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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 1291 through 1300 of 1,336.00-
Love this SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Madelectrical - June 3 - 2:00 amI just bought this vechicle and its great. Its a mini-van on steroids (interior size for seven people). I drove it at night with my daughter in the back(3rd seat)reading a book (light on), son listening to music (headphones) 2nd seat and my youngest daughter in the carrier. My wife was reading the truck manual. Everybody could do there thing with the lights on. The lights in the cab didnt bother me at all. Perfect. Now Im ready for our trip to Florida this spring. Great Job GM!!!!
-
great car - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Geovanny - May 29 - 10:00 amthe vehicle has been a pleasure to drive. I was hesitent to buy this vehicle but i did and i am so happy i did
-
Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By salmond - May 29 - 10:00 amI drove a Suburban for 3 years and got tired of the bulk and lumbering feel. So now we have a Trailblazer and it is absolutely fabulous for 4 kids. The third row has MORE leg room than the suburban. Much easier to zip around town in while transporting kids to activites. I really like the shelf in the cargo because it doubles the space. But, if youre still in the stroller stage, the cargo might be too small.
-
Trailblazer EXT - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By dacker33 - May 24 - 10:00 amI needed a seven passenger vehicle that could tow a small trailer. I looked at all the available mid-size SUVs and the Trailblazer EXT met all the requirements. It has true seven passenger seating. The third row seat will easily accomodate two large men. The engine is smooth and powerful with decent mileage. I get a true 15 mpg around town which is a mix of residental streets and small highways. The Trailblazer comes equipped to tow. A class III receiver, 7 pin wiring connector and a transmission cooler are standard equipment. I am unable to find any problems that would require dealer attention. I am very pleased with the Trailblazer EXT.
-
POWER! but at a price - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By strati - May 11 - 2:00 amwe needed one big car for the fam. home projects and a kid on the way. the tblazer seemed to be perfect! HUGE power, good amount of room, and a reasonable price. but the interior comfort really leaves a lot to be desired, the audio system isnt very good at all, and the mileage (understandably) is poor. but whats dissappointing is that the 4x4 switch becomes inoperative in the cold. guess when i need the 4x4 to WORK?!
-
Great but needs forgiveness - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By molsen2064 - May 10 - 10:00 amOverall I love this vehicle... except for the build quality... I had to have the engine replaced at 9500 miles... dealer said there was a gouge in the 5th piston sleeve... plus there have been some other smaller things... "other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?" it has run great since the replacement though...
-
shabby build - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By L Christ - May 6 - 10:00 am2 Months after purchase already hearing wind noise around windows. Totaled out 9 months after purchase in major accident and no airbag deploy (front or side) which was a key buying point. Investigation by GM said airbags shouldnt have deployed, I beg to differ, motor sitting on frame after accident. I guess only a head on collision would deploy airbags.
-
Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Mike Findeiss - May 4 - 10:00 amThis is the best handling and riding SUV that I have owned or driven. This past May, my wife and I drove from Denver to Seattle, then down the west coast to Los Angeles and back to Denver. There was not a day that either of us were stiff or uncomfortable from the ride.
-
2002 LS - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By shayes1 - May 4 - 9:53 amI have an 89 s10 w/175K miles and a 2000 Blazer, so its not surprising I have added this to my garage. The great exterior styling is beyond what I could ever wish for in a Chevy SUV. Other pluses are the strong engine, smooth ride, but it would have been nice to drop the solid axle. One thing I did not like is the fact you are forced to buy OnStar to get a sunroof in the LS (shame on you Chevy).
-
Buyer beware - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By wheelerspm - April 22 - 2:00 amThis truck died with 800 miles on the odometer in the middle of my vacation. GM support and road service was pathetic and insulting. took them 4 days to fix the blown engine coil. On the drive home,the power seat switch stuck and forced my body into the steering wheel at 70mph. Last week during a trip to northern New York in a snow storm the 4wd switching system developed a mind of its own switching in and out of AWD,2WD,and 4WD, 3 times my rear end kicked out and almost put me in the ditch. There also was a burning wire smell filling the truck.( I AM GETTING 12 MPG IN MIXED CITY/COUNTRY DRIVING IN 2WD AND 16 MPG AT A STEADY STATE 65MPH (EPA IS 15/20)
