If historical stereotypes have taught me anything, it’s that cars are a man’s passion, not a woman’s. Advertising campaigns for vehicles have predominantly centered on the male demographic, so it surprised me when, in my second year of university, I had an insatiable desire to own my own car.

I’ll admit that I’m more than a little automotively-challenged. I couldn’t change a tire if my life depended on it; frankly I’m hopeless when it comes to anything short of changing the radio station. So searching for the perfect fit to my automotive woes has proven to be a difficult task.

But I am not one to get discouraged, so I made a list of features that I deem important to look for in finding a four-wheeled friend. First and foremost is safety – I want to know that I am protected from weather, road conditions, and crazy, male drivers. Secondly, as a serious shopper, I need major trunk space. Does the vehicle have enough room to support a large haul after a Saturday afternoon trek to the mall? And last but certainly not least, is style. Modern yet classic – just like me.

I began my search with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step, but after dealership after dealership, and questions about SUVs, sedans, and compacts, I felt defeated and distressed. Then I stumbled onto a GM lot and, low and behold, found what is quite possibly the perfect mate.

GM’s 2010 Chevy Equinox Mid-size SUV has been completely redesigned, taking a more female- and family-friendly approach to both driving and design. Looks like GM Canada has been doing its homework; exploring a burgeoning market that has been relatively untapped. Until now.

When I think about the perfect vehicle, I want comfort and safety above anything else. Many vehicles nowadays come equipped with some sort of navigational system, but the Equinox’s OnStar Safe and Sound Plan actually senses when a collision occurs, directing an OnStar agent to see if you’re alright. Even if you can’t respond, the agent has the ability to alert help for you – an amazing safety feature that I feel should be standard in all vehicles. And with six airbags that deploy should a crash happen, I’ll be protected from the worst of the impact.
I also need space; a place to put all of my important items, like my massive Lululemon bag. So when I saw the Equinox had a spacious interior and a number of storage bins – even a centre console that’s big enough to fit my laptop – it seemed like a perfect match. With the Equinox, there’s no shortage of room to hold everything from laundry to luggage, shopping bags to best friends.

The 2010 Equinox features a Bluetooth connection so I can talk hands-free while driving; a USB hook-up for my iPod; and for the rear-seat passengers, it has seatback entertainment systems to play video games or watch DVDs.

The 2010 Equinox is proof that GM is building every woman’s fuel-injected fantasy and every family’s dream.

In an industry that struggled its way through the recession, it seems that GM Canada is broadening its consumer demographic to reach out to a new brand of driver – one who demands comfort, safety, and style over horsepower and a V6 engine. That new brand of driver is me. Style, comfort, five seats, and all-wheel drive: sounds about right.

With its jam-packed front console, rearview back-up camera, and stylish exterior, the 2010 Chevy Equinox is one of the highest-rated vehicles for customer safety and satisfaction. Not to mention the demand for its production has employed over 400 people in the past couple of months alone.

With the 2010 Chevy Equinox, GM is bringing convenience and comfort into the hearts and driveways of women and families everywhere.