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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  utility & fun to drive - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By wkmaccaughey - May 31 - 2:00 am

  We put our Trailblazer to work the day after purchase and have been delighted with it. Several trips to Canada & TN very comfortable and great utility hauling college son to/from school.

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  Trailblazer Review - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MrT - May 30 - 10:00 am

  A top preformer...I have put 12k on this truck with one complaint...the headlights , when they burn out are impossible for the owner to replace...dealer warranty item.

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  Rides great! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TBdriver - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Trailblazer for the past two years. No major defects or problems. Great acceleration off the line. I have had several passengers comment that the ride is very smooth. I would agree. The interior styling is not as attractive as the exterior. Inside is mostly one color plastic. Gas mileage is poor (about 16 city), but fortunately I do not rack up a lot of miles. Very easy vehicle to get in and out of (unlike the Mitsubishi Montero).

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  2004 Trailblazer LS - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sherim1968_ - May 26 - 2:00 am

  My first trailblazer was a 2002 and now have a 2004. I love the way it drives and the comfort. The only downfall is the gas mileage. The 2002 got about 16 mpg city where the 2004 only gets about 14 mpg city.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lavender - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first experience with anything other than a "car". I have never enjoyed driving a vehicle more than this one! Its comfortable, quiet, accelerates like a dream and is reliable. At first, I had a problem with my side mirrors re-adjusting themselves at whim, but these were recalled and have since been fixed. Other than that - no problems at all. The only disappointing thing about this vehicle is the gas mileage. I drive strictly highway and average 17.0 mpg. I feel like Im always as the gas station.

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  GIVE ME A BREAK! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By toyota hater - May 24 - 2:00 am

  ok im not a trail blazer owner but i am considering one. Ive tested one and i belive it to be great. in response to the ignorant man or woman who wrote "AVOID THIS VEHICLE BY CHEVROLET!! gas mileage is signifantly lower the faster you drive,rapid excelleration,driving against wind,driving like a moron,stop and go traffic,or say to buy a toyota(it hates that).After all the complaints about it i am seriously doubting buying it.yes there is 6and a half pages of complaints so i am thinking avalanche,only half a page f complaints on it.

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  2003 Trailblazer LTZ - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By skibum - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable vehicle to drive. After 28,000 miles, we have noticed a few squeaks and rattles inside. There has also been a noticable loss of power from the engine. The front end also feels loose especially on rough pavement. Cargo room is good. Mileage isnt too bad for the class of vehicle. 14mpg city, 20 - 22 highway.

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  Lacks quality - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By troubled owner - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I like to drive Tb. But it is poorly constructed. Bhe transmission has gone out twice in the first 40,ooo miles. It has an intermitent electical problem. One time the heater motor wont work. Restart, everything works(just like microsofts fix for everything). The problem rotates wipers, dashlights, radio. Rear lid crown blew off traveling on interstate of course this happened at 38,000 miles. Chevrolet says sorry, no coverage

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  all is well but the cupholders ! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By special tchr - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The turning radius is great. Love the split fold-down seats for added cargo area. I can fold down half the rear seat for cargo and still have my daughter with me safe in her car seat. Car seats fit very well. The cup holders partially block the power ports when holders are being used. Instrument panel and dash may look less "flashy" but are very simple to read, use and access. Overall, I really love my Trailblazer but wish the power ports were in a different area.

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  My Opinion - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Elle - May 13 - 5:13 pm

  I love my Trailblazer. Its very dependable and practical for my family of 5. Great for family outings, including towing our boat. After totalling my last Blazer on black ice and walking away unscathed, I wouldnt own anything else!