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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 1081 through 1090 of 1,336.00-
Not sure - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By seanzo - August 6 - 10:00 amI just got one used, the 2002 LS, so its a year old. Only problem so far is that on a cold morning, if I dont let it warm up enough, the tranny sounds like its racing even at 2500 rpms, and theres no power to the car, it just crawls. If I stop and give it a minute, the problem stops. Could be an exhaust problem, a misfiring piston, transmission, or I dunno what else. Its only happened 3 times, all on a cold morning. But its not even winter yet.
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I love my trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By wehey - August 6 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle!!! Comfortable, stable without having to climb up into it! Wife and Kids love it! Love to travel in it! Rides great! Purrs like a kitten! Better than all the other suvs I tried including the Tahoe, 4-runner, and explorer. Rides better than the Expedition without being so large!! A great vehicle for my family. Great for road trips and great inside the city!
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Very Pleased - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Lwjslfo - July 31 - 2:00 amOverall, very pleased with my purchase experience and the vehicles performance. This was my first time buying a new car through "Internet/Fleet" sales. Initially a bit suspicious of everyone in the building being a "Fleet sales manager." It was nice to be able to compare selling prices from multiple dealers at one time, making them compete with each other, and putting the shoe on the other foot for a change. Vehicle styling and performance generally exceed expectations. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing, but within the range of comparable models. The interior appointments are very "plastic" and tend to seem somewhat "cheap" feeling.
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Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jacob - July 30 - 10:00 amI love this truck. It if fun to drive on and off road.
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Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By BabyRanger - July 29 - 6:46 amSo far, My Trailblazer has been great. I love the way it rides, accelerates, and handles. Its very quiet inside, has plenty of room, the seats are comfortable, and its easy to maneuver in traffic. The takeoff power is awesome. It will get up and go.
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I like it. - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By blupupher - July 24 - 10:00 amVery impressed overall with entire vehicle. It comes with some features that are new to me as a former Dodge truck only owner, ie automatic headlights, speed compensated volume on radio( although not needed, it is very quiet at hwy speed), strong I-6,and smooth acceleration and ride.
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04 TRAILBLAZER - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By RFA9 - July 21 - 10:00 am1700 MILES, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOLDING SUCKS DOWN INSIDE DOOR WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN. LOUD NOISE WHEN COOLING FAN COMES ON. MOLDING ON RIGHT REAR DOOR IS TWISTED. WEIRD DISCOLORASION ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR MIRROR.WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NO PROBLEM FOUND FOR MOLDING AND FAN ISSUE. FOR THE MIRROR I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER I BUOGHT IT FROM.I DONT THINK THE DEALER COULD FIND THEIR BUTT WITH BOTH HANDS. CHEVY SERVICE STINKS!
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We loe it - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rhpetersen - July 8 - 11:26 amAfter owning a 97 Blazer LT for 84000 miles, the logical step was to a TrailBlazer LT for our next vehicle. With virtually no change in sticker price in the 5 years between the vehicle purchases, the value of the TrailBlazer is obvious. Bigger vehicle, more power, great build quality, etc. . .
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Trailblaser not reliable - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jtruono - July 6 - 2:00 amWiper moter went 1st week. Loose bolts under hood. Brakes went bad & fromt routers replaced dealer wont replace rear routers. Pinging noise in motor, computer had to be reprogramed. Four wd failed in snowstorm & needed to be reprogramed.
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rating the ext - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tone1 - July 6 - 2:00 amrearend went out @ 7000 miles. brake lights went out 3 times.service bulletin was issued for this ,and the front suspension feels loose and rattles. other than that its a nice vehicle.
