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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Worst Car I Ever Had!! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By browndawg - March 12 - 2:40 pm

  This car looks great and is fun to drive but dont let that fool you. This car has been nothing but trouble since day one. The engine started to idle rough. The dealer told me "that is what a performance vehicle feels like". Sorry to say ...I dont think so! Would you be happy with a corvette idling rough? Well this is the same engine!! Then it started to fall apart. Door trims, molding, undercarriage rust (never seen snow, I live in L.A.) Then the transmission went immediately followed by the ignition switch and now again the transmission less than 3 weeks later. GM/Chevy has not been stand up either. I am GM family! Not willing to help or offer to buy back. Dont buy this or any Chevrolet!

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Ever Had - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Philip - March 9 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 65k on the clock, and it is hands-down the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. I added a lift, different shocks, Tahoe springs, and other stuff, and it drives even better. Real body-on-frame construction, and low range make this a great vehicle. Parts are cheap, and there are plenty of them, so junkyards have tons of salvage parts as well... very pleased with my vehicle!

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  Expensive to keep - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rich Oas - March 7 - 8:03 pm

  Bought at 18K. Took to dealer for electrical probs at 35K. They say nothing wrong...haha. Shortly Replaced... Htr fan switch, exhaust manifold (hole),ABS module,4wd transfer case,ball joints, wheel bearings,tie rods. Currently the htr fan switch is going bad and the gas gauge and speedometer dont work. I rarely get 16 mpg hiway, Air seals poor. The tailgate lock works intermittently, the lights dim on the road and went out on me once at nite. I have put over 5K over and above normal maint into this in 3.5 yr .Nothing covered under warranty. Other than that a real sweet ride. Was a GM customer for life ..never to buy another GM. The small and mid level SUVs and trucks are pure junk.

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  best i ever had . - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Victorvall - March 7 - 1:53 pm

  this was bought in 2002 and driven until a horrendous car accident in 2010 no one was hurt due to the safety of this car but it was totaled , i guess the tree wasnt to forgiving neither was the rain , best car ever though on the lookout for another one .

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  Junk - Chevy should recall - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jim - March 5 - 5:36 pm

  Wow. Reading thru the unhappy reviews is like reading thru our own list of needed repairs that we cant afford. Gas gauge, check engine light, cv- joint, and on, and on, and on. The list keeps growing. We get one thing fixed and something else goes wrong. My husband travels extensively for work and needs a reliable car. This sure isnt it but we cant afford to trade right now.

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  Not a bad vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hurb - March 3 - 2:14 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with around 9k on it. Ive got close to 100k on it and its still running strong. I have done the regular maintenance, recently changed out the spark plugs myself (which terrifies me with these new cars) and still going. The only thing that Ive had to replace were the plastic panels on the bottom of the front seats. Tows awesomely. Mileage can be better, but on a really good day, no wind, flat straight road, I can pull 23mpg, maybe. Im not a chevy fan and was kinda forced into this vehicle, but I am impressed overall.

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  SS Rocks! - 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MidnightMike - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  Well this is my second TBSS. My first one in Red Jewel was stolen. While waiting for the insurance claim to come in, our rental was a 2009 Ford Flex. I have always been a GM guy, and I need the room for my dj equipment, and the Flex really impressed me, but I happened to be in a Chevy dealership, and noticed a black one on the floor. I fell in love all over again. This one stays in the garage now. I bought wife a Mazda3 to take to the train station. Shes happy, and Im happy, and the SS is safer.

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  Trailblazer Still Stacks Up - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JEM77 - March 2 - 12:36 pm

  Think about price and reliability and youll find the Trailblazer LT really holds up. This is my second and it has plenty of power, comfort, and a price point that allows for many extras including a factory sunroof. It goes anywhere and I never have had an issue with it. The 4WD is an option as well, I live in FL so no need. The critics ratings are often harsh because its been around a while and not cache, but note owner ratings, owners love the car.

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  The Good, Bad, and Mean looking - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sladeltd - February 25 - 1:17 pm

  The GOOD: Love the styling, even on the interior, its not high tech or futuristic, it is practical. It has the power when you need it. The BAD: I bought the extended warranty and 3 months after I bought it I had to replace the engine, cylinder lost compression and it was idling rough. I spoke with the Enterprise rental guys and they told me the Trailblazer was the vehicle they saw come in for warranty service the most. Enough said there. Road noise is bad because of bad fit for the windows and therefore leaks into the door panels. my speakers were corroded and I had to replace them. I had to replace the water pump. Bottom line, a good style design needs to be backed up by a reliable design

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  Done with GM - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chad R, - February 17 - 10:09 pm

  When it was 2 weeks old had the radio replaced for eating a CD. At 37K mile mark I had a noise in the rear. Dealer tore apart the rear end and it was in pieces.(metal fatigue) Also while in had lumbar motor replaced(it burned out after using it 3 times).. $3000 to fix both. 50K mark..Drivers side window wont seal at high speeds (interstate) when putting window up. 44K mark fuel computer chip fail. Had towed and dealer had to replace computer chip and fix the fuel system... $1600 fix. at 67K mark RPM gauge failed. Drivers side window wont seal at high speeds(interstate) when putting window up. Typical USA vehicle. 73K on it now and Im trying to dump before my wallet goes dry