their Infinti, yet they just wouldn't buy an American car...of course, based on some decades-old experience they had with some low-end GM product.

Some dumbasses can't be cured.

Ain't that the truth.

Maybe some of them who drive Toyota products will think again once this Toyota situation plays out to its ugly end.

What do you suppose the Japanese government would do if a U.S. car imported into Japan (ha) developed these kinds of problems?

"It is awesome. Smooth, quiet ride. Beautifully designed interior. Amazing level of features, including blue-tooth phone, comprehensive on board diagnostics for everything from individual tire pressure to oil life. "

:eyes:

I don't own any GM stock. I don't own any GM vehicles. I don't work for anyone related to GM. Maybe you can explain my motivation for posting this. Like my sub line said, I was surprised at the vehicle I rented.

I'm actually considering buying one when I am done with school. I currently have a 2000 Malibu with 90,000 miles and starting to show its age. I had to put three grand into it last summer on two major repairs and a couple smaller ones. When I had the oil changed the other day the dealer mentioned it is going to need a new clutch plate pretty soon too. I don't ever recall my parents having major issues with the car, so I'd definitely considering another Chevy.

I wasn't aware you could get a manual in the recent Malibus. I picked out a '98 for my dad and it's still running strong with 120k or so on it. Anyway, with regard to your clutch, have you felt it slipping as of late? If it's still shifting smoothly, I wouldn't think you have much to worry about.

The mechanics told me to listen in case it starts to make a metallic grinding sound. They told me once it starts doing that it is time to definitely repair because pretty much everything is run off one belt connected to the compressor.

I'm just a college student and not a mechanic, so don't point the finger at me if I something doesn't sound right with my story. :P

People need to look at the stickers carefully to see which cars truly are American made vs. just an American name.

At least Chevy is an American company.

Ok!

I guess you missed the entire point of the post. And the entire thread. Thanks for contributing!

:eyes:

Of course I didn't respond to that one, did I?

Perpetuating the fallacy that a trans-national corporation is still an "American" company and it's somehow more worthy of patronage than the others is as outdated as the pet rock. And that was my point. Not responding to yours doesn't mean I missed the point.

I can do that too! :eyes:

Which one of those Asian cars are?

Sid

What about Toyota, Nissan and Honda?

nt

My 1950 Buick special is still going great.

The ONLY repair expense the 04 has ever cost is front brake rotors, but we live high in the mountains and it's a steep road downhill. The 03 has needed 1 CV joint replaced.

Other than Oil changes, that's IT.

I'm thinking of the Equinox as well. I think it looks quite nice, and if it's as smooth as the OP states, we're definitely in the market.

Ford should've been building cars like those years ago.

I need to be able to enjoy a beverage or change CDs while driving.

One doesn't *need* distractions.

Like a 17 year old saying "I NEED to text while I drive"

:eyes:

If you are too stupid to drink a beverage and drive then you shouldn't drive either.

Ever driven a manual? Greater control over the car. Better performance, on average.

Stupid is thinking that your car is your mobile living room. It isn't, and morons that think it is are the cause of damn near every problem on the road. Stupid is also being unable to triage their tasks while driving. I could have a beverage as I cruise along in 6th gear. Only a total fucking dipshit couldn't manage to figure out when to take a sip between gears on when in top gear.

But hey, if one is just that fucking stupid, then please do stick to a slushbox. It's easier than thinking.

I've driven a manual for work. Operating a manual transmission takes almost no skill. It is just an extra, unnecessary arm and leg movement. It only benefits when racing, which no one on the public roads should be doing.

I'd prefer less doing totally unnecessary things that a computer can do just as well. I have no need to go eighty billion miles per hour. Who cares about your performance gains? It is fools who need to hot rod around all the time that are causing accidents. What are you slamming on the gas and flying through turns or something?

So, I'm going to keep sipping my orange soda while I slowly hit turns. You can keep thinking you are special for pulling a lever and pressing a pedal.

some of us prefer more control and to think for ourselves, and should get the choice- if the US automakers can't provide it - too bad. there are those that do.

I've driven both, and I'll tell you most people don't give a damn about performance, especially in stop-and-go traffic or, God forbid, gridlock. They own a car to get from point A to point B. If it were about performance, more people would be driving manuals instead of autos, but the statistics don't lie. Quite a lot of people deal with stop-and-go traffic in urban or suburban settings, and to be frank, most people would rather just have an auto than constantly shift gears through that kind of traffic pattern.

Manuals lack torque converters which rob a good amount of power. I paid for that power, I don't want to have a good chunk of it sapped away because I'm too lazy to row my own. That robbed power and additional friction also causes poorer fuel economy. Also, I greatly prefer having the power to decide what gear I'm in rather than my car deciding for me, I've yet to find a car that could do a good job all on its own. Also, have you ever tried heal and toe shifting with an auto? I can tell that you haven't because it simply can't be done. There are numerous benefits of using a manual, you may be blissfully unaware of them, but it doesn't make them any less important. It's quite clear you're not a car guy.

I don't need to play with my toys while I am on the road. and I've never had a problem sipping a beverage while driving a stick.

well, technically, selecting a new song on my iPod, while driving.

some of actually like to think for ourselves

but then- i'll never own one, just like i'll never own another car with a manual transmission.

:shrug:

is there something about ohio that you're not telling us...?

and not wanting to waste gas or possibly wanting a useful car that holds more than 2 people

"Too Bad They Refuse To Make A Decent Car with Manual Transmission"

:shrug: but they do.

:crazy:

also all come with manual transmission as standard.

You can get one with a manual so long as you forego the direct injection engine option.

cadilllac cts-v, corvette OVERPRICED & IMPRACTICAL $60k????????????
aveo tiny and crappy
cobalt- ok, if I only needed to drive myself around
hhr - too fucking ugly and shitty, NO visability

and saved everyone else the trouble of responding.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:shrug:

"whatever" = "yes, i am a moran"

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Pretty much any car which would really benefit from it in GM's line up has a manual. Clearly you were wrong about that, just as you were wrong in your revised assertion that GM only makes one car with a manual. In a time when even Ferrari is moving to models which don't have a conventional manual, GM is offering a wide range of true manuals. Those were rather uninformed comments.

And if you don't need to carry more than 2 people, it's rather useful. You should also know that modern rear wheel drive vehicles typically have no problem handling snow and the Vette's suspension handles potholes with aplomb. I spent some time with the new Camaro and it handled snow a good deal better than my front wheel drive VW GTI does.

And it is a very nice car. 2005 was when Chevy began a major redesign of it's vehicles, and for my money they are very, very good. She averages 33-34 MPG (4 Cyl) and the ride is nice, very comfortable on long trips. This is the first domestically built car I've owned in 24 years, and I have no complaints.

just tell them it's a Canadian car -- the Equinox is made in the CAMI plant in Ontario.

Current one is a Tahoe it is very nice.

:toast:

I'm not a small guy and I literally had to get in the trunk to get something if it had rolled forward.

This Coke is better than Pepsi, and I want you all to know!

That 182hp four banger isn't up to the job...

And while the hybrid complements the gas engine with DC motors, the hybrid seemed to have more than enough power throughout the whole range. From what I've heard, performance is supposed to be almost identical to the previous generation (lighter) Malibu with the older 155hp four cylinder. Certainly not a sports car, but adequate for most drivers. It's certainly a lot smoother and torquier than the American made four cylinder engines of the past.

to replace our Chrysler Pacifica.
I have been looking hard at the Equinox and this helps a bunch.

I am a Honda fan (loved my CRX)
and was leaning to the Odyssey
But you gave me more to chew on.

has 121,000 miles and the only problems I've had were replacing one or two starters. My sister has a ten-year old Chevy Malibu with 101,000 miles and she hasn't had any problems yet. A manager friend of mine was very impressed with the Equinox that he purchased about three or four years ago.

is a BMW 535i. Perfect combination of sport and luxury.

I took my 2004 Suburban in to get the washer reservoir fixed.It was leaking. They called me and said it would cost $300.00.Fine.I went to pick it up and as they pulled it out of the garage I noticed washer fluid pouring out of the bottom corner of the truck.I asked the mechanic and he said "the paper said to replace the tank" so I guess if it`s not on the paper, it`s not broken. He said that when he was replacing the tank,he noticed a splice in the line.So I guess filling up the newly replaced tank and checking for leaks is an advanced concept.

A shitty service technician has nothing to do with the quality of the car he is repairing.