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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:

• 

  A keeper with a fancy bow-tie. - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mike Daniels - October 26 - 10:00 am

  No defects in 7 months/7,500 miles since purchase. Very comfortable, roomy, & quiet. Engine has great low- end torque. Chevy/GM really did their homework on this vehicle. It is light years ahead of the 2001 Jimmy I traded. Compares favorably with high- end SUVs costing $thousands more. All this and a fancy bow tie to boot.

• 

  Not Satisfied - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Monroe - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had new vehicle in service dept. at least 8 times with the first being a very serious problem with the rear end. The air conditioner quit, daytime light out, radio wont play sometimes, noise in front dashboard. For the price Im paying Im very dissatisfied.

• 

  Lovin the ride - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Brzy - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for about a month, So far I love it. It has been into the shop once for hard shifting, a squeeking noise from the motor, and my molding on the passanger window was going down with the window. I went from a Grand Am GT to the LTZ and I am very excited to use the 4wd this winter.

• 

  Pretty good for a chevy - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TexasTraveler - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Chevy in the past and swore I would never buy another after getting sick of getting it fixed. But this cars ratings and 0% interest offer convinced me. The ride is great. The size and style is great. Gas mileage is no worse than our old Explorer. Air conditioner has gone out twice though. And there is a lot of wind noise when on the interstate. Overall, I recommend it and like it.

• 

  Excellent Suv - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tperez - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this suv is been great better than prevouis model i give a 5 star.

• 

  2002 Chevy Trailblazer...WHAT A LEMON !! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kenneth - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck NEW from Empire Chevrolet in Fall River, MA I have had nothing but problems with it ever since.... The dashboard has blanked out on me on several occasions, all the needles go dead, The gas guage reads empty when there is 1/4 of a tank in it. The radio fades out when the brakes are applied, The radio was replaced, now the CD player doesnt work. The red airbag dash warning lamp has been illuminated for days now. There has been a recall on the transfer case. Im still waiting for the radio and the gas gauge. What a piece of junk.... and the dealership is garbage also... GM assistance was of no use either. ..

• 

  New LTZ owner - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Tpamperin - September 10 - 2:00 am

  The ride and handling on slightly slick roads is excellent. The turning radius and overall drivability is excellent. Highway driving is car-like. Heating/cooling takes a while to get used to.

• 

  2003 TB LTZ - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RED-VETTE - September 10 - 2:00 am

  So far - seems to be a nice ride. I had problems with getting the drivers seat right as it was causing discomfort with my driving foot. I think I have found the right combination now. Nice smooth ride with no rattles. Build quality seems to be good...

• 

  BuyingWifeOdyssey,So I CanDrive theTruck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By volfan - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 3 months ago to replace my 15 year old SSE, and I cant get my wife out of the drivers seat. We have put 6800 miles on the truck and LOVE IT. Need to replace the 96 minivan now so the warranty does expire within 18 months. LET ME DRIVE THE TRUCK!!! Bose sound system is worth the $$$ esp. in DRIVER mode. Have had one mechanical problem to date: Pressure switch on AC, shutdown compressor on a hot day. Minor trim issue on rear hatch. No rattles - SOLID. Not as much storage behind 2nd row (w/3rd row flat) as most minivans, but it is what it is, a mid-sized SUV. Being 66", there is plenty of room up front. Have gotten 21 mpg on highway.

• 

  More problems... - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dwmorris - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Rolled into dealership with 4000 miles today. This time, fan clutch will not disengage and the truck sounds like a jet taking off when accellerating. The service writer told me that this will happen when it is really hot out and all was working as designed. I would have bought that line if the truck had not already made it through the hottest summer ever in Phoenix, AZ without ever experiencing this, and considering it did the same thing at 5:30AM when outside temp was 70. I paid extra to rent another TBlazer for the day and drove it immediately over to the same service writer so she could hear what a properly running TrailBlazer sounds like.