2009 Chevrolet Equinox

When Chevrolet came out with this Mommy SUV, the Equinox was the love of many people. The love did not last though and now you can find many of them for sale on used car lots and the side of the road. This stylish small SUV does have a roomy interior and cool color choices. Unfortunately the interior itself is cheap and falls apart within months of new purchase. Most last only a few months before the cost of constant repairs and horrible wear on interior make folks get rid of it. The cup holders are flimsy and useless, the paint on radio wears off in only a few weeks. Staining occurs on seats from even a little water, and though comfortable at first, the seat's padding quickly wears out and the structure can be felt beneath. This happens on the armrests as well, and there are also problems with the seat belts.

In just few months the Equinox will spend more time in the shop than in your driveway. It has never ending electrical problems effecting the dash lights, the power steering, buzzing sounds, heater blower motor and several others. Problems with the heating and cooling systems are a very large complaint. General maintance on this vehicle and parts are a bit pricey ranging from $100- $160 mattering if done yourself or a garage. Not to mention much of the work that needs to be done has to be done at dealer or authorized garage or the warranty will be voided. We mechanics like to do our own work especially if the work leaves the family without its car for days at a time. If looking to buy an Equinox, check for things such as the supports on the lifting parts of the back hatch, they are hard to open and rattle. Make sure the steering is good because there have been multiple problems with it, both mechanical and electrical. There have been a couple recalls but not on all years so check on the year you are buying. Unfortunately a full list of technical problems cannot be listed here but there are hundred or more tech bulletins for each year but one.

The handling of this vehicle is under whelming as well. It is down right dangerous in the snow, and slips in the rain. The engine does have some pep, and the gas usage is good for an SUV. It usually gets between 22-25 MPG but that drops from the beginning when it gets 25-28 MPG, but that only lasts the first 10,000 miles.

The Chevrolet Equinox started out a great little SUV and ended up a nightmare for most people. The engine is ok but it was put in a cheap body that just can't hold up.