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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:
Showing 1051 through 1060 of 1,336.00-
Excellent - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By edsblazer - March 8 - 2:00 amRide is smooth, the power is great, sound system is really good. The comfort level of the leather interior is excellent. Itts very roomy inside and all the buttons are in the right place. Its a blast to go from 55 to 90 with a stomp on the pedal on the highway. What a difference from the old blazer which couldnt get out of its own way.
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Love My Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Scoman - March 8 - 2:00 amExcellent SUV. I love everything about the Trailblazer. There is not one thing about this SUV that annoys me. Its totally awesome. The best Vehicle purchase I have ever made.
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2004 Trailblazer Review - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Dan Bass - March 8 - 2:00 amThe roadside assistance program contracted by G.M. sucks. Within one week the service engine soon light came on and roadside assistance stranded me 1600 miles from home over a weekend with inaccurate information confirmed by a local dealership and G.M.. Engine ran hot 3 times following reprogram of computer. The fan clutch had to be replaced. All these problems within 2 weeks of purchase and the most depressing part is General Motors refused to provide assistance in this matter. They left me to deal with a third party contractor who could care less whether I was satisfied or not with my new vehicle. What ever happen to customer service?
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Beware of the flaws - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By medsy - February 23 - 10:00 amI bought my ext trailblazer 3 months ago and I have numerous problems with it: - Very annoying Squeaking that the dealer say they could not prove it, well I hear it every day. - The rear climate controls just do not work, well Im taking it to the dealer for that. - Foul mildew odor comes out of the ventialation system after I shut off the air conditioning. For god sake, it is a brand new car. - The underhood light work sometimes! - I was driving one day, the front dash just went dead, no dials or lights were working. Stopped and restarted the car and the front dash went live again. The dealer says this can never happen.
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Nice Ride! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By 106632 - February 19 - 10:00 amVery capable vehicle, smooth power delivery. Good vehicle for your family outing or vacation. Comfortable on trips and handy for the trip to the grocery store. Very good experience thus far, I highly recommend this vehicle.
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Happy so far - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By SCchevyowner - February 5 - 10:00 amI have put 1200 miles on it so far and love it! Drove it on a 5 hour trip recently, it handled great!
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Love it, need more room for gas - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mmmmm - January 31 - 10:00 amIm very pleased with this one. Its fast, it will tow my 22 foot boat, and it looks gooood. Its comfortable, but could use a little bit more room in the back seat. Child seat is very hard to install in the middle because the seat is shorter, to inclined and the split between seats makes it lack support. No problem on passenger side though.
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Movin on up - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By California Commuter - January 31 - 10:00 amPurchased the TB two weeks ago to replace a 2000 Olds Silhouette, have 1,100 miles on it so far. This truck is AWESOME. It rides and handles like a dream. The wind noise is less than the van. The freeway handling is fantastic. Had it offroad once so far and it handled the steepest roads with little problem. Ive been getting 20 MPG @ 70 MPH on my 42 mile commute to and from work.
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I love my trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jackxtreme - January 31 - 10:00 amCompared to other models no other can compare. The design,performance, dependability, and comfort are wonderful. I was lucky enough to buy the vehicle from a superb dealership. Dan Perkins Chevrolet... My salesman Jack DiNuzzo Jr was very knowledgable and I got the best price up front. If you are considering a trailblazer go for it and stop by DAn Perkins in milford CT.. I would recommend asking for Jack DiNuzzo JR
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One Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Rustyback49 - January 13 - 10:00 amGreat experience with my Trail Blazer since new. It takes a bit of getting used to the over responsive steering and a 4X4 service light that comes on for no reason, thus causing the 4 wheel drive to be inoperative until the ignition is turned off and on. Then all is fine again. I have found that the best gas for MPG and power is Amoco silver. 17 in town and 22 on the highway. After 5 failed back surgeries this is the most comfortable vehicle I have been in in over 7 years. Plenty of interior room and a beefy exterior. Removing the cross bars on the luggage rack improves the gas mileage and quiets wind noise from the top.
