2007 Chevrolet Equinox. Click image to enlarge

Related articles on CanadianDriver First Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Equinox First Drive: 2006 Pontiac Torrent Test Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT Test Drive: 2006 Pontiac Torrent FWD Test Drive: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox   Manufacturer’s web site General Motors Canada

By Chris Chase; photos by Grant Yoxon

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2007 Chevrolet Equinox

Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the Used Chevolet Equinox was the long-overdue replacement for the Suzuki Sidekick-based Chevy Tracker. Since 2001, Ford had had a firm clutch on the domestic small SUV segment with its Escape, and the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe were among the leaders among small import utilities.

The first-generation Used Equinox was built on GM’s “Theta” platform, the same one that underpinned the first Saturn Vue. The Equinox, though, was larger, benefiting from a 5.9-inch (150 mm) stretch in wheelbase.

About a year after the Used Equinox went on sale, Pontiac added its own version, called the Torrent. (Suzuki’s second-generation XL-7 was based on the same platform, too, but due to powertrain differences, it will eventually be covered in its own used vehicle review.) Differences between the Equinox and Torrent were largely cosmetic, like the Pontiac’s use of that brand’s corporate twin-kidney grille, and different taillights. The Torrent also got GM’s FE2 “Sport” suspension, which was tuned for a slightly firmer ride.

The Equinox and Torrent shared GM’s 3.4-litre V6 engine; a five-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission offered, though both front- and all-wheel drive versions were sold. With 185 horsepower, the 3.4-litre was competitive enough when the Equinox and Torrent were introduced, but it quickly became outclassed by more powerful competitors. In 2008, Used Chevrolet added the Equinox Sport to the lineup, powered by a 3.6-litre V6 (264 horsepower) and a six-speed automatic transmission.

2006 Pontiac Torrent (top and middle photos); 2007 Used Chevrolet Equinox. Click image to enlarge

Fuel consumption ratings in 2005 were 12.7/8.6 L/100 km (city/highway). By 2008, the 3.4-litre models numbers were 12.2/8.3 (FWD) and 12.5/8.4 (AWD), and the 3.6-litre model was rated at 13.0/8.3 (city/highway).

Reliability-wise, the Equinox and Torrent suffered from many of the same maladies that afflict common GM models. There’s the ubiquitous lower intake manifold gasket issue that affects many GM V6s. When these gaskets fail (and it’s usually a matter of when, not if), coolant leaks into the crankcase, contaminates the oil and, if not caught in time, will cause serious engine damage.

In early models, mostly 2005s, creaking front suspension struts were an issue, but it appears that GM came up with a fix, so that 2006 and later models aren’t affected. However, there is evidence that some owners who experienced this problem, had it “fixed” by their dealer, only to have the noise come back, which necessitated another set of replacement struts.

Watch for water leaking into the spare tire well, under the cargo compartment floor. Get enough water in there and it will soak the carpets and then can create all sorts of problems. This might be related to complaints of foul interior odours in early Equinoxes.

Many owners report a grinding sound from the drivetrain when the automatic all-wheel drive system engages and sends power to the rear wheels. Some owners complain of a similar noise when making sharp turns in their all-wheel drive Equinoxes and Torrents. The problem seems to be linked to a bad rear differential. Avoiding this problem is as easy as buying a front-drive model, though I get the feeling that all-wheel drive versions are easier to find.

It looks like the fuel pump can be problematic, too, an issue that seems to affect both early and late model examples. The main symptom is hard starting, but it could also cause the car to stall.

2007 Used Chevrolet Equinox. Click image to enlarge

Consumer Reports (CR) notes these issues, and also problems with the electrical system, squeaks and rattles and power equipment troubles, but I wasn’t able to find specifics.

In crash testing, the Equinox and Torrent earned a “good” rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal offset crash test. This result only applies to 2006-and-later models, however; GM made structural changes to improve crash test performance over 2005 models, but test results for those earlier models aren’t available.

In the IIHS’ side impact tests, the Equinox scored “marginal,” thanks to issues with the structure/safety cage, and a high likelihood of head injury. Side airbags were optional in 2005; the example tested by the IIHS did not have them.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests, the Equinox fared much better, earning five stars all around for crash safety.

Used Equinox values, according to Canadian Red Book, range from $8,475 (2005 LS FWD) to $21,425 (2008 Sport AWD); the Torrent’s values are similar. If your heart is set on a used Equinox or Torrent, consider looking for one with some of the factory warranty intact. That rules out 2005 and 2006 models, both of which had three year/60,000 km coverage, both for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain.

In 2007, GM extended the powertrain warranty to five years/160,000 km, so stick to 2007 or newer, unless you’re particularly handy with cars and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A 2007 Equinox LT FWD is worth $14,450, while a base-model Torrent AWD carries a Red Book value of $14,825.