This work established a new analytical model based upon the equivalent constraint model (ECM) to constitute an available predictive approach for analyzing the ultimate strength and simulating the stress/strain response of general symmetric laminates subjected to combined loading, by taking into account the effect of matrix cracking. The ECM was adopted to mainly predict the in-plane stiffness reduction of the damaged laminate. Basic consideration that progressive matrix cracking provokes a re-distribution of the stress fields on each lamina within laminates, which greatly deteriorates the stress distributed in the primary load-bearing lamina and leads to the final failure of the laminates, is introduced for the construction of the failure criterion. The effects of lamina properties, lay-up configurations and loading conditions on the behaviors of the laminates were examined in this paper. A comparison of numerical results obtained from the established model and other existed models and published experimental data was presented for different material systems. The theory predictions demonstrated great match with the experimental observations investigated in this study.