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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Damn taillights - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Soccermom&dad - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle, smooth ride, lives up to performance and towing claims. Problems with tail lights. Has been in the shop 5 times now. Entire assemblies were replaced but still having problems. Needs a different gear ratio option to provide improved mpg. My full size Suburban gets the same mpg as the Trailblazer.

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  AK- - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By AK-two - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Minor warranty repair- Leaky front shock @ 800 miles. Other than than its ok, although Ive only driven this vehicle 1500 miles total in the last year.

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  Close to a lemon - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Devante Schartzbaum - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my TB last Jan 03, Ive had to take it in 4 times for service: door latches making funny noises, wiper motor burned out, engine problems, A/C stopped working. Taking it back again because there are rust spots all over the paint on all sides of the vehicle. This vehicle may just be cursed, if it werent for the problems, I wouldve rated the TB with 9s across the board.

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  Overated MPG - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ronling - December 29 - 10:00 am

  The Trailblazer fuel ratings of 16/22 are way high. We avg 15mpg combined and only achieve 17 to 18mpg on a full tank of freeway driving. I`m a commercial driver so mileage on the open road should be much better.

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  Worst purchase Ive ever made - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Toothfixer88 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Its been nothing but problems. The air conditioner didnt work, the transmission went out due to "small metal shavings present from manufacturing" and metal fragments were on the "other side of the filter". This left us stranded in an intersection, and were almost struck by an oncoming car. They fixed it and it worked for about 2 miles, then the same thing...then they put a new "throttle body" in it. Then the windshield wipers went out in a downpour the three days after getting it back. Now the air conditioner still doesnt get cold and it jerks in and out of 2nd gear.

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  Great vehicle except - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By smokieber - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only put on about 5k miles so far. Coming out of a Blazer, its a big improvement. Roomier and more comfortable with a fairly impressive turning radius. The gas mileage is less than desirable but somewhat expected with the SUV. The stereo speaker quality is "uhhh" okay.... Nice design too ! So far, no problems to speak of..

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  Trailblazer! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By HoganRadial - December 4 - 2:43 pm

  Only have a 1000 miles on it, but boy its a nice ride so far. Really like the traction control/AWD/limited-4wd feature on the 4wd, perfect for those days the roads have scattered slippery spots, but not bad enough to use the full 4wd part. Very nice riding for a large SUV. The Vortec 4200 has plenty of power to get up & go.

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  luvin my trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By L STEWART - November 27 - 3:53 am

  WE PURCHASED OUR TRAILBLAZER IN NOVEMBER,04. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ASTRO VANS FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. WE LOVE THE LOOKS AND THE RIDE THIS VEHICLE GIVES YOU. SO FAR ITS BEEN GREAT,

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  Great SUV for all ages - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By brut - November 21 - 1:06 pm

  I received a Trailblazer for my graduation present and I have had it for almost a year now. I have no complaints whatsoever except the interior. Chevy does need to step up their interiors and make the inside just as nice as the outside appears.

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  my Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By aimbsl - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Very nice for traveling, especially with the rear entertainment center. It handled well in bad weather. Visability was good with the exception of a slight blind spot on the passenger side. The seats were not as comfortable for driving long distances as they were in my previous vehicle, Mercury Grand Marquis. All in all, I am really enjoying this vehicle. I have also owned minivans in the past, and my family (children, parents, siblings, etc) all tell me that the rear seats are a lot more comfortable and they especially like the stadium- type seating. Smooth ride anywhere you sit in the vehicle.