2006 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Not a Terrible Mid-Size SUV, but Unimpressive for the Price

Gail Hutchinson on June 22, 2024

I have had to put motor in and ALL front end and fixing on the heat and air over and over.This SUV need to be recalled

Denise on May 9, 2024

Purchased my new 2006 Equinox when first released I'm the only driver excellent on gas still a little under 150k miles NO major problems. It was made in Canada would purchase again but not until this one totally gives out love my BLACK Chevy!

Dennis Maloy on April 2, 2024

The 2006 chev equinox is OK if you garage it, but still has an overall problem with leaking in the drainage hoses and drains in general in moonroof which overflowed into interior lighting and shifting console shorting out lots of other things. Spent 3 months at dealers place waiting for drainage hoses. Was never repaired correctly and now sitting in driveway with mold through out the interior and will not start. A BIG LEMON THAT DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIX AND CHEVROLET DID NOT SOLVE. DON'T BY A CHEVY OR A FORD!!!

Carrington on March 5, 2024

Brake issue’s including caliper , brakes , & hose needed to be replaced cause my brakes locked up while driving and started to smoke even after the caliper was changed.

Jacqueline Harding on June 20, 2023

Had blown head gasket, Keys doesn’t want to start the car! Sun roof has always leaked, rear hatch never stays up ( replaced clynders) auto lights don’t work, Etc etc!

Mike on February 19, 2023

I'd recommend this car to a mechanic. There are too many gremlins to list! Someone with the tools and the talent could keep it running for a long time but there are a couple things that will put this car in the shred pile. First the Dexcool. The intake and head gaskets will leak and eventually destroy the engine. Fix that first. I got lucky with Blue Devil and green antifreeze. The trans-axle. Again the long life stuff doesn't live that long. A flush and some modern synthetic will usually fix the MONSTER 3-2 shift under 1/2 throttle that will break hard parts in the tranny if left unaddressed. The front brake hose brackets rust and crush the hoses. Easy and free fix. I picked up my '08 AWD in nice shape for $500 and it's been a great winter beater/parts hauler. On paper, the performance isn't impressive but in heavy rush hour traffic, it's a real street fighter! Brakes are strong. Turning circle is WIDE! (I still overshoot parking spots) It handles OK and has a long wheelbase making it not as twitchy as some shorter crossovers. It feels more like a minivan. I say if you're handy and can find one cheap, (and don't care that it's ugly) go for it.

Florida Chevy on October 13, 2022

I have put over 145,000 miles on vehicle, has been to New Jersey to Florida multiple times. Very comfortable, always starts up, Always changed all fluids, including transmission fluid. Oil changed every 3000 Miles. Car is quiet and no rattles on vehicle. Updated the car with Double Din Radio to modernize the vehicle. Has been giving me around 25 mpg, so cannot complain. Lots of leg room in front and back and a great SUV to haul stuff around when you put back seat down. Wish they did not downsize the new models, I unfortunately, need the large space inside. Great SUV for the money and comfortable. Just make sure you maintain it, and it will take care of you. Remember, this vehicle uses a timing chain, not a timing belt, like you will see in other reviews. Always have a mechanic check car before you buy vehicle. I personally have no regrets on buying vehicle, and has only cost me an alternator and two wheel bearings plus one battery and tune up and oil changes tune up and just recently, exhaust muffler just put on. Not bad for 14 years of ownership.

Andrew Jordan on October 3, 2022

I will say the car drove well on the road. Sometimes hesitant to start up if turn off and on the ignition except when first cstarting your day. I heard this type of car was notorious for overheating. It ran hot while idling unless driving or running ac and heater. ANNOYING ABS TRACTION AND BREAK LIGHTS CAME ON FREQUENTLY even got a pcm replace. DO HAVE OIL LEAKS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SURPRISED. I GOT 4 YEARS OUT OF IT FROM BUY HERE PAY HERE. LOOKING GET ANOTHER CAR. OVERALL ITS NOT A BAD CAR.

WndrwmnAZ on February 20, 2021

Plastic parts. Bad wireing. Windows wont work. Heater core leaks. Radiator fans quit. Radiators are useless . Gurgles and makes alot noises. Wont start whencold. Overheats constantly. Burns oil like crazy. Smell of constant antifreeze is nauseating. Not comfortable at all. Headlights glaze over within week of changing them. Thermostats change more than your socks. Exterior falls apart going down the road. Havent had a year changed breaks twice and ready to do again. AC blend door breaks OFTEN. does not hold the road well at all. Can have a light rain and you might as well be on ice. Bumps feel like boulders. Even trying to jack it up to change tire is a dangerous endeavor. Turn on the defroster? It will growl and grind.. might blow without turning car off and starting again,if your lucky.. Ask chevy about any of it... response is... oh yea thats normal. I dont even think so. It comes down to chevy ripping people off. A junk car for sale. Knowingly poorly made. So, i have no problem telling anybody, This car will leave you beside the road , you will find yourself WALKING very often and you better be prepared to spend a hell of alot more money on repairs than you probably paid totaly for the car .

Vlcakwolf on November 15, 2020

Met all our needs and inexpensive to maintain. Oil, spark plugs, oxygen sensors. Since it is my wife's car I have also done maintenance to suspension, cooling system and brakes on regular basis.