Used 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Consumer Reviews

Never thought I'd buy a Chevy

After several weeks of intense research, I bought a 2010 Equinox. The Hyundai Tucson was nice but seemed harsher and less refined. The Ford Escape was my first choice but the more I looked, the more the Equinox won me over with it's styling and features. It looks great inside and out. The seats are comfortable and fit and finish is excellent. The 4 cylinder engine growls a little when pressed but the power is always there. In ECO mode, the transmission feels like it hunts a bit but I don't find this a problem. The ride is solid and handling is precise and controlled. A pleasure to drive this car.

Felt cheap/unreliable, true gas mileage no where near advertised

After owning a '10 LTZ for 8 months we decided to trade it in. The car is very attractive and had tons of nice features but the quality is not there. The engine is SO LOUD and extremely underpowered. The gas mileage is no where near what is advertised, average around 21 city and only got 25 once on a 600 mile trip all highway. The engine is just too small for a SUV this size. We had to bring it in twice, once for a grinding sound at startup and once for unreliable startup followed by gas odor in the cabin, neither was able to be fixed. Having these issues at 30K miles is scary and did not give me confidence in this vehicle for the long term.

2010 Equinox

I love MY Equinox The total drive build and the fit and finish on the vehicle was Great I get so many compliments on my Equinox and actually had one person tell me they thought it was a Mercedes-Benz when I said Chevrolet Equinox they said WOW. I can truly say I won I won I won

Plenty of minor defects

I bought my "dream Equinox" in December 2009 from a dealer in serramonte boulevard, colma last december 2009. It was fun to drive but in May 2010 they sent a letter telling that there was a minor recall for the defrost system, that was my 1st disappointment, and in October 2010, the lumbar adjustment was broken, it didn't work at all, the mechanic told me that the screw was sheared off, I was in a total disaster, because it never happened to my other Japanese cars, plus I have a back pain, so the lumber adjustment is so crucial to me, I have to say, I will not recommend this car at all, I will get back to my Honda or Mitsubishi, they are more reliable than this car.

Stalling at red lights, reaks of gas, service stabilitrak

Same problem as many others. First and last Chevy, miss my Camry. Have had Equinox for only couple months and have had in it shops three times and nothing has been solved. First issues weeks after purchase was rough idle at red lights that felt like vehicle would stall and it smelled like a Ford Pinto. After complaining numerous times Chevy finally sent a letter describing the same issues and to take care to chevy dealer. I did and they replaced the entire high pressure fuel pump. Problem solved right? Days after check engine light comes on and stays on. Take vehicle to different chevy dealer they state other dealer screwed up. They fix issue. Weeks after same issues. Giving up and selling!

So many issues with Chevy Equinox!

First time purchasing a Chevy, and will be my last. So many issues with the Equinox - oil consumption, engine issues, compression, piston rings, etc. So much time wasted! Unbelievable for Chevy to have release this model. Shameful.

VERY Nice Chevrolet

I waited for this vehicle to come out because of the new design and gas mileage. After driving for a few weeks I must say I love this vehicle. Do not let the 4 cyl. model scare you, I traded my 6 cyl. and was doubtful, but can really tell no difference in the 4 cly. I am impressed with this American Made Vehicle.

It's a money pit!

I loved almost everything about this vehicle when I got it just under two years ago. It was roomy, but not too big. It had good acceleration and decent gas mileage. Then,it started guzzling oil. I was told by afriend that hers broak down because of this. I figured as long as I got my oil changes exactly on time and topped off in between I would be fine, right? WRONG. Out of nowhere,my transmission stopped going in reverse. I had to have it replaced a little over a year into owning my Equinox. And here we are LESS THAN SIX MONTHS LATER, with a blown engine. I only had 78000 miles on it. Chevrolet KNOWS this is an issue, bit will not do a recall. Please save your money and the headache and DO NOT buy this vehicle!!!

Don’t buy Chevy equinox

Only buy this car if you want to take it to the shop all the time. I wrote GM and told them about the engine keeps coming on I get it repaired and 3 months later back in the shop I went online and multiple comments about the same issue. I used to only buy GM but never again what a pos beware do your research before you buy and GM will not stand behind their product.

Not impressed

I purchased my 2010 Equinox in October of 2009, and I loved it at first. Around 20,000 miles the vehicle started to sound like it had a diesel motor. It was so loud that everywhere I went people would ask me what was wrong with my vehicle. I had it in several times for servicing, and they just blamed it on something to do with fuel efficiency. Well I am sitting now on one month without my vehicle, and they don't know how much longer it will be. The problem is the timing chain came off and knocked a hole in the cover. The timing chain is on emergency back order, so that tells me that this is a major issue with the Equinox. Mine is a 4 cylinder, so I don't know about the V6. Be aware!

Great Ride, Poor gas Mileage

Gas mileage poor 20 City 25 Highway for a 4 banger. Transmission failed at 105K miles. Electronics and sound system excellent. Gas mileage got worse with age. Got great compliments on ride and exterior.

A mostly great SUV.

Bought my 2010 Equinox new. My first American new car purchase. Now 9 years old with 99 K miles, it’s been a mostly good experience. The good: good acceleration, decent fuel economy, comfortable ride, quiet cabin, no little rattles. The not so good: high oil consumption was repaired gratis by Chevy after 40 k miles, transmission died at 93 k miles when out of warranty. At nearly 99 k miles now I still get 27 mpg hwy & 22 in town.

Piece of junk

Purchased 2010 Equinox used have had to replace cracked manifold and now at 10800 miles need to replace transmission for $3600. Previously owned Chrysler town and country van. I drove it for 14 years to 249000 miles and never had as many problems as I've had in the 2 years I've owned this piece of junk Equinox. Will never buy a Chevy again.

Not at all happy

I've had my equinox Ltz 7 years and only has 28 thousand miles on it .Just had to replace a coil 700 dollars later and still has to go back in the spring for 700 in a c repair.I would think buying a brand new vehicle you should be repair free longer than 28 thousand miles.I've referred 3 friends to buy an equinox in the last 7 years but you better believe I will never suggest anybody else buy one!!Needless to say I'm livid with this suv now.so I wouldn't recommend the equinox Ltz

Depend on this car to be undependable

These vehicles have a history of having numerous issues. I regularly receive notifications from attorneys regarding the many engine, ac, fuel components, electrical, and other areas owners are having issues with. Although Chevy has covered 4 recalls on my car, I have still had to invest thousands of dollars of my own, on AC, and electrical issues. My car currently has only 48,000 mi on it!

Lousy vehicle

Has a problem with oil consumpsion. Transmission went up at only 65k miles. I will never buy another garbage chevy again.

Love It

The 4-cylinder does not have a lot of power, but I don't "gun it" when taking off from a stop. My average gas mileage to and from work is about 27 mpg. I love the design and the ride of this vehicle. Some may get poor gas mileage because they are trying to push the 4 cylinder too much. Just go easy on the accelerator and your mpg will increase.

More Pros than Cons

I have about 3000 miles on my AWD, 4 cy Equinox. I love the look, design and sturdiness. Black Granite metallic paint is beautiful. Two tone leather seats equally nice to look at and touch. MPG averages about 20 with mostly in city and freeway driving. 18 inch wheels make roads bumps less severe. I enjoy the quiet ride. The steering is blah, but it is not a sports car. It is a crossover SUV. Car like, but not impressive for handling. Turning radius seems large. Door lock switch should be on doors. Cargo area will not hold golf club set straight across. Fit and finish are impressive. Seats are comfortable and body hugging in front. I would recommend this vehicle to friends. More +'s.

Money Pit

Transfer case went out first, was covered under warranty. Transmission went out around 75,000 miles, no towing was done. Cost around $3000 to replace. A/C condenser leaked, and had to be replaced, common problem with these vehicles. Muffler started with a small crack in the seam, got bigger over time, had to replace, but it comes as one part with a resonator, which cost $600, just for the part. Exhaust manifold was also cracked, which is also a common problem. Lower control arms also broke. Got rid of the car with around 90,000 miles, only got $3000 for it, with only the control arm needing to be replaced when it was traded in. Not recommended.

The Best value for my money

I bought my Equinox 2010 LTZ in August 2010, brand new. I went from driving two tahoes, to the equinox for the gas mileage mostly. It took me awhile to get used to driving a 2.4 L 4 cyl, but I cannot get over the cost savings in gas. I was spending $200 per/mo and now spend $40- $60 per/mo. I am getting 22.4 in town, and about 30 hwy.

2010 Equinox is Excellent

I recently returned from an 1100 mile trip to Eastern NY in my 2010 Equinox LT 4cyl. The ride was comfortable and quiet. The engine has sufficient power to take on the mountains in eastern NY with no effort. I had a little over 500 miles on it when I left and averaged 30mpg on the highway with the cruise. I found the electric power steering on the 4 cyl to be both responsive and firm unlike other electric power steering.

Ride in comfort

Roomy and comfortable, this sub looks good and feels good for up to 5 passengers. Plenty of cargo space and I love the automatic trunk opener button. The only thing I was disappointed with was the key... The plastic buttons for the door locks actually wore around the edges and broke off, making it difficult to use and an unnecessary expense.

worst car ever

Owned the 2010 equinox for two years it is starting to act like a 20 year old car, shudders all the time and the engine gasket seals have started to leak oil. think it's time to go and buy a car that is is made the real way not the cheap way as most US built cars are made. Think i'll talk my wife into getting the Subaru forrester as their is not to many complaints made about. Do not recommend or plan to ever buy GM car again, worst ever purchase i've made.

Never again!

My problems started at 39,000 miles, the engine would lose power and made an banging sound, I was told it was a misfire. 40,000 miles, replaced mass air flow sensor. 46,000 miles timing chain and tensioner was replaced. 51,600 miles; timing chain and all tensioners, actuators were replaced. Now at 56,700 miles it is going back to the service department again and it is making the same noises as before. I have owned only GM products my whole life and now this is going to be the Last!

2010 Equinox 1LT FWD

I like the design and ride of my Equinox. Smooth and quite on the rode. 4 cyl seems a little sluggish sometimes but the fuel economy is good. So far averaging 23.8 mpg. There is plenty of room for my wife, dog and I to take trips. Interior design is nice and contemporary with no wood grain.:) Have had issues with wavy lines in windshield. Dealer replaced it with another wavy windshield. Also have seen this in other Equinoxes on the lot. It is extremely noticeable on sunny days. If you can see lines in your windshield too please put in a formal complaint with GM through your dealer to replace it and help me out. Also had paint chipping where the fascia meets the right front quarter panel.

Frustrated with GM

I bought my 2010 equinox brand new two years ago November. At exactly the two year anniversary, the windshield wiper blades gave way - and they are expensive to replace. One month later, the check engine light came in. Took it in for repair. Then, it started shuddering for 30 seconds after you have shut it off and removed the key every single time you drive it. Then the stabilitrak light came on and off for no reason. One month after it was at the dealer, the check engine light is back on! Now I have to take it back to the dealer. It still looks great. It still is fun to drive. But I am not convinced that it is a quality, reliable vehicle. After owning four GMs, I am thinking of Ford next.

Great Vehicle!

This car is fantastic - beautiful inside and out! I purchased the 4 cyl. and it has plenty of power (I used to drive a 6 cyl. 4.3L Blazer and don't miss any loss of power). The 2010 Equinox is very quiet, shifting is smooth, and cruises at 70 mph at only 2000 RPM's due to 6 speed automatic. I'm getting 28 MPG combined local and hwy. driving. I love the Bluetooth and automatic climate control the 2LT offers. You also get the fog lights on the 2LT, which look much better than the fog light covers on the LS or 1LT. I think Chevrolet is missing the boat comparing the 2010 Equinox to the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 - they should be comparing it to the Lexus RX330/350!

Early impression

It's still early but I am very impressed so far. The car handles extremely well - composed, confident and sure-footed. Steering is precise and well balanced. The 6 speed tranny makes some odd shifts but that's in ECO mode and after reading other reviews was expected. The 2.5 liter 4 cylinder has PLENTY of pep and is a really smart choice unless you plan to do some heavy hauling. The seats are brilliant. Firm but with wide and deep bottom cushions that give great support. Best out of the Hyundais and Fords I tested. Dash layout is attractive and functional. I'm loving this car more every time I drive it. And it's a great looker too. I got the Mocha Steel Metallic with black cloth.

I should have bought a Subaru !

New car with nothing but problems. First couple of months the windows would go down y themselves and the car would fill with snow to the steering wheel. After that, had to have the ca.r jumped every week or two and the dealer found out after a year that the radio was comming on by itself and staying on until the battery was dead. Problem with key unlocking the car. $80 key for new car, what a rip off. Wiper expensive and they wear out quickly. Junk ! Started out with 31.2 MPG when new but now only 25 MPG. ?? Engine light now on and computer says bearing sensor and timing problem. What's next ? Highly recommend you buy anything but GM car

One great car

Gm out did themselves, love it from bumper to bumper. Mileage has been great just took a 500 mile trip air on all the time got 30 mpg and was more than comfortable

Nervous about my engine

I bought this vehicle for my wife. It fits the bill for decent fuel mileage, comfort, style, and cargo capacity. I'm disappointed in the fact that the engine has already been in the shop for a "top end cleaning". It began to spark knock at about 3,000 miles with the A/C on and at 4,000 miles, GM instructed dealer to clean the top end and tell me to use only top tier fuels. The cleaning of the top end seems to have fixed the knock, but I find it hard to believe average gasoline would leave enough deposits behind in so few miles to warrant a top end cleaning. I feel this saga is just beginning. Will followup on this issue as time goes on.

A Great Car for the Price

My wife and I bought our 2010 Equinox 1LT with power driver's seat and the Interface Package a little over a week ago and put around 500 miles on it during a weekend road-trip. It runs very quietly even at highway speeds, and gets remarkable fuel economy for an SUV. The 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed transmission provide plenty of power and acceleration for our needs. It does have the typical SUV blindspots, but that's par for the course when you're buying this type of vehicle. Overall we are very satisfied and my only regret is that I didn't spend an extra $1000 or so and get the basic 2LT for the standard fog lamps, Pioneer audio, automatic climate controls and backup camera.

Bought one, big problems

Wrote one of the first reviews on this after test driving. Bought one a week ago. Tranny problems already w/ 4 cyl. When downshifting from 4-3 and 3- 4 it shifts too early, causing sudden deceleration. Also jittery (front to back) coasting at 17mph, and when accelerating in low 30s. In dealer right now getting checked out. Seems others have experienced it, but not everyone, so it isn't "normal", just might be a bad batch of trannys (assuming it is tranny). See my experiences in "2010 Equinox Problems" thread on Edmunds' forum. Love ride, technology, and interior. Highly recommend is tranny is right.

Undesirable Aspects

Blind spots on driver's side make this a scary vehicle to drive. Don't expect passing gear to kick in and take right off when you are changing lanes on the freeway and really need it to kick in at that moment. It swallows one or two times first. Many driver seat combinations block the view of the speedometer in the 40-70 mph range. Driver's window up too high and leaning your arm out the window has your shoulder close to your ear or higher. Hardest riding, nosiest vehicle I have ever owned (I'm 56). Although the vehicle has deft steering, turning off the Traction Control seems to help with the stability or whatever that odd feeling is with the vehicle. Glad I only leased it for 3 years.

what a pile of garbage

Worst vehicle I have ever owned Gm service and support very poor I have owned 11 GM products. and never again. JUNK!

slowing down then excelerate hesitations

adam206,08/27/2010 on LT1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) Not sure on the type transmission in the equinox but my Murano has the cvt, if you read the owners manual it states that is typical to happen because it is not designed to mimic quick exceleration, the trans has to be babied always, can't punch the peddle. So if the equinox has the cvt then this is why it hesitates. I hope this helps anyone else with concerns of like nature.

Beware of Chevrolet ! Engine problem,reduce power

I bought 2010 Chevy equinox’s brand new at end of 2009 so it was the model for next year . Well my money is gone,car is nothing that garbage .Engine problem .Stability track warning ,oil leaking ,reduce engine power and finally time change! Not worth it at all Going for Nissan ! I will never buy anything from Chevrolet and Gm

Unreliable piece of trash

I've had my Equinox LT for a little over 2 years now. I bought it used from some good friends of mine, with almost no milage whatsoever, because I knew it had been taken care of phenomenally, and the first year was an absolute dream. It seemed like exactly 365 days later, it started falling apart and still hasn't quit. In the last year and a half, I have replaced the Cam sensors 4 times, the timing chain, the throttle body, two catalytic converters, the exhaust manifold, two O2 sensors, all four tire pressure sensors, the battery, the wiring harness, a wheel baring, fixed a transmission and oil leak, changed the plugs and coils, and I'm sure a whole bunch more that I'm forgetting. Regardless, it's still barely running and won't idle without dying in the middle of the street. I've thrown enough money into this car to get it fixed that I could've bought it 3 times over. I wouldn't recommend this car to my worst enemy. The interior is nice and roomy though, I guess.

2010 LTZ AWD - Reliable, iffy gas mileage

The All-wheel-drive version gets through anything. I live in a rural location of the upper midwest and I've never had this car hesitate in the snow. With a good set of tires, I've always been very comfortable driving this even in snow/sleet/freezing rain. The only down-fall to the AWD is what you give up in gas mileage. I averaged 19.5 MPG with about 50% city driving, 50% highway driving for my commute. I just sold the vehicle with 100k only because I want to get something with a 3rd row as the Equinox was filling up with car seats quickly. I never had any mechanical issues in the 70k miles that I owned the vehicle. The only issue I had was the button/switch on the lift-gate going out so I had to open the lift-gate with my key fob or from inside the vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

Worst investment I made

I needed a good reliable car and this was not it. I have had the timing fixed 3 times, transmission repaired, half of the sensors are out , leaking oil and now I think that the fuel injector may be going out. The car has been nothing but a money pit nightmare. I have tried talking to dealership to see if they at least admit that it is a lemon and take it back, they just avoid me.

Good SUV, in search of an engine

4 cylinder is just Ok on power, and is known for timing chain, balance chain & guide issues

best car I've ever owned awesome gas mileage

I been driving this car for two years now and I cannot find one thing I dislike about it. It exterior in red is awesome, modern and has a sense of power to it. The interior is spacious, utilitarian and upscale. The four cylinder engine is barely noticeable. The mobility is great as well. The gas mileage is everything advertised, I drove from California to texas and from texas to georgia this year, both trips over 1200 miles and averaged 29-30 mpg. the gas mileage actually was higher except for texas highways speed limit of 80mph. also to note that the first leg of the i had a payload of 600lbs + 2 people and the second trip I had a payload of 800lbs and 2 people.

Great! So far!

This is our second Equinox. So far so good. Exterior and interior are great. Modern features and sleek look over the previous model. Although, model seems much narrower and smaller toward the rear. It's a real eye catcher. Not sure why expert reviews have rated the 2010 model as average and plain. When it comes to performance and driving impressions. Please, this is a small/SUV not a high performance vehicle with HP and a sport-tuned suspension. Don't think any SUV can provide such a comfortable ride along with the features for this class or in this price range.

Love It!

I have only had my Equinox for a week now but i am absolutely in love with this car! We needed something bigger than our VW jetta since we are expecting our first child on the way. I have been looking at pretty much every cuv and always came back to the Equinox. I am 6'3'' and it was hard to find a car that gave us MPG, room, options, comfort, and for an affordable price. Most cars you have to sacrifice one of those needs, this car none. This is by far the best for the money! I checked our mileage and we are getting 24.67 and that is quite a bit of city driving, that's only 3 mpg less than the jetta we were driving. Go out and drive one, you will love it!

Still Love it, love it, love it

I wrote back in Nov. of 09 singing the praises of the 2010 Equinox. I haven't changed my mind. I took my 700 mile trip and the Nox performed fantastic! I got 29 mpg on the highway. I expect that it will improve with time. I understand there is a recall on some 59,000 Nox's due to a problem with the HVAC system. I'm hoping I won't get notified that I need to take my Nox to the dealership. So far, everything is going great and I expect it will remain the same. I still think the Equinox is a wonderful SUV, and I have many family and friends that love the styling and looks! Great job Chevy!

Great Value for the money

This is the first Chevrolet I have owned and I must say that I am quite pleased. I test drove a Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet and the Equinox was the best out of all three. Drives smooth and quiet. Bumps are hardly noticed. Space is well used, cargo area is large for a midsized SUV. For a V-6, sufficient power is available when needed.

Equinox is a geat car

2010 Equinox

Overall great vehicle, excellent styling & interior appointments - at this price point. The LTZ 6 cylinder is very solid & a pleasure to drive. Very well equipped even at base model. GM has a hit a home run with this one. I would highly recommend this vehicle. The ride is quiet & firm; great visibility from elevated crossover seating

2010 Equinox LS 4 Cyl.

We have only had our Equinox for a week now but absolutely love it. We traded in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and don't miss it at all. The price of the LS is very reasonable and the features you get are really impressive. The inside of this car looks like one of $30+K price-point. Power from the 4 Cyl. is fine, we are not speed demons and notice very little difference from our Jeep V-6 and this, except the Equinox is WAY more efficient. Eco mode and standard is hard to tell any difference, a little more shifting in ECO mode but that's it. Awesome car!

Disappointed on Gas Mileage

Just bought the car in August and it looks great and the ride feels good. As far as dependability, it is questionable. The seat belt sensor light stays on when belted in. I took it to the dealership and they told me that the part would ship on Nov 2. The part was ordered on August 21. I would hate to see if it was a part that was essential for the car to run. The most disappointing aspect of this vehicle is Gas Mileage. I am getting 23.9 on the average. I purchased it solely for gas mileage. I feel like others on this review. I feel cheated. It looks like GM has not changed. They LIED about gas mileage. I believe it is close to false advertising. Stick to imports!!!!!