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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Want My Venture Back - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Meggie - April 4 - 2:00 amI love the look of the Trail Blazer. Miss the interior room that I had in the Venture Van. Bigger on the outside but smaller on the inside. All computer links on the right side of car inoperable - fortunately computer plug came disconnected/easy repair. VERY DISAPPOINTED with gas mileage. I am averaging 12 mpg!!! Not what sticker said. Thankful I only leased it.
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LTZ TrailBlazer review - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jon B Meier - March 18 - 10:00 amI bought this vehicle new. I have owned this vehicle for two years. Overall,I have been extremely happy with it. The handling is a little sloppy and the gas mileage is average. Ive had no problems with it.
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GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAT except for gas - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By dustin loves thiscar - March 7 - 10:00 amwe love the very much and are looking to buy another!!! GREAT JOB!!!
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Trailblazer Bomb - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By lllll - March 7 - 2:00 amI have had nothing but trouble out of my trailblazer. It is in the shop now for the 3rd time with transmission problems. The rear brake lights have never worked. I have replaced the bulbs 8 times now. Im trading this piece of crap.
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mmc knows - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mmc - March 5 - 9:36 amThis is a great vehicle. I hear some complaints about headlights. Mine are great and I can see good at night. Thhe steering is very tight. No one has mentioned the tight turning radius. Wow. This SUV can park in tight spots no other chevy of comparible size could even think about. I dont like the non-removable mirrors on the visors( I got the LS model).Out of all the reviews I have read on the trailblazer I have not read one thing about the killer stereo. Good thing I have cruise control, because its real easy to drive faster than I ought to be driving. mmc
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Fixer Up - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By PaulL - February 15 - 10:00 amI bought this vehicle in December 2002. I have 8000 miles on it. It is April now. I have had it in the shop 3 times. Once for an emission control and twice for the A/C. Decent gas mileage but thats all I can say. Over all Im not impressed.
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GREAT TRUCK - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By CAPTAIN BEEE - February 15 - 10:00 amVERY COMFORTABLE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. SO FAR I AM AVERAGING OVER 23 MILES TO THE GALLON HWY. CHILD SEATS GO IN VERY EASILY IN THE BACK SEAT AND FIT SECURELY. IT LOOKS GREAT TOO.
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My personal review on my 02 Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Edward Roberts - February 12 - 7:33 amMy experience that Ive had with my 02 Trailblazer, has been awesome!!! It rides great, it looks great, its an eye catcher. Above all a lot of honeys give me great feedback:)
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Traulblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By robert - February 10 - 10:00 amNo problems as of yet. Great performance and ride is great. Always had a Dodge before but Durango way too expensive and a gas hog. Comfort is important to me ( 64" 300lbs) and this sure beats the Explorer that I tried. Gas mileage is very reasonable and I love the power. LOve the standard towing package that comes already with the vehicle. Interior finish is a little tacky but I can live with it. Love the style.
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watch your front bumpers! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By my trailblazer - February 10 - 10:00 amI love my 2003 Trailblazer, but I just discovered that my front bumper, just below my grill, is buckled..not bad enough for someone who isnt looking for it to see, but I noticed. I had heard that some dealerships had some come back for this problem, mainly due to the heat, so I checked mine and sure enough it was there. I took it to the dealership today and there is nothing that can be done. I was told that it probably would not get worse. I called Chevrolet customer service just to voice my concern. Just for your info!
