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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Avoid this Vehicle and Chevrolet!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By chipwich - May 17 - 2:00 amPurchased this vehicle and have never achieved higher than 15MPG despite window sticker of 21MPG. Have been to the dealership twice for inspection and they claim nothing is wrong. Chevrolet refused to address my concern indicating that their engineers do not expect this engine to achieve better than 12-14MPG. So why do they advertise 21MPG?!?!? Will not stand behind their products or customers. Go buy a Toyota, at least you will know what you are buying.
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Great Truck!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Trailblazin - May 6 - 10:00 amThis truck is great. It is a good value for all the goodies you get. Fun to drive. Very powerful. and an over all good vehicle.
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Never Again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Fed Up in GA - April 24 - 2:00 amBefore 26,000 miles,weather stripping cming off,display not functioning bumper wrinkles(already wrinkled again),vibrations coming from heat shield on transmission. Then the major things:Transmission sun cluster completely shears in transmission. Dealer kept 4 weeks.Returned after one week did not make it home.Kept 3 more weeks drove two days then shifting problems check engine light on.One more week light back on.GM engineer says we have problem at about 30,000 miles and the power valve goes bad. Warranty will be out @60,000 when it goes again!!!NO SERVICE AFTER THE SALE!!!Still driving with light on. HOPE IT BLOWS UP.
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03 Trailblazer -- Great Ride - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By wdnboats1 - April 24 - 2:00 amGreat highway ride!!! Wintertime fuel MPG of 14-15...MPG in summer is 16 around town and 18+ on highway. Had to have a sensor in the A/C replaced within first 5000 miles...no questions - fixed - FANTASTIC. This truck replaced a 94 Toyota 4-Runner(232k miles), unless something drastic happens I will get another Trailblazer to replace this one. Only complaints are poor body seal around license plate housing on lift gate (will need to be replaced), trailblazer door emblem fell off, and wind noise from passenger side front door when on highway in cross-wind.
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Love my Chevy!!!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By big daddy - April 22 - 10:00 amIts everything I ever wanted in an SUV. I love this truck more than I love my wife!
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Trail Pull Up the Rear - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By dor - April 19 - 10:00 amThe ride is smooth. However, I ve had many problems. The problems include: *skipping or hesitation upon acceleration *tail/brake lights unknowingly going out * A/C going out twice * A tick noise under the engine *The radio gets extremely hot, especially on long trips *Clicking on left turns, aloud thump during hard braking, and spilling from the gas tank after automatic shutoff.
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Trailblazer Review. - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Pipeman - April 10 - 2:00 amIts a fine piece to drive, however the overall finish of the exterior such as bumper and door alignment leaves much to be desired. Engineers should be forced to attend Japanese automotive schools.
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Great SUV!! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Winston77 - April 10 - 2:00 amGreat SUV, the 270hp, inline 6 engine is very smooth and powerful. The turning radius is unbelivable. Plenty of room for passengers and other "stuff" you may want to haul. Ive had it for 6 months now and still love it.
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Kick Ass Ride! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Docloco - April 10 - 2:00 amEdmunds.com was essential to the purchase of this awesome truck. It has everything that I need (with a few extras of course) I am thoroughly pleased with the vehicle. My wife drove it for the first time after almost a month of ownership and now she wants one of her own!
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Nice - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tz6qhl - April 4 - 2:00 amAlthough I have just purchased this SUV, I am very happy with everything it has to offer. Went from a 00 Impala to this, and have no regrets. It rides just as smooth, and turns on a dime. Nice Chevy look, and great American style.
