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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  My Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MickV - December 27 - 5:23 pm

  I first discovered a Trailblazer, at a Hurst Rental Lot...On a test drive it showed, ease of handling, plenty of power, very confortable ride..and a secure feeling. Was very inpressed, my wife also drove it and she is smaller in stature, and enjoyed driving it, so off to the New Car dealership to purchase one We put 2000 miles on it at delivery to Oregon, and it was a very confortable ride at extended periods of driving..even with our 4x4 . Adequate power over the mountain pass,18 MPG overall average. Only thing is the shorter version on our test drive showed the ride not as smooth and confortable as the LT version..so our decision to get the extended version.

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  A Real TrailBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Musky Mike - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This SUV really handles my bass boat well with its four wheel disc brakes. It has plenty of pep for highway driving while towing a boat and rides like a comfortable sedan. The stereo is great to listen to while driving and it has all of the conveniences that one would expect.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Superwoody - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This a great SUV for the money. If you dont need the extra space of a Tahoe or Suburban, then this is a truck for you. It has a great stable ride with plenty of power for this size SUV. MPG is not great but is average. My complaint is the wind noise around the doors. This a very quiet SUV around town with little road noise but at highway speeds and on windy days, the wind coming in around the seals is irritating. Hopefully a fix is in the works for the 04s.

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  GREAT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rich714 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY TRAILBLAZER

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  Trailblazer ext - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RAJ OHRI - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great suv with lot of power and room. You are going to love this vehicle

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  Very nice vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dadzilla - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Our TrailBlazer is great to drive, and has plenty of power. The ride is better than any other SUV we test drove. It is very comfortable, and has lots of room inside for my family and anything else we have put in the back besides. If I were to have one complaint about the vehicle, it would be the poor design of the weather seals around the doors. The seals are to easy to catch yourself or something you are hold on, subsequently pulling them loose. Overall, it is a great vehicle. I would buy another one in a heartbeat (no pun intended).

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  would not buy again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By distraught husband - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous problems with this SUV. An annoying hum, a squeak in the front suspension (that took several trips to the dealer to repair), the wipers quit working, the A/C quit working (twice). Seems like this vehicle has been in the shop more than in my garage. Build quality is poor for a $36,000 vehicle.

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  Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By rsabmc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  2004 Chev Trailblazer LT 4WD / Standard Vehcile Charge - $31,895.00 Silverstone Metallic LT Package 1 group - $1350.00 P245/70R16 4 WOL tires - $140.00 Rear Axel 3.73 - $50.00 Ashtray $30.00 Total Options $1570.00 Destination Charge 650.00 Total Vehicle Price was $34,115.00 With $2500.00 Consumer Rebate $500.00 Bonus Rebate ($3000.00 total) I bought this vehicle for $28000.00

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  best advice is to rent one first - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By blazerlover - November 10 - 10:00 am

  the "pros" do not score this suv very well, so i put it to the test myself. i rented one for 2 days, and LOVED it! it is a great vehicle. it is so smooth through every gear, every road condition, and every turn. the power is well distributed through out all 4 gears. not only that, the braking is unbelievable when i tow my boat. i was set on a durango. until i rented this vehicle to put it to MY test. it is a much better vehicle than the durango.

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  Cant stay out of it - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By rich - October 31 - 1:50 am

  We purchased this truck with the intenions of using it as a truck, but cant seem to keep the wife from driving it everywhere we go. This SUV is is quite the experience of good driving and relaxing interior. I just hope that the police understand when she gets pulled over because of the smooth ride that it has at highway speeds! I would buy another one. Overall it is the best deal for the money and comfort. Thank you GM