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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  trailblazer awesome - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By aic70 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  After owning a ford explorer, Im happy to see a new american made suv at a great price. I have owned many suvs and this has been the best and I havent had any problems or recalls. Many of my family memebers own this vehicle.

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  RENEE - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RENEEM - February 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A SMOOTH RIDING VEHICLE AND LOOKS GOOD!!!

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  Not worth the money - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Shirley - February 15 - 9:10 am

  The only good about the trailblazer was the space I had the third row seat for the kids !!! Bought it with only 16,000 miles and had some problems soon as we paid it off the tranny went at only 58,000 miles didnt fix it got rid of it end of story!!!!!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Matt Kirby - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned an SUV, until I wrecked my Ford Taurus. I shopped around, and test drove many cars, and absolutely fell in love with the Trailblazer. It handles very well in the city and on the highway, has great acceleration (especially from 40mph- 70mph,) and has a ton of space inside. The engine is strong and quiet, and I have not had a single problem to date (although I have only owned it for 3 months.) My only disappointment is the $25 it takes to fill it up every week, but I guess I should have seen that coming.

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  One major problem - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By rugbyking - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 Trailblazer I bought in march of 2003. I have really enjoyed this SUV. It drives great and has good power. I have had one major problem. My transmission has had issues. The dealer said it was cracked from the cheverolet plant. That was "fixed". Six weeks later, the transmission was slipping, and the dealer found out the transmission pump was cracked, which allowed the radiator and transmission coolant to mix. The dealer did replace the transmission at that point. The clutch fan was also replaced, because it made a ticking noise. I hope my problems are fixed. So far so good.

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  Response to Trailblazer by Knoxville - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailblazerAtlanta - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my wife a LT 2Wd last year and have been nothing but pleased with vehicle. The 4.2L does produce 270HP. Frankly, I was shocked to here you say that it will not keep up with the Cherokee. I know for a fact that there is not a SUV out there that can run with the Trailblazer. I even shocked a few sports car with the Trailblazers power and speed. I suggest that you carry yours to the dealership and find out whats wrong. If Chevrolet would market and advertise the Trailblazer properly no one would buy a Explorer or a Cherokee again. CHEVROLET has a WINNER this time.

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  Flawless design - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Erick Alexander - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Its a flawless desing, very powerful yet smooth engine, reasonable fuel consumption, smooth suspension (too smooth sometimes) and excellent build quality... I reccomend it over any other MID size SUV.

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  Chev. Trailblazer 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Otter1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle. I would highly recommend.

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  Lots of Problems - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chuckwagon - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Already had in for service 6 times. Rear differential seized requiring entire backend to be replaced. Mileage is maliciously overstated topping out at only 14MPG. Vehicle unstable and steering to sensitive for higher speeds. Nearly flipped vehicle on interstate avoiding road debris. Interior cheap quality, seat does not go back far enough. Shifting lags. Wants to stall if vehicle sits to long or takeoff is uphill/not straight line. Tilt steering positions block instruments at all angles. Chevy has bottomed out on this model and their unaccomidating resolutions to my concerns.

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  Unsatisfied - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TBlazerLS - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Air conditioner wont work after only 2500 miles. Not enough leg room in rear seats. Recommend buying the RAV4 instead; better build quality. Only gets 15 mpg. Rear cupholders let drinks spill out all over new car with the slightest bump or turn.