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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:
Showing 1201 through 1210 of 1,336.00-
10days owning 5days of driving the truc - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rad252 - January 11 - 2:00 amthis is my 3rd blazer but my first new car i test drove a dodge and hated it. i was always a chevy man so i took a trail blazer out and fell in love with and drove out with it that night. that week we had a snow storm and put it 4 wheel drive to pick up mmy son from school on my way home (172 miles on the truck ) i had reduced power and service engine soon light came on i took it to the dealer that fri night and had to wait 4 days for a fuel pedal accelerator module,. after i got the truck back the truck runs good and rides great
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Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Gnarley - December 23 - 2:00 amNo extensions on sun visor nor adjustment to second row seats!! it stands straight up!!
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Overrated Mileage!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mileagesux - December 23 - 2:00 amSticker posts 15/21 MPG, I have never hit anything higher than 17 on the interstate, 13 in the city. Dealer and GM cust service claims its "normal" and may improve "once broken in" (i.e. once its too late to return.) Asked about the extreme difference between sticker mileage and actual, I was told "I dont know, I dont write the stickers". Interior cheap looking with roughly moulded plastic. Seat doesnt go back far enough. Uncomfortable for a 6 ft man. Nice ride, lots of space and power. if you buy, expect no more than 13-15 MPG!!
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An awesome SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By matt - December 19 - 6:43 amThe 4.2 inline six has great power and torque. The outside lines are easy to clean, and the interior is greatly designed, resulting in an all around little mommy vehicle.
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Awesome! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Erv - December 12 - 10:00 amI had $30+K to spend on the Japanese SUVs look all to foo foo and fancy. I wanted an SUV not a glorified minivan like the Acuras and Hondas...I looked at the ford, but for some reason its shape didnt catch me. I liked the GM SUVs (my dad has a 2002 Envoy). With the power it has and the features it comes with, it has what the fake SUVs have also and then some in regards to power. Plus it rides on a true SUV platform not a retorfitted minivan platform. On the downside, fit nad finish is still subpar. Overall, I have owned in for a few weeks now, and I love it.
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For me, it is Just great!!! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Alex el magno - November 23 - 2:00 amThough I heard a lot of critics on it, I liked the design and Decided to try it; I found out that main critics about space for driver, problems while turning, and disadvante of a 6 cyl engine where not true; the driver area is spacious, seats are confortable, sharp and quick turns are not a problem, and response of engine is great.
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LOVE MY TRAILBLAZER - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By SLIDER - November 18 - 10:00 amWE GOT OUR T-BLAZER 1 WEEK AGO. WE ALL LOVE IT!!! I WASNT REALLY INTO THE SUV THING. I WANTED A SPORTS CAR. MY HUSBAND ASKED IF I WOULD JUST TRY ONE. I TOLD HIM THE ONLY ONE I WOULD CONSIDER WAS THE TRAILBLAZER. BOY, AM I GLAD I DID!! FROM THE MOMENT I GOT IN I WAS THRILLED.
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Satisfied Customer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By D.S. - November 16 - 10:00 amIm not one to usually go with Chevy, but the Trailblazer is a great truck with a third seat that can fit a real person. And it can fit in the garage. It handles great and has all the power I could ask for. The gas mileage was also a pleasant surprise. Ive had the Trailblazer almost 3 weeks and am still very happy with the purchase.
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Its The Best - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Love IT - October 30 - 10:00 amAfter test driving the Exterra, Aztec, Escape... I knew this was the one. I have the power and braking when needed. The ride is a dream. I wouldnt want to drive anything else on snow or ice.
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Must have been built on a Friday - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By CTO1 - October 12 - 2:00 amI think this vehicle was assembled by drunken monkeys. The side view mirrors move to a different position each time I get in it. The radio station changes for no reason at all. I had seven items to be repaired at the dealership at the 30,000 mile point. The emergency brake sometimes does not engage. At highway speed, the roar from the poorly fit window molding is so loud I can hardly hear the radio. This truck has been at the dealership for maintenance for over 100 days! Was waiting for parts for over a month...The dealership then tells me "it was MY FAULT for buying a brand new car that there are no parts for yet"
