Warning: The Chevrolet Equinox Cannot be a GM Product

As most folks know - I have a challenging commute. At its easiest I commute from Houghton, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - eight hours by automobile due north of Chicago, about a 450 mile journey. At its worst, well everyone has heard the stories. To preserve some of my health and energy - I usually drive two hours over to the Marquette, Michigan airport so I can take a one hour American Eagle (American Airline) regional jet to Chicago O'Hare. Occasionally because of schedule or flight cancellations I end up renting a car from National Car Rental in Chicago to return home. National has a reasonable one way drop rate and is conveniently located downtown. The folks at the 203 N. LaSalle office, especially Richard and Leslie, take good care of me - making sure I can get a vehicle to return home even at the last moment.

So I use these occasional rental opportunities to try out different, usually GM vehicles. Now let me say this, we own two Chevrolet Astro Vans. I have a loyalty to GM because I was able to land a part time contract employee position there when I was in college. That opportunity changed my life. What a wonderful opportunity and what a wonderful place to work - The Allison Gas Turbine Division of GM - in the research and engineering area. I spent a total of seven years there. So I return the loyalty by still buying GM vehicles.

But let me say, it has not been a pleasant experience always. For instance we own a 1997 Astro All Wheel Drive Van. It is an ideal vehicle for our prolonged and prolific season of snow up in the UP. There were several problems with the vehicle that were more nuisance than anything else. Sure enough the 2001 Astro I bought had the exact same problems, fuel gauge, heater switch, brake rotors, transmission. Kaizen is that Japanese term for continual quality improvement - the buzzword caught on at GM for a little while - but the concept never entered the culture. You can tell a GM automobile by the doors - having to push them solidly to get them closed. Compare a GM to a Honda or Toyota. What a world of difference. Most people can easily tell the difference in fit and finish and that elusive "quality" thing that we all know when we see it but can't define it.

Well, to my surprise I rented a Chevrolet Equinox this weekend - Chevy's new entry into the small SUV / XUV market. I am convinced that this must be some sort of relabelled Toyota or some other non-US brand. The doors closed smoothly and accurately - no need for slamming them - what a great feeling when the doors are adjusted precisely. Wait there is more - the ride was very quiet and smooth - no sqweeks and rattles - no excessive road noise. The interior styling and finishing looks more to the Cadillac line and more costly Japanese and German vehicles. GM has been experimenting with interiors - it seems like every car I rent has controls in very different locations - some of them not well thought in my opinion. Well the Equinox has a simple, very clean design and an excellent fit and finish. Performance and ride were excellent. The sound system was terrific - ready for XM Radio. I was so impressed with the vehicle that the only conclusion I can draw is that it must not be made by my beloved GM - it was just too high of quality.