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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  2002 Trailbalzer LS - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lms0669 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice truck , The new 4.2 Inline 6 delivers plenty of power, It has a very smooth ride , Truck handles great in the snow . A lot of SUV for the money !! Highly recommended , Its not up to Toyota or Honda quality yet but GM has seem to come a long way !!

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  In awe - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Tahoe Man - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight! Too good to be true and holding my breath that all stays well for the next few years. Great dealer fly cross country to meet these guys. Price alittle high, but they made a deal and financed cheap.

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  TBLAZER - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By 2002 TBlazer - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Trailblazer in January 2002 and in a year have put 19,800 miles on it. It is a solid vehicle, however, it has been in for service 12 times in a year. Squeeks, seat belts that stangle you, vibration in the steering column, popping noise when turning the steering wheel, and a new transmission at 11,000. The transmission started to squeel. Although this vehicle is a drastic improvement over the current S-10 based Blazer, I recommend that everyone buy a 2003 model over a 2002. Apparently, Chevy has fixed most of the first year bugs.

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  Love it so far - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By beefyalby - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Been leary of chevy blazers in the past. Bought this with 29000 miles but runs smooth, comfortable ride and power also. Love the extras. Dark blue is the best color. I still worry about chevys. extended warranty purchased for that reason. This will be my pride and joy so long as it does not poop out on me.

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  POWER HOUSE - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Wooterdude - April 18 - 10:00 am

  EXCEPT FOR THE MEMORY MIRROR PROBLEM THE CAR HAS BEEN FLAWLESS SO FAR.WE NOW HAVE 14,500 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN GREAT.WE RECENLTY PURCHASED A 20 FT TRAVEL TRAILER AT 4200 LBS LOADED AND IT DOES QUITE WELL CONSIDERING IT ONLY HAS 275 FT LBS OF TORQUE.MILES PER GALLON PULLING IS ABOUT 10.5-11.7.EMPTY,EXCELLENT MILEAGE CONSIDERING IT WAYS 4700 LBS.WE ARE GETTING 16.5 CITY AND 21.8 HIGHWAY.

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  Mines for sale - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Steve Lovas - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Poor drivability. Engine has great top- end, but low-end power is short and has noticable dead spots. A/c performance is poor, steering very sluggish. Dashboard looks cheep. Front door armrests are too low to be of much use. Distorted windshield.

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  Wind Noise - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mac Rochelle - April 18 - 10:00 am

  There is too much wind noise around the front windshield

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  Happeness is my TRAILBLAZER - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ted Toland - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I happy. Overall quality is reasonable for this price auto. Would like less wind noise. Good overall handling. Easy entry ahd exit for a senior (me). Inst panel easy to cope with. I have driven upper models of JEEP...This is some better.

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  CHEV NO 1 TRAIL BLAZER - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By WDW1951 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  THE LOOKS ALONE IS NO 1,THE LTZ I HAVE IS OUT STANDING.THE RIDE IS VERY NICE,IT LIKE SETTING IN YOUR LIVING ROOM.ALL THE CONTROLS ARE AT YOU FINGER TIPS.HAS EVERY I WANT IN A SUV.

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  Very good suv when working - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jun0719 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this suv 10/2001 and while its fun to drive, powerful, very smooth, comfortable, and the look of the car is great, but unfortunately this is not a reliable vehicle. This car has been in the shop for a number of problems. Ive had problems with the air condition, radio, dash, power windows, fuel filter, fuel gauge, gas tank, and starting problems. I took a chance on purchasing an American car, and I would be reluctant to do so in the future.