2005 Chevrolet Equinox in Fullerton

Introduction
Larger in both scale and scope than the entry-level Tracker it replaces, Chevy's new Equinox represents the division's first foray into the car-based sport/utility category. Sharing a Theta platform unit-body with the Saturn Vue, the steel-skinned Equinox has distinctive interior and exterior styling cues and boasts a 112.5-inch wheelbase, 5.9 inches longer than its plastic-paneled cousin and barely half an inch less than the truck-based Trailblazer. Both the base Equinox LS and upline LT come with a V-6 engine, roomy passenger compartment, and a generous roster of comfort and convenience touches. Each offers a choice of front- or optional on-demand all-wheel drive. Our test vehicle was a modestly optioned front-drive LS variant.

Exterior
Although the Equinox maintains traditional SUV cues, the smartly raked back glass adds a bit of contemporary flair aimed at enticing youthful buyers. A broad horizontal chrome bar splits the front grill to reinforce its Chevy truck heritage and further distance the Equinox from the Vue. Standard 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 235/65SR16 M+S tires can be upgraded to 16- or 17-inch alloy rims, the latter wearing 235/60SR17 rubber.

Interior
A relatively low step-in height and large, wide-opening doors ensure easy entry and exit. Inside, standard cloth or optional leather upholstery is set off by argent trim on the doors and center stack. Panel-to-panel gaps on some of the plastic trim bits remain below world class, but the overall look is clean and contemporary. While the firm yet comfortable front seats are seriously lacking in lateral support, drivers will appreciate a height-adjustable seat cushion and manual-tilt steering column.... Read full article