chevy equinox

**cyberdoc95** · March 9th, 2005 10:40 AM

**RIKK03** · March 9th, 2005 10:49 AM

Ay salamat natapos din..haba non ah..looks good though.

**cyberdoc95** · March 9th, 2005 10:55 AM

[SIZE=3]The urbane SUVs:
With reasonable fuel efficiency and starting prices under $30,000, the Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda Tribute and Hyundai Sante Fe make good city cruisers[/SIZE]
PAUL BYRNE
CanWest News Service

The lexicon of automotive descriptors seems to increase faster than the number of reality TV shows. New terms in the last few years like sports sedan and sport utility vehicle have been used to define both products and market segments. SUV has spawned the sport ute and the crossovers that are intended to differentiate the siblings and assist the automotive shopper in selecting from the litter.

Within the range of SUVs on the market there is growing interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient products, as evidenced by the hybrids (Ford Escape) and diesel-powered SUVs (Volkswagen Touareg). There are many products that offer good fuel efficiency, limited off-road capability, urban utility, and a starting price under $30,000. Three vehicles that are targeted at this segment are the Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda Tribute.

Chevrolet Equinox:
The Chevrolet Equinox is a new product for 2005 and is a larger and more refined vehicle than the Tracker that it replaces.To begin with, the body style is sleek and arguably the best SUV shape to come along in the last few years.

There are two models, an LS and an LT, that are available in either front or all-wheel drive. No matter what version you choose, there is just one engine, a 3.4-litre V-6, and one transmission, a five-speed automatic. The V-6 produces 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque that moves the Equinox from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 9.5 seconds. Not fast, but more than adequate to allow you to merge into freeway traffic with ease.

Shifts by the five-speed automatic transmission are well matched to the engine torque, resulting in smooth shifting and minimal gear hunting when under load such as those created when driving up steep inclines. Fuel economy estimates in the U.S. translate to approximately 14.1 litres per 100 km in the city and 10.8 litres per 100 km for highway driving. Handling is good with a comfortable road feel that shows when pushed through corners.
[IMG]http://www.car***treme.com/Chevrolet/chev-equinox-5.jpg[/IMG]
With the longest wheelbase of the trio tested, 2,857 millimetres (112.5 in), it was no surprise to find the Equinox had the smoothest ride. Engine noise is acceptable, although tire noise can intrude into the cabin at high speeds and rougher surfaces.

Braking is better than anticipated, given the somewhat dated front disc and rear drum configuration. ABS is standard on the AWD versions and optional on the FWD, and helps bring the Equinox to straight and controlled stops. Towing capacity is rated at 1,588 kilograms, and if you are planning to tow, the optional Trailer Towing Package, 17-inch wheels and AWD would be worthwhile considerations.

Inside, the Equinox has a clean open look and feel. There is good use of brushed accents that give the dash a "European" flair that incorporates large, easy-to-read gauges and reachable controls. Standard cloth seating is well made and comfortable with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear seat passengers. The front passenger seat back can be folded flat, and an adjustable rear cargo tray are two features that increase the utility of the vehicle.

**cyberdoc95** · March 9th, 2005 11:01 AM

**cyberdoc95** · March 9th, 2005 11:03 AM

**cyberdoc95** · March 9th, 2005 01:02 PM

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Chrysler 300/300C, Chevrolet EQUINOX and Other New Models Make
Dramatic Improvements in Customer APEAL

APEAL Performance Has Direct Impact on Resale Values

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2004
SOURCE: CLICK HERE(JD POWER AND ASSOCIATES WEBSITE)

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.—With a steady flow of all-new and redesigned vehicle models being launched in 2004, several redesigns successfully boost their appeal over the models they replace with bold styling and novel features that connect with owners, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today.

There are 43 all-new or redesigned models in the 2004 APEAL Study, which measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles—the most launches included in the study in recent years. Among major redesigns, the Chevrolet Malibu and the Chrysler 300/300C stand out with dramatic improvements in APEAL scores over their previous models. While the highest ratings are in the cockpit/instrument panel category for the Malibu and in exterior styling for the 300/300C, both models benefit from a boost in horsepower over the models they replace, with strong improvements in engine/transmission ratings.

"Vehicles that engage customers immediately upon first sight tend to keep those customers around to learn more about the vehicles," said Joe Ivers, partner and executive director of quality/customer satisfaction at J.D. Power and Associates. "A model launch or redesign is a manufacturer’s biggest opportunity to take advantage of this during the model’s life cycle."

Among all-new models, the Nissan Armada, Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac GTO each debut at the top of the rankings in their respective segments.

Lexus continues to rank highest among nameplates, boasting two segment-leading SUV models: RX 330 and LX 470. Among luxury nameplates, Cadillac and Jaguar make the biggest improvements. Cadillac showed improvement on almost all models, and receives strong ratings for the all-new SRX. Jaguar’s improvement comes mainly from the new aluminum XJ, which far exceeds its predecessor in APEAL. Mazda and Mitsubishi make the strongest improvements among non-luxury brands. Mazda benefits from strong ratings for the new Mazda3 and the RX8, while Mitsubishi’s gain rides on the new Galant and the Endeavor. Nissan continues to launch vehicles with high APEAL scores, including strong debuts for the Armada, Titan and Quest.

Consumers and Automakers Both Benefit from High APEAL

Above and beyond several other factors that cause vehicles to retain their value, APEAL is a substantial driver. This finding emerged from a comprehensive analysis of retained value developed by the Power Information Network, LLC. Also contributing are the perceived durability of the nameplate, along with actual long-term vehicle quality, which is measured in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS).

"High-APEAL vehicles usually do well in the new-vehicle market. They also, however, tend to become among the most desirable used cars. This demand bids up their prices," said Ivers. "This impact is seen by whoever continues to own the vehicle. Consumers have more equity to trade toward a replacement vehicle, and automakers who re-market off-lease vehicles benefit by profiting twice from the sale of the same vehicle."

The 2004 APEAL Study is based on responses from 102,951 new-vehicle owners who were surveyed during the first 90 days of ownership. The study, now in its ninth year, is based on eight categories of vehicle performance and design: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Media e-mail contact: michael.greywitt*jdpa.com or john.tews*jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com