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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Good Family SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jvolk - October 16 - 10:00 amRides great on Highway even with 6-7 passengers. ^ adults can travel in comfort. AC trouble 3 times but may be finally fixed with new switch design from GM. Disappointing fuel mileage put I guess the 270 HP engines is the reason. We get about 12 in town and 18 on highway. Excellent large family hauler if you dont want the larger suburban.
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Problems with my blazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Mary - October 10 - 1:43 pmI had problems with my blazer,before the warranty was up. Took it to Wilson Motors, they said they couldnt find anything wrong with it, Its in my front end , & when I turn corners it really makes noises, like the front end is going to fall off, & just after my warranty was up, my heater went out , I smelled burnt wiring,so,need a new wiring harness, now when I roll my window up,power windows, the headlights flicker.Im afraid my car will catch on fire.& had a humming noise going on, thought it was a fan , or something, took it in ,the mechanic replaced something on it, said that happens alot with these vehicles & with the wiring problems, he said that happens alot with these vehicles.
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Think again - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Ericw - October 10 - 2:00 amMy wife and I have had this car for 1 year and we are already thinking about getting rid of it. We feel that the reliability is extremely poor. Here is a list of problems: Automatic drivers side mirror replaced 5x because the motor could not return to our preset driving positions, the rear windshield wiper never touched the rear window, the rear windshield leaked, there is a noise in the dashboard when you go over bumps in the road, the stereo shorts out and has been replaced 2x, fuses had to be replaced, replaced headlight. I cant imagine what this car will be like in 2- 4 years. We are now looking at the Pathfinder or Honda Pilot
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08 Black SS - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Mike - October 9 - 11:18 pmI needed an AWD truck/SUV and opted for the TBSS (rebates, standard features). No regrets, drives great, enough power to scare you and pulls a 20 bassboat like it isnt even attached. No problems or issues in 20k miles. Only problem is no matter how I drive I cant get over 16mpg, 50 or 100 doesnt matter. Low 14 high 16, but with everything onboard and the performance not to be found ANYWHERE else in a SUV, period, Im nit picking about the gas mileage. Love the vehicle.
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wind noise - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By ron rzeppka - October 4 - 12:45 pmgreat vehicle to drive,feel secure in it . not too big but big enough to feel safe!
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Review - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Ken - October 4 - 10:54 amI love my trailblazer. I am a drummer and have to haul my equipment every weekend. I traded down from a 99 Suburban and was concerned about the loss in space but the TB turned out to be fine. Handles well and Im proud to say the engine light has only came on once because of a faulty gas cap.
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2004 Trail Blazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By JWMc - September 30 - 10:00 amVery comfortable vehicle and fun to drive. First SUV we have owned. But always buy American Made Vehicles and everyone loves to ride in the new SUV.
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Aesthetically pleasing; Great for talls - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Freedm - September 30 - 10:00 amI was smitten by the exterior look of my white with black trim, Trailblazer LT. The interior dark gray coloring complements the black leather seats very well. As a 62 tall person their is enough room for my legs, even as a front seat passenger unlike my 2002 Blazer LS that is very cramped for a tall front seat passenger. The ride is smooth, and quiet. during the first long trip, 354.4 miles, the truck averaged 18.3 miles a gallon. Not bad for a combination of open road, and back country maneuvering.
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tires & brakes at 24K - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By ?????? - September 29 - 8:55 pmI love my ss.. It reminds me when I was 16 drivin my 56 belair. Just a bit faster & a lot more comfort, easier to steer and obviously more features. At 24k I had to replace the front brakes $450 wow! That was for brakes & turning rotors. It also needs 4 new tires $600+. At 54 years old, I can say I have always driven a Chevy. Even though I love this ss, Im getting rid of it. Its time 4 a change. I dont mind the 9 mpg around town on 93 octane ($2.85 gal. Now) but the upkeep is too expensive and Im used to replacing brakes & tires at 50k or 60k, not 24k. I hate 2 say it, but Im buying a Toyota. Better quailty, better engineering. Sorry gm, you cant make they quality anymore.
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Price Repairs, But Fun To Drive - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Daniel - September 28 - 5:57 pm5.3 V8 has much power and can haul and tow most anything. The whole family fits comfortably. Fits all my work tools and ladders well. Att 88000 miles I just spent $2600 to have my transmission rebuilt though. Found out they use the 460LE trnas in their other cars and unless you upgrade some internal components it will burn out from light towing or heavily loaded. This year I have replaced a battery (again), new alternator, new water pump, brakes, tires (again), rebuilt trans. I am in it for about $4000 in repairs and it is not that old. Cant afford to replace it as I need a truck for my job. Engine is still stong and hopefully all problems worked out. Did but it used w/44,000 miles tho.
