How is Chevy reliability?
March 19, 2012 8:21 PM   Subscribe

How is Chevy reliability these days. Specifically the Equinox/GMC Terrain?

I'm moving on from my beloved RAV4 (damn head gaskets) and looking for something in a similar segment. Right now the price/feature ratio on the 2011/2012 Chevy Equinox is pretty much best in class to my mind, and I like the interior, exterior, fit and finish, etc...

However, I can't get over the thought that buying a GM product means that I'll be taking my lumps in the reliability department. Has GM really turned the corner, or are they still far, far behind Toyota/Honda and the other imports?
posted by WinnipegDragon to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: They are still behind, but they are far better than they used to be. They are probably caught up to where Toyota/Honda were 10 years ago. I think it is very hard to buy a car that is outright crap these days, unless you have poor enough judgment to buy a VW.

Besides, GM has always done a better job with SUVs and trucks than cars.
posted by twblalock at 9:18 PM on March 19, 2012 [1 favorite]


Best answer: I can only give you my experience but I have a 2007 Equinox at 140,000km, still on original breaks, just replaced original tires and has only been in for regular service (oil changes, tire rotation etc). I am happy with it and I would buy it again. The only thing I notice over similar Toyota makes is that there is always a little creak or sound in the plastics. Mine's over the passenger door, just a little road noise but, eh, no big deal.
posted by saradarlin at 10:17 PM on March 19, 2012


Best answer: Most people I know with a GM are pretty happy with them. The new Equinox and terrain got fantastic reviews.

I think ditching the cavalier was the true turning point for GM. Recent year Toyotas seem to be just garbage.
posted by Beacon Inbound at 11:02 PM on March 19, 2012


Best answer: I leased a 2007 Chevy Cobalt in late 2006 and was sufficiently happy with it that I bought a loaded 2010 Cobalt when the lease was up.

The new one has to the shop a ton. Still has the same "thunk-clunk" in the steering but I was told that's "just how they are" after shop trip number six, and have given on trying to have it fixed. I guess I was wrong to think that the final model year would be the best since they'd have worked all the bugs out.

Bottom line? Luck of the draw with any car, I think. As you've seen, Toyotas aren't infallible and obviously neither are GM's, but neither is significantly worse than the other. FWIW, I was shocked at how awful the rental Camry we had a couple years back was. Hard, sharp plastic everywhere and it couldn't hold a steady cruise speed to save its life.

Be sure to enjoy your free months of XM radio if you go with a GM! :D
posted by area.man at 9:17 AM on March 20, 2012


I have two coworkers who have one and they are great vehicles and look to be holding up well. Which is a huge leap for GM, making something that just works and does what it is supposed to. The interior is ok, its not a luxury car but it isn't unpleasant either.

Most cars these days are reliable IF they are maintained properly and used as intended. Meaning if you use the equinox as a family/commuter vehicle that can handle the occasional bad road or bad weather you will be great. If you use it to tow a horse trailer around or try to cross the rubicon in it, it is going to break. The equinox is really a cool looking minivan, not an SUV or off road vehicle it just looks like one.
posted by bartonlong at 11:25 AM on March 20, 2012


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