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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Trailblazers rule!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By laurenLTtb20034x4 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  the trailblazer was the first suv we have ever purchased, we used to have a car then we moved to the country and we needed a 4x4 and the trailblazer is so reliable, it works great in the snow. the feul economy needs a little work but also we have to keep in mind that suvs do eat a lot of gas. overall i would reccomend this vehicle to anyone,trailblazers are very popular we have 6 in our neighborhood. trailblazers shouldnt get the bad review for the cheap inside look because its not a luxury vehicle its a down to earth vehice.

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  Do not buy a trailblazer!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hector Adan - February 18 - 10:00 am

  In the past year Its seen the dealers service department 5 times and today its going on 6 because the left brake light went out on a truck thats 1 year and 3 months old.We bought the truck NEW! The first 2 times were because the key would get stuck in the ignition. Then they "FIXED IT" Then it happened a 2nd time. After that the driver door handle trim was falling off. About 2 months later the rubber trim around the license plate started to go underneath the plastic part. Then recently the A/C wouldnt kick on untill I turned off the A/C and turned it back on. The dealer said something had broken inside but they were able to fix it. Well see.

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  New 2002 TrailBlazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Pete2002 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Has a lot of power but lousy MPG. The sticker MPG rating is over-rated. Most consumers are getting around 13MPG in City driving with stop and go traffic. One thing I am very upset about is an annoying valve train tapping noise that appeared within the first 500 miles after it reaches operating temp. It sounds like a vehicle with high mileage. Dealer and GM do not want to attempt to correct until after 4-5K miles of break in.

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  I love my truck - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By beckyr718 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  My Trailblazer is great! Ive had it for a year now, and its still wonderful! Its great for a road trip. The DVD player is great for passing time! Its comfortable and has a lot of great features. Mine has the Driver Information Center, which is also great for road trips! I cant wait to take it on our annual trip to South Carlolina, again!

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By EDEN - February 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING, I LOVE MY CAR! ITS SO RELIABILE & COMFORTABLE ITS A SMOOTH RIDE WHERE EVER I GO. AND THE DESIGN OF IT IS AWESOME!

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  chevy trailblazer ext 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ruger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV because the tahoe was just a little too big and bounced me around a little too much. we wanted extra room so we went for the ext and we are so pleased that we did. i love the set up inside. very easy to change seat positions and even adults can fit comfortably in the very back. looks hot and feels great to drive. definately would recommend!

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  Mios Review - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chris Mio - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is very nice. The only thing i dont like about it is it is very high so when i wash it i have to get my stool, but other wise i love it.

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  A great Buy!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By HOOYAA - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This Trailblazer is anything I could have asked for. I paid a great price and for the money I spent. It out performs any out performes any other ute out there.

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  Best SUV I ever driven - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mr. Brownridge - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the one SUV I found that drives smooth like a large car. Its very roomy and We traded in our 2002LS for a 2003EXT only cause we needed a little more room for our children and travel. Chevy did a great job with this vehicle.

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  A HAPPY FAMILY! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By hughes - January 17 - 10:00 am

  WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VEHICLE! WE NEEDED LOTS OF ROOM FOR OUR FAMILY OF FIVE AND THIS HAS IT! WE CAN SEE OURSELVES BEING REPEAT TRAILBLAZER OWNERS. LOTS OF COMFORT AND FUN TO DRIVE!