Overview & Reviews
Introduced for 2002 and produced through 2009, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer was one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America. Qualities like a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, plentiful features and an inexpensive price made it a hit with consumers early in the model cycle. But fleet operators picked up much of the slack in the later years as consumers went with more refined crossover rivals. Based on our testing experience, the TrailBlazer left much to be desired as a midsize SUV.
Although modern luxury features such as navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment were available, this SUV's handling dynamics were more state-of-the-past than state-of-the-art. The standard Chevy TrailBlazer's unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering wouldn't inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway. In past years, traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the TrailBlazer weren't expected to handle well in these situations. But times changed and virtually all of the Chevy's rivals offered superior road manners. Another major drawback was the TrailBlazer's cabin design. It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.
From a performance standpoint, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS was an interesting choice, as it addressed the SUV's handling woes via substantial tuning to the chassis and steering. The SS also provided rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8. But in the grand scheme of things, the SS was a niche vehicle. For a workaday midsize SUV, other truck-based competitors would serve you better than the standard Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Most Recent Chevrolet TrailBlazer
As a unique model, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted for 2002, though the name "TrailBlazer" was actually in use previously as an upscale trim level for the regular four-door Blazer SUV. After the TrailBlazer's debut, Chevy slowly phased out the Blazer and let the TrailBlazer become its main truck-based midsize SUV. There was also an extended-wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT that offered seven-passenger seating and class-leading cargo room. At the time, the 4.2-liter inline-6 made 270 horsepower.
There were other changes over the years. The big news for 2003 was a special North Face Edition trim package and the availability of a 290-hp 5.3-liter V8 in the extended TrailBlazer EXT, while the next couple of years saw a host of evolutionary improvements like increased availability of the V8, power-adjustable pedals, restyled seating, side curtain airbags, DVD-based navigation, CD/MP3 audio and satellite radio.
The hotter, performance-oriented Chevy TrailBlazer SS packing a 391-hp 6.0-liter V8 debuted in 2006. This was also the year that the 5.3-liter V8 became available for non-EXT models and the inline-6 engine's output rose to 291 hp. The TrailBlazer EXT was dropped for '07. The 5.3-liter V8 was likewise history for 2009 and the TrailBlazer itself was gone for 2010.
Throughout most of the TrailBlazer's model run, there were three main trim levels: base LS, luxury-themed LT and high-performance SS. The LS came decently equipped, while the LT provided access to some higher-level features such as leather seating. Chevrolet offered two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) was equipped similarly to the LS but featured a powerful V8, a sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) added all the LT's amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and "SS" monograms on the seats, there was nothing special about the SS interior.
Although a four-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, there was a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (4WD) except in the SS, which could have either two- or all-wheel drive.
Behind the wheel, we found that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's suspension was a mixed bag -- its soft tuning resulted in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway. But push it hard into a corner or hit the rough stuff too fast and the TrailBlazer's overly compliant setup would get out of sorts quickly. Most buyers would likely find the inline-6 engine adequate, though it's definitely lacking in low-end torque compared to some rivals' V6 offerings. Our test of the TrailBlazer SS revealed an altogether different beast that felt more like a muscle car than an SUV. It ripped to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds or about as quick as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model's modified chassis was capable of handling all that power. When pushed through twists and turns, the SS's body motions were well controlled and its steering feel was excellent.
User Reviews:
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Good by chevy - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tso - July 24 - 2:00 amGreat ride, good size, good styling, roomy 3rd row that can fit adults. Many AC problems over two years. VERY disappointed over residual value. A $37000 car is now worth $12000 after two years on a trade. Chevy has lost a customer forever.
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Love my Trailblazer! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By zephyr - July 18 - 2:00 amGreat automobile overall. I feel safe, like the riding high feeling of seeing long down the road. Needs more storage in the cab area. Seats comfy, seat belt too high, needs an adjustment to be higher or lower. Lots of interior room, I carry my mtn bike( 53 y o female) daily, easy in and out. Great headlights. Have side and front air bags.Good mileage at 20-21 mpg.
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Roomy and Fun - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mikeyk61 - July 12 - 10:00 amMileage is the only concern.Extras and room and handling, i believe, give you so much more value than the smaller BMW and Mercedes SUV.
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my trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By robert reese - July 12 - 10:00 amgm did it right the wife loves to drive it the ride is great compared to the 1998 model we had.my only complaint is the radio system it sucks.
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Great Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By sks - June 29 - 2:00 amUse the suv every day, off road around rivers on weekends. The six has more than enough power. Runs well on long distance highway as well.
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2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By PR Domena - June 27 - 10:00 amAwesome detail on this new Trailblazer - inside and out. Several new bow ties in the design - all tastefully done in the new gold. Added chrome touches to the interior add a touch of class. The new gear shift is easier to use and looks great too. Smoother ride with larger tires this year - seating comfort is great with leg support for the driver all the way to the back of the knee.
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Too many little problems in the 1st yr - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By oy - June 25 - 2:00 amI had a lot of little problems. The power mirrors dont go back to original setting, the right front speaker squeeks, the passenger heated seat went out several times, etc. I like the car but the 1st year models has a lot of bugs to work out.
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My 1st SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Scott I. - June 24 - 2:00 amGreat Power. Great Handeling. Had problems with air conditioning....repair people cant figure out what is wrong with it. Engine runs terribly when hovering around 55mph. After sale service sucks. Definately buying a toyota 4- runner next time.
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Trailblazer has Blind Spots - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By karenfromde - June 16 - 2:00 amI love driving my Trailblazer. It is very comfortable. However, it has a definite blind spot at the rear. If you turn off the radio, the noise level from the outside is noticeable. I have had to replace rear brake/taillights repeatedly and now the a/c fan isnt working unless I put it on #4. Little things, but annoying nonetheless. Gas guzzler at times. Thinking about selling it at this point.
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OK With Me - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Zebe - June 15 - 2:00 amNice looking vehicle - the interior trim could/should be better. I enjoy the sound system and the kids enjoy the DVD system. I have two teenage sons - both over 62" - and the have planty of room in the back seat. As they say, the devil is in the details: electric mirrors malfunctioned - brake lights went out - and rear wiper has already been replaced. Still fighting relatively bad gas mileage. Have owned several different SUVs, vans, etc. (including Mercedes M class) and dont believe this vehicle provides quite the value a nearly $40,000 vehicle should.
