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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Sick of my Trailblazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Linda - September 24 - 7:00 pm

  within days after the warranty was up, the front wheel bearings went out. the cv joint went out. the fuel gauge broke. the dash lights for the stereo/cd player temp control went out,... Not to mention the plastic parts that broke right after we bought it... lol what next? I hate the car.

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  WARNING - TRANSMISSION - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By April - September 16 - 8:58 pm

  Everything was going great, then at 58,000 miles the line that feeds the transmission fluid rusted out. Dealer said they stock those lines like they stock oil filters because its such a common problem. It just wouldnt go one day, my choice to spend $4000 to fix it, or send it to the auction and hope to get as much of the $5800 I owe. Auction it is, meanwhile Im stranded, and it was just a baby. Oh yeah, no trade in value.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By GM Wife - September 16 - 8:44 pm

  We leased this vehicle new in 2006 and have been very happy with it. We occasionally use this vehicle to tow with, commute to work, and to take on trips. Last summer, we drove the vehicle 9 hours to Tennessee with four adults, luggage, and loaded down with a trailer and it performed beautifully. The engine is strong and the turning radius is amazingly tight. This is the easiest vehicle I have ever parked. Even though it is two wheel drive, the traction control makes it handle great in the snow. Im going to miss it when we turn the lease back in next May.

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  Great to drive, stinks to fix - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By KC - September 13 - 11:59 am

  We bought this used in 2006. It had 24000 miles on it, ran great, and just enough room for our family of 3 at the time. Over all, the SUV worked great for the first year. Then small things started to happen more and more. First we had to replace our brand new breaks/rotors only after a year 1/2. Second the trunk hatch went out and had to replace that, third our back windshield wiper broke. ($1200 to fix this alone) We also, only after a year of replacing the first set, have to replace our rotors yet again. Something is wrong with the front end, never in a crash, so we are just trading this in this weekend. Last children in car seats dont have leg room from the front/back seat.

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  Reliable SUV - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Slip42 - September 13 - 11:33 am

  I bought my 2006 trailblazer used in 2006. I have 78,000 miles on it. I have never had it in the shop for any reason. I do regular maintenance and have had no issues. This is my first Chevy SUV and I would buy another one for sure.

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  2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By superniceman - September 11 - 2:25 pm

  Best SUV for the price! Have driven quite a number of new and used SUVs. In my opinion it was well worth the price I paid! Very comfortable to sit in, controls within easy reach, well designed. The front bottom seats are especially long, which relieves leg stress on long trips! Very stable on the road, even at 70. Hardly any sway around corners. Great fuel economy with 6 cylinder engine. Plenty of passing power. All the bells and whistles. Very roomy trunk. Great CD sound system. Easy to reach oil filter.

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  Trailblazers dependability - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By herbra - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 LTZ Trailblazer is a fairly nice vehicle except for its reliability. Ive driven the LTZ for a 18 months with 6 trips to the dealer for the same problem connected to the four wheel drive system. It seams to have a mind of its own. It either wants to shift on its own or leave you stranded. Has anyone else had this problem? The dealer made me a reasonable offer to trade mine for a 2003 model but when I accepted the offer they pulled it off the table. Good luck to all who purchase a Chevy Trailblazer.

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  Trailblazer a great value - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jeff - September 5 - 7:53 pm

  The Trailblazer has more HP than any SUV in its class. The ride is extremly smooth. I think the interior is very user freindly.

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  Love it but needs Improvements - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ranger903 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  1. The starters in the new Vor-tec engines appear to be very fragile. Have replaced it three times in 3000 miles. 2. The AC relay switch is defective and appears to be going out in most 2003 Chevy models. They need to recall and fix this so the AC will consistently work. 3. Its fun to drive, looks good, and handles great. I am pleased with the product, but expect a truck starter to be heavy duty, not flimsy. 4. Chevy service has been outstanding. We may have had some problems but the service on the vehicle has been excellent. Just wish it had not needed it.

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  MY TRAILBLAZER, 2003 MODEL - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By S.E. DUVALL - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED IN A GRAND CHEROKKE LIMITED ON THIS TRAILBLAZER, IT SURE FEELS GOOD TO GET BACK INTO A CHEVY. NOTHING BEATS THE PERFORMANCE OR RIDE OF THIS SUV. I AM VERY IMPRESSED!