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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  poor ignition - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chad - August 29 - 11:22 am

  Ive had my Trailblazer for about 2 years and already Ive had it in the shop 2 times about to be the 3rd time. Twice with the ignition and once with the passenger side window not raising. Im very disappointed in the lack of quality in this problem.

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  A Female Owner/Drivers Perspective - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mmomom2 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Over the last seven years, I have gone from a Suburban to a Venture van, and now to the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer is definitely the better one for my money. It has the solid feel and comfort similar to the Suburban without the tank-like response. It has a sportier appearance while still giving me plenty of cargo room and better economy. Its a keeper.

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  Love my LTZ - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Wach - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The inline 6 provides exceptional power and in passing situations it unbeleivable how easily the LTZ speed up. Gadgets and more gadgets I got to admit I like a lot of option and the LTZ has all of them. I think GM is on to something with one...

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  Family Sports Car!!!! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Black Tie - August 21 - 1:17 am

  I love this SUV! It is the first 4door car I have ever owned. More powerful than my 70s Vette and 98 Trans Am, handles almost as well. And it can haul my family of five comfortably.

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  Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mstewart95 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Its still new so I like everything about it. I like the way it looks - very cool. I went from a mini van to this car so I am very impressed with the handling and passing ability. It make passing very easy.

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  love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By charlie - August 15 - 9:45 am

  I love driving my trailblazer! Remember this is not a luxury SUV and a basic 5 yr old model. After 60k mi this car drives like new. The engine is perfectly balanced and powered for the weight of the vehicle. When pulling heavy trailers feels if there was nothing behind. I still make 17-18 mpg. The level of comfort inside is fantastic, and I drive quite a bit in the city and highway. Chevy did a great job putting it together and really making this car a truly heavy duty car in every aspect from inside the hood to its logo. If kept well with services, and scheduled maintenance, you will find no problems, but the ones expected in a high mileage car. A car to drive for all purposes (literally)!!

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  2004 Tblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Russelle77 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Our first suv, have had two chevy trucks 79/86. The quality looks really good to me, have only had it a week now, no problems found yet. We are extremely happy with the deal we got, had a $1000 certificate from the truck. Got it for $9000 off sticker. Big discounts available right now. Everytime my wife drives it she gets out with a big smile on her face.

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  Proud Bowtie Owner - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Proud Bowtie Owner! - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my TrailBlazer for about seven months. I absolutley LOVE MY TB! When I tell people how many horses the inline 6 has, they cant believe it. When it comes to handling, I think it is excellent considering its a SUV not a Corvette! The only SUV that I would consider buying after this one is the Avalanche. Thumbs up GM, you did good!

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  trailblazer ext - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ernest - August 3 - 2:00 am

  good on road can carry passengers and cargo with ease 3.73 ratio a must in ext for road preformance does cut milage to about 17.2

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  Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By master mechanic - July 31 - 7:45 pm

  I now have 127,000 miles on my Trailblazer and still love it. I has been great. I have had it off road many times and have at times been quite rough on it, but I do all the regular maintenance when it is supposed to be done. It still goes down the highway very nicely and I can get 21.5 mpg, not bad for a fairly big truck. I will never go back to a honda or toyota, they were junk. I have been spoiled by my Trailblazer. I plan to keep it for a long time to come.