Transportation
Auto Review: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
By Darrell Larome Williams (NNPA/DTU Journalism Fellow)
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox should be in every neighborhood across the country. Chevrolet has continued to develop advanced vehicles to meet the needs of a diverse group of drivers and their different lifestyles. It was love at first sight, when the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) “Discover The Unexpected” (DTU) fellows saw the SUV in person. After being introduced to all of its technology features and design functions, we drove the Equinox for the entire day to experience them ourselves.
This is the third generation of the Equinox and Chevrolet improved the design, safety and technology features, and overall performance of this vehicle. The third-generation model of the Equinox has been “made for everybody” as Chevrolet states, but singles, young families, and “empty nesters” would especially enjoy the versatility and design. Creative planners and drivers that are budget conscious might also find the Equinox’s many technical features enticing. The Equinox would also be a great fit for college students or recent graduates, as well. Depending on the needs and wants of the driver, Chevrolet has created four different models of the Equinox (L, LS, LT model and Premier). I was able to drive and experience the Premier and I was extremely satisfied with the performance of the vehicle.
I was immediately impressed with the vibrant and tasteful color of the orange burst metallic color of the exterior with chrome accents on both the inside and outside of the vehicle. The keyless open and start feature was a nice addition. The engine is so quiet, that you can easily forget that the car is still running. The smooth leather interior seating, steering wheel, and dashboard were the perfect touch to the style of the vehicle and added to its sophistication. The clean and crisp Equinox display also caught my attention as the product specialist assisted me with connecting my Samsung phone to the car with Android Auto.
Connecting to Android Auto allowed me to:
• Access my contacts and make calls
• Respond to texts hands-free
• Utilize my personal GPS
• Perform Google searches
• And even use apps like Pandora to play music
Before the drive began, we checked out some of the other features like the panoramic sunroof; that was definitely a favorite for all of the passengers. The weather was hot and we weren’t driving too fast for heavy breezes to flow through the car so we definitely got to use the ventilated front seats; I’ve seen heated seats before, but the ventilated seats were a first for me. The steering wheel had a heating option as well. There were multiple USB charging ports as well as power outlets.
As I reversed from the building to begin the drive, the dashboard display changed to the rear-view camera to assist me with backing out; this feature was extremely helpful as well as the Safety Alert Seat that vibrated when I got too close to something in the rear of the vehicle. I do have a concern that the vibration may distract some drivers or even scare them. The vibrating feature of the Safety Alert Seat may take some drivers a little time to get used to.
When you stop at a red light, the new stop-start fuel-saving feature puts the vehicle in a sleep-mode that saves gas as your car idles. I experienced this feature while driving another Chevrolet model car and thought that something was wrong with the engine at first. Now that I know what the feature is and how it works, I am confident to say that this is one of my favorite features of the Equinox. The next time I take the Equinox out, I definitely want to try the hands-free gesture liftgate, too. A simple kick gesture under the bumper in the back will open the back gate. You can also set the height of the liftgate and save the height to memory.
Chevrolet has made it a priority to make sure that the design and safety of the vehicle are of the highest quality. They have equipped the Equinox with incredible safety features to make sure drivers feel safe and comfortable and encourage better driving habits.
Chevrolet is the most-awarded car company three years in a row, based on recognized industry awards for 2014-2016 year-end totals. I can’t wait to “Find New Roads” with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox this summer.
To learn more about NNPA “Discover The Unexpected” Journalism Fellowship program, visit www.nnpa.org/dtu.
Darrell Williams is a 2017 NNPA/DTU Journalism Fellow and Morehouse College student, who is creating content for The Louisiana Weekly this summer. Follow Darrell on Twitter @darrell_larome.
car reviews
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Minority banks are vital for community lending, originating more mortgages to minority and low-income borrowers and leading in SBA 7A small business loans.
Minority depository institutions originate more mortgages to minority and low-income borrowers than other banks. They also lead in SBA 7A small business loans. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
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🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/8HFPFmqpCdg
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FDIC data reveals the truth about Black-owned banks: they’re vital for minority lending, but their numbers are declining. Discover the impact in this must-watch #shorts.
The 6-hour stat is a myth, but where deposits go is real. As of March 31, 2026, there were 24 Black-owned banks, down from 48 in 2001. MDIs lend more mortgages to minority borrowers in lower-income areas. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#BlackOwnedBanks #FDIC #FinancialInclusion #CommunityLending
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car reviews
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
Buying a used car can be a smart wealth-building move for Black buyers. Learn the ins and outs of the used car market in this episode.
Buying a used car isn’t settling for less. For a prepared Black buyer, it’s one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make.
In Episode 11 of The Color of Our Money Is Green, host Roosevelt Gist and co-host Roosevelt break down the used car market from start to finish. Kelley Blue Book says many new cars lose 20 percent or more of their value in the first year. The first owner absorbs that loss. A prepared used car buyer keeps it.
You’ll learn the four places to buy a used car: franchised dealers, independent lots, certified pre-owned programs, and private sellers. We explain what the FTC Buyer’s Guide in the window really means, and why it can override your sales contract.
Then we walk through the five-step research plan to finish before you ever contact a seller. Set fair market value, pull a vehicle history report, check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, compare ownership costs, and get pre-approved by a Black-owned bank or credit union. That last step matters even more on used cars. Experian found used car loans averaged 11.19 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 6.35 percent for new.
Finally, we cover the independent inspection, the 30-minute test drive, and a word-for-word negotiation script that uses your inspection report to bring the price down.
Our Green Book Moment spotlights Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, a Black-owned dealership in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Get the book, “The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost,” at stan.store/RGist.
This episode is for education only, not legal or financial advice. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Your money is green. Know what it costs.
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
Is the $110K Defender 130 X the ultimate family SUV? Roosevelt dives into its comfort, capability, and whether it’s truly worth the price.
Is the 2026 Defender 130 X worth $110,110 for your family?
Roosevelt examines the comfort, capability, and everyday compromises that matter before you buy this luxury SUV.
Finished in Gondwana Stone with an Ebony Windsor leather interior, this Defender brings a distinctive look and a substantial price. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
My driving impressions include good acceleration, a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, and good ride quality. However, I also noticed wind noise around the windshield pillar and outside mirror. A highway test drive deserves a place on your shopping checklist.
Inside, we examine the optional second-row captain’s chairs, passenger access, third-row seating, and usable cargo space. The third row does not fold into a flat floor, so bring your stroller, luggage or measurements when evaluating whether this Defender fits your needs.
Getting in and out also deserves attention. The vehicle sits high, and its grab handles may not solve the entry challenge for every passenger. I explain why your regular passengers should try it before you commit.
We also look at the ClearSight digital rearview mirror, 13.1-inch touchscreen, and parking-camera system. Extended viewing of the digital mirror made me feel dizzy; your experience may differ.
Air suspension, terrain settings, and the listed towing package add capability, but how much will you actually use? With supplied fuel ratings of 16 city, 20 highway, and 18 combined mpg, ownership costs belong in the decision.
Watch for practical checks you can use at the dealership, then tell me: would this Defender fit your daily life?
Subscribe to AutoNetwork for vehicle reviews that help you make informed buying decisions. Like, share, and follow for more advice from Roosevelt before your next purchase.
______________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
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