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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  NOne - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By yoohoo - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since I purchased it. It has been all electrical and has been in the shop more than 5 times in a year and a half@!!!

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  Would not buy again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By crestedchris - November 25 - 12:59 pm

  This truck has been nothing but trouble from day 1. Trans blew at 3000 miles and brought it back under lemon law. I got a new one. Had transmission problems again and it blew at 48000 miles chevy didnt replace it because it was over 5 years. (I didnt drive it much)so that cost me 3 grand. The entire rear differential broke at 81000 miles (another 3k invested) and the trans module that controls the 4WD broke at 82000. Its horrible on gas. (says 18/21 i get about 13/15 when I drive well) The power isnt bad but for 36000$ new it was a complete rip off. Its comfortable to drive but I would never consider owning one again. And the seatbelts are so uncomfortable.

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  Finally - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By garx - November 22 - 2:00 am

  After years of "putting up" with second class foreign SUVs (the Rodeo for example) due to cost constraints, I have finally found a vehicle I can both afford and have fun driving. The TrailBlazer is comfortable, fun and (believe it or not) reliable. I have had it for ten months and have been back to the dealer for normal maintenance only. I have had NO warranty problems or even minor mechanical problems. It is fun to drive. My only negative is that I wish it could get a little more than 15 MPG; but I suppose thats the price you pay for driving a SUV.

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  trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sammy - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my 2004 Trailblazer... I love it! Handles great and has lots of room inside for all cargo!!

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  2002 Trailblazer LT - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JASDMD - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Its been an absolute pleasure during the 1st 10,000 miles on my trailblazer. A real solid ride with great passing power, good sight lines and well thought out ergonomic features that are comfortably for both my wife and myself. So far weve averaged 17.2 MPG during the 1st 10,000 miles which has included a fair amount of time on back roads using 4 wheel drive. My wife would reccomend that if youre under 56" that you pay the extra money and get the running boards to help with entry (especially while wearing a skirt!) and loading of the roof racks.

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  they hold up well - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mike09 - November 16 - 9:28 am

  Ive had some problems here and there with the 4-wheel drive and the gas mileage is ok. but They hold up really well in a rollover accident. i lost control of mine and it rolled and it just shoved in the rear driver corner of the roof.

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  Fun all over - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By gadawgs21 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Trailblazer for 4 months and have loved every minutes of it! It drives well, handles beautifully and I love the get-up-and-go. The staff at Yeomans was wonderful in helping me buy my first car by myself. I like the interior much more than the Envoys my friends have, more cupholders, better location of back windshield wipers and better console.

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  Well built - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Harold W. - November 4 - 8:30 pm

  Bought this program Trailblazer with 7500 miles on it. Now has 16700 and I dont have one complaint. It is one of the best handling vehicle I have driven. Very comfortable on long trips.I have not had anything to complain about and I would buy another one.

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  chevy oh yes - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mookie14 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  i took delivery of of the tblazer on the 14th. and you know what there is no substitute for the tblazer besides the 4 runner. but all the rest yall can forget it the tblazer is the best midsize suv out by far. i love as it will be my auto for the next 6to 8 yrs.

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  Worse car I could have purchased - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Gentletouch - October 28 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased my TB new with 21 miles on it. Two months later my computers went out. I blew the horn and the car died. Took a week for the dealership to figure what was actually wrong with the truck, and took another week and a half to fix it. I have a funny noisy from the wheels now when I back up. Dealer said it was rocks and it would go away, but it didn’t. The stabilitrack light comes on all the time for no reason. When I went to trade the TB in the value on it is next to nothing. I wouldn’t recommend this care to anybody.