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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 1221 through 1230 of 1,336.00-
Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jesiop1 - August 23 - 12:03 amI have had the Chevy Trail Blaser 6 months,10,000 mile and just had my first oil change WOW" best SUV I have driven, Very confortable ride, i am 62" and have broad shoulders and it has plenty of room. i have not taken it off road but down very rough dirt roads and it has a smooth ride. Its the best.
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Awesome! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Zapote21 - July 30 - 10:00 amMy first SUV. This is by far the best SUV on the market. The DVD system in it is a blessing for any trip. The 6CD changer sounds incredible, even without Bose. Ride is excellent. More power than a Ford V8 Explorer, better room, and certainly better looking inside and out! Traded in a minivan for this and will NEVER go to a minivan again. People complain about the mileage, but what do you expect from a 275HP SUV? Comes with the territory... Great job Chevy!
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Trailblazer EXT LT - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By MichelleS - July 30 - 10:00 amI enjoy driving this truck but it still needs some overhauling. My doors stick and I was told by the dealership thats because theyre so well made. THEY STICK and I cant open them :) Comfort is there, extra features are there but for an SUV its a little pricey. Gas Mileage could be better, I run 11 to 12 around town and max 16 on the highway in the 6 cylinder. Standard wheels with the upscale packages are not pretty to look at. Overall a decent SUV but can use some improvement
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Chevy all the way - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By bkoz2000 - July 30 - 10:00 amThis is my first suv, but I did test drive some of the others, but nothing came close to the Trailblazer. Have over 3.000 miles and have not had a single problem and average about 19 between city and hwy.
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Why I own a trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By bobby h - July 30 - 10:00 amThe Chevy Trailblazer is a truck that I wanted ever since I saw it for the first time. It is stylish yet rugged. It is not too big but has great size. I feel extremely safe in this vehicle. It allows me to see the road and has no blind spots. Surprising for an suv. The ride is very smooth and responsive. Turning ratio is great. I can turn better in my trailblazer than my mazda 626.
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trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mrhoda - July 24 - 2:00 amwe love our trailblazer.its fun to drive and it handles the road like a dream. i have always driven a car and swore i would never have a "truck". after the trailblazer, i will never go back to a car.
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WIND NOISE - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By JIMMY PURNELL - July 18 - 2:00 amWINDOW NOISE EXTRA LOUD ON DRIVER SIDE AND RIGHT REAR WINDOW. AFTER TRYING TO CORRECT SEVERAL TIME DEALER GAVE UP. SAID UNABLE TO CORRECT BUT DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE NOISE. NOISE IS LOUDER NOW THAD WHEN PURCHASED.
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Great in the Snow - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Cook - July 18 - 2:00 amBuffalo had a snow storm two days after we bought the SUV. The auto handled beautifully and I just drove to work. After driving a minivan for years, this certainly surpassed my expectations. Weve had on long trips ~8 hours and it was very comfortable and drives nice.
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I like mine - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rc1261 - July 18 - 2:00 amMy Trailblazer has been a very good vehicle for me. Good power under the hood and very comfortable inside. Great for going off the "paved path" as well as long highway trips. I would buy another.
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Couldnt be better - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Like It - July 16 - 10:00 amThe Trailblazer has been by far the best vehicle (at least so far) I have ever owned. In these times of "get a little closer - I cant tell what that is," this new GM SUV offers a fresh and distinctive exterior styling. The best part though is the construction. I have no tolerance for creeks and vibrations - none here, even over potholes. The in-line 6 provides plenty of power. Interior room is more than adequete. On the downside, the dash and center console is of course just a big ole hunk of boring plastic like everything else these days. CD/Stereo is acceptable. A/C is slow to cool but dual temp zones and rear vents/blower make up for it.
