The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox might not be the best SUV released in 2008, but it might just be the best mid-size for the price. Versatile, comfortable, spacious, and powerful, the Equinox is punching above its $5,000-$6,500 price range.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is a good SUV at a very good price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – One of the more spacious and comfortable SUVs in the mid-size crossover range.
- Reliability 8/10 – The 2008 Equinox is unlikely to leave you stranded and there are few major mechanical issues to worry about, but a Ford Explorer might outlast it by 50,000 miles or more.
- Safety 8/10 – Generous standard features and good crash test ratings make the Equinox one of the safer SUVs in its model year.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 17/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway, wasn’t terrible for a mid-size in 2008, but it may have you thinking twice about short trips.
- Value 8/10 – There were better mid-size SUVs released in 2008, but most of them cost thousands of dollars more than a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
Consumer Reports liked the 2008 Equinox’s spacious interior and wide back seats. They weren’t so impressed with the clumsy turning radius, or the inefficient, rough-sounding V6 engine.
Kelley Blue Book praised the 2008 Equinox for its “muscular good looks,” comfortable, spacious interior, and a very long list of optional features. They note that the SUV’s steering lacks tactile feedback, and the interior trim is a bland and colorless.
Edmunds were impressed by the Equinox’s “roomy and versatile” cabin, the wide range of options and trims, and the excellent crash test ratings. They were less enthusiastic about the SUV’s cheap-feeling interior trim materials and sluggish steering.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has generated 363 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 110 of these are for the airbags, with drivers reporting the airbag light staying on for no apparent reason.
65 electrical complaints point to issues with the the ignition, as drivers report the key getting stuck in the slot. Drivers have also reported misreadings in the temperature and fuel gauges.
A number of drivers have reported the electronic stability control system locking the brakes, forcing drivers to stop the vehicle for several minutes until the calipers can cool down.
The 2008 Equinox has not been recalled, or even investigated, a single time.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
Drivers report the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox lasting at least 200,000 miles with adequate care. There are reports of the SUV passing 250,000, and even 300,000 miles, but 200,000 is the number you should be betting on when driving a used model.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $478, which isn’t bad for a typical SUV. New AC evaporators are by far the most expensive common fix, running you anywhere from $1,115 to $1,381.
If I had bought it brand new I feel like it would have been much more reliable. I bought it used with some minor problems which have now turned into major problems.
Yes the car reliable. Have not had any issues out of the ordinary. I would highly suggest for a new car and equinox.
Very reliable and had no problems. We are so happy with this vehicle because the only time we take it for service is just for routine maintenance.
It is reliable as like any car if you take care of it I will take care of you I really don't have any issues with the car.
It’s been very reliable. The only issue I have had with it was electric BC squirrels had chewed some wires. I live in a very rural setting so this isn't unusual but other than that it’s been great!
No, never had any problems and I can trust it to get me anywhere anytime. I'm very satisfied with it!
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Equinox is pretty good for the model year. The entry level model features an MP3 player and an iPod jack, and the Sport model adds satellite radio.
Safety features are generous, as well. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and StabiliTrak all come standard.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Value?
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the better deals you’re going to find on a used SUV right now. The base model typically lists at around $4,808, while a Sport edition goes for around $6,526.
Competing SUVs from Honda and Toyota may outlast the Equinox in the long run, but cost of ownership is fairly low with major repairs being few and far between, and fuel economy being decent for the size class.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2008 Chevy Equinox is offered in four trim levels, from the base LS to the high-end Sport.
With the entry-level LS you’re getting:
- Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak, and traction control
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player
- Cloth seating Remote keyless entry
Next up is the LT, which adds:
- Premium cloth seating
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
The mid-range LTZ features:
- Leather seating
- Fog lights
- XM Satellite radio
- 6-way power-adjust driver seat
Finally, the top-of-the-line Sport adds:
- Premium cloth seating
- 18″ aluminum wheels
What Engines Come In the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
- LS, LT, and LTZ models come packed with a 3.4L V6 engine delivering 185 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in front/all wheel drive, and it averages 17/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- In the Sport edition you’ll find a 3.6L V6 delivering 264 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front/all wheel drive and it averages 16/24. Whichever engine you get, towing capacity taps out at 3,500.
What Colors Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2008 Equinox is pretty comfortable, offering around 51 inches of hip room and plenty of head and leg room. The seating is firm, suspension is solid, and interior trim quality is above average.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
The 2008 Equinox offers up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down. With the seats up you’ve got 35 cubic feet in the back.
Chevy listed the Equinox as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2008, and this would make it one of the more spacious vehicles in that size class. You could throw a few blankets down and camp in the back of the Equinox.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the fourth model year in the Chevy Equinox’s 1st Generation, running from 2005 to 2009, with the SUV being redesigned as a compact for 2010.
2006: Chevy added GM badges and black dashboard panels for the Equinox’s second model year.
2007: Instrument clusters were redesigned, including new trip computers.
2008: The 3.6L V6 engine made its debut in 2008.
2009: XM satellite radio was made standard in 2009.
2010: The redesigned Equinox, now a compact crossover, was based on the same platform as the previous model, but with a smaller body and improved fuel economy.
How Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Ford Explorer typically lists for about a thousand dollars more than a comparable Equinox. But, it also tends to last about 50,000 miles longer.
A 2008 Hyundai Tucson typically lists in the same price range as a 2008 Equinox. It’s marginally more fuel efficient, but at the cost of 45 horsepower, which might not be a fair tradeoff for one or two extra miles to the gallon.
While it might not be the best SUV released in its model year overall, the 2008 Chevy Equinox may be your best option for a budget-friendly alternative to pricier Toyotas, Hondas, and Fords.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes. It has tons of cargo room. The seats fold down for even more space. The back seat comfortable holds my 3 children. One in a booster, one in a rear facing convertible car seat, and one with just the seatbelt. Very comfortable front seats as well. Good for road trips as there's plenty of legroom.
Yes I love it very roomy good hide. My next car will be the same. Enjoy the ride. Very berry happy with my equinox.
The best vehicle I have ever owned out of all the cars we ever owned. It is a solid made vehicle with a lot of room in the front. The back seat can move forward for more trunk room but still has plenty room for people sitting in the back seat. I like the style and I own it in white. It handles the road greatly. It is wonderful for families. A great car for a long trip. Very comfortable. My next car will most likely be another Chevy equinox. I have had this car for 9 years now.
In my opinion yes is a good car pretty good on gas mileage. I've had my eyes for a year and I realized a long as you keep the maintenance up your good
My equinox has been reliable and steady. It runs well in all weather. I've had no major mechanical issues and purchased this vehicle used. It has been one of the best vehicles I've owned.
Yes! My 2008 Chevy equinox drives very smooth and comfortable. It has always been dependable and never broke down on me or my family.
