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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Lemon in Green - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By DHToy2 - April 11 - 10:00 amBought the LS in Hunter Green a little over a year ago. Have had major problems with the elctronic system on board. At one point, the dealer had the car for 3 weeks and had to rent me a loaner. Radio changes stations all by itself, A/c quits and starts all by itself. Gas mileage is aweful. I have a Tahoe that gets better mileage than this SUV does 10 mpg city, 16 mpg highway. Car has spent a total of 6 weeks in the shop and yet GM will not buy it back as it hasnt been enough problems to warrant replacement. My next car will be a Honda. Dealership was a good as could be expected dealing with a design error.
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Great Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By LANShark - April 11 - 10:00 amThis is my first SUV and first Chevy. Very happy with the vehicle. The power is amazing, and the comfort and responsiveness are great. Fuel economy could be better, but had an idea about that before I bought it. I average about 13-14 MPG, nowhere near sticker. Overall very pleased with this, and would buy another one, or recommend this.
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BUYER BEWARE - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By William642 - April 11 - 10:00 amDONT BUY THIS TRUCK. For 30 Grand plus you can get a heck of a lot more quality than a Trailblazer. The front seats are more uncomfortable than my 95 Cavalier; the front bumper is nothing more than a cheap piece of plastic that my 3 year old son can move up and down so that it looks like its about to fall off. The brake system failed at 1300 miles, and I had to beg a Chevy dealer to look at it. My impression after 4 months? CHEAP. I dont believe Ill ever buy another GM vehicle again. Id sell this piece of crap if I didnt owe more than its worth, which is not much.
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Back to GM - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By TexasTrailblazer - March 28 - 10:00 amTraded in a 99 Dodge Durango that was getting a little long in tooth. Have been watching the TB for awhile now, reading reviews, talking to owners etc. and decided I would give GM another try after two (shame on me) not very good 94 and 96 Jimmy experiences. Using GM BuyPower picked up an LTZ this last week. Overall good buying experience, pricing, and dealer delivery. I am initially very very impressed with the car. This is a Caddy in an SUV skin. Give yourself a few days to program everything! If the vehicle reliablilty holds up then this will be a winner. Ill let you know.
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Chevy Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By atriva@erols.com - March 28 - 10:00 am3 months use, no problems of any kind
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I love my Trailblazer! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By ocon06 - March 24 - 2:00 amI thoroughly enjoy this SUV. It is wonderful.
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THE HAPPY CAMPER - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By TXMAN - March 24 - 2:00 amThis is a sound, heavy duty, captivating machine. I get looks everywhere I go in my Trailblazer. Interior comfort is great and the thing handles like a go cart. love my chevy truck.
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2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Hyrolr - March 24 - 2:00 amThe Trailblazer is a far superior vehicle to the Honda Pilot, which we also considered. The performance is much better at a sacrifice of some fuel economy, but we still get nearly 22 mpg on the highway. Once we got the quirks worked out of options like the automatically adjusting mirrors and memory seat, we have had no problems with the Trailblazer. The Bose sound system should be heard to be really appreciated. We use this vehicle for long road trips and we tow it behind our motorhome.
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Nice... - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By baybj - March 22 - 10:00 amI chose this SUV from others because of its exterior and great features. I personally am not a Chevy fan, but this vehicle has its difference from other SUVs. I love the roomy space inside, especially the extra 2 seats in the back. It is very smooth on the road, no matter how rough the road can be. Sounds and everything is good. It feels like a second home haha. At first I thought it would be too big for me to drive. It really does look big, but once I was on the road with it, there werent any problems. And hey! Its SUV of the year! (=
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Finally an Explorer Buster - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By cjloeffl97 - March 22 - 10:00 amI have owned my Trailbazer since January and have put almost 12,000 miles on it since I purchased it. The engine is great, the transmission is responsive, and the ride is conmfortable both on and off road. I owned a 1999 Ford Explorer before this vehicle and Chevy has finally made a vehicle that runs over the Explorer in terms of peformance and quality.
