Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
Originally Posted By: digitalSniperX1
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Although one can't argue the reliability of the Honda(CR-V) and the Toyota(RAV4) nor their scoring from the automotive press, folks need to drive the Equinox. I'll tell ya, from someone(me) who has only driven Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda in the past 25+ years, this NOX is one nice and quiet driving small/mid size SUV!
My good buddy bought an '11 4 cyl Nox and the thing is quieter and better riding/handling than my wifes RX-300. I never thought the RX was quiet for a Lexus anyway even when new.
My personal review of the Equinox is that it feels like a much more grown up vehicle compared to the CR-V/RAV4. The Nox's doors close with a much nicer thunk, ride more comfortable and stable and just feels more substantial than the Honda/Toyota. The Nox's 4 cyl doesn't suck either.
I have always been(the last 25+ yrs) partial to the forign makes due to my personal experience(reliability) but, I think this is changing and I don't think that the domestic vehicles are disastorous either, the way they once were...In my personal experience!!!
My buddy has had this '11 Nox almost 1 year without issues and he claims it's the best vehicle he has ever owned. He has has many Chevy's in the last 35 years that we've known one another.
He and I test drove many SUV's before he picked the Equinox and I have to agree with his choice. The Nox is just plain & simple..."nicer to drive"!!! It's solid, very quiet and mature feeling. He and his wife's largest concern is the view outward in the rear and to the sides. But, all vehicles are getting this way to some degree.
One would have to test drive many vehicles in this class and pick the one that best suits their needs and the Nox may not be right for everyone but, you gotta test'em all!
This assessment is similar to what the automotive press has reported.
In its price class, the Equinox is the top rated "Affordable SUV" on the market.
I've not bought a US brand (new) since 1991....but it's time to consider one again.
Ford and GM are more than competitive today...and this is coming from someone who has family members working for both and have said "I'll never buy another American made car again". I was wrong.
Read magazines with a grain of salt. Many are just paid advertising.
What works well is talk to owners that drive the vehicle you are looking at buying. Store lots and gas stations work well. Most people are more than happy to tell you how good or bad their vehicle is.
When we bought our new cars, we did compare them to the others, simply out of curiosity. Are we Ford/GM supporters? Yes we are, but we gave the others a fair chance. The equinox just feels flat out better than the CR-V and RAV4. It's quieter, better put together, more controlled ride, more comfortable. Add to that the most features for the money, and it was a winner. Same reason my parents bought the 2003 Expedition back in 02, because at the time it was the best large SUV, redesigned with IRS, a nice interior, and sharp handling and ride, for an SUV (Thanks to the IRS). I read the mags, but I do actually use my own observations to form an opinion.