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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  THIS CAR IS A NIGHTMARE - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By GRISEL71 - June 22 - 12:20 pm

  I have had this truck less than 5 years and I have already needed a new transmission, a new throttle unit and a gas pump unit. I have spent over 8,000 on this car all happened after warranty naturally. Mechanic tells me this is a VERY common issue with trailblazers and all parts are always on shelf because of this common need for these particular parts but chevy wont recall them. Im junking it and still have 10K to pay unbelievable so much for American made cars.....never again Chevy (GM) is uncooperative and taking peoples money!

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  TB5.3v8 - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Nick Ricc - June 21 - 6:28 am

  First TB was 02, and didnt like 4.2. Was traded for 04 Tahoe that was great, but I was offered special incentives to trade on a 08TB 5.3, and have enjoyed it ever since. MPG average is about 18.2 and seems to improve with middle grade 89.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Snowman - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Trailblazer in December and immediately drove to Lake Tahoe (1000 miles total). The 4WD handled awesomely in 1 ft of snow and the truck powered reasonably well up the higher mountain passes; tho it did down-shift two gears occasionally to maintain speed. The ride is amazing, *very* comfortable and yet the truck sticks to the road. The front seats could use more side support (lucky that even the drivers side has a hand-hold cause Ive needed it on a few turns). I havent had any issues with the headlights as some other reviews have noted; including driving in the very dark Tahoe area. Been getting ~14/18 mpg.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By SnowMan - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Trailblazer in December and immediately drove to Lake Tahoe (1000 miles total). The 4WD handled awesomely in 1 ft of snow and the truck powered reasonably well up the higher mountain passes; tho it did down-shift two gears occasionally to maintain speed. The ride is amazing, *very* comfortable and yet the truck sticks to the road. The front seats could use more side support (lucky that even the drivers side has a hand-hold cause Ive needed it on a few turns). I havent had any issues with the headlights as some other reviews have noted; including driving in the very dark Tahoe area. Been getting ~14/18 mpg.

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  Really happy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Philip - June 18 - 1:20 pm

  I have only had my Trailblazer for 3 weeks now but I really love it. The ride is really nice and the handling is very good (I own a 92 B4C camaro) and I am very happy with this. I would like to see Chevy put in better seats, the stock seats are a little soft and are not as good as they could be. The Sun and Sound system is great and the gas mileage is good at 20 avg even with the 373 gears.

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  TrailBlazer....Like a Rock!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By opers13 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This truck has an impressive engine. It has a lot more horsepower than other V8 suv/trucks out there. I agree the interior needs more work...exterior looks awesome...better than its closer "brother" GMC Envoy.

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  Better Than What The Reviewers Say - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JCP - June 15 - 5:29 pm

  In Sept. 2007, I traded in a Ford Taurus SES for a 3LT Trailblazer with the 5.3L V8. I drove the SS, and even though the acceleration and handling were impressive, the fuel consumption made me rethink. I then drove a 4.2L I6, but just after driving the SS, it seemed lacking. As the 5.3L gets the same mileage as the 4.2, I went on the look for one. Not a lot more power than the 4.2, but a lot more torque makes for effortless acceleration and quiet cruising. A highway trip today yielded 24.6 mpg with the cruise control set 4 mph over the limit. rides smooth, seats are comfy, and you can beat Lexus LX 470s and GX 470s all day long, as there are no external V8 identification badges.

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  Love/hate relationship - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tcup - June 6 - 7:05 pm

  I bought my LS right off the lot, brand new. I loved it, handled great, felt comfortable, felt expensive. At 50000 miles everything went downhill. The fan clutch went out, factory defect, known by GM. I had to replace it twice. AT 60000 miles the shifter would stick and not move, found a broken wire under the console. The fuel pump started spewing gas, after I repaired it, GM sent a letter with an offer to replace it--too late for me. Gas mileage was perfectly awful, I live on a mountain, it took a quarter tank of gas to down then up. The older the car got the worse it became.

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  Going Strong - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lancer66 - June 5 - 3:24 pm

  My Trailblazer has reached 44000 trouble free miles. The only thing I have had to do is to put rear brakes on about 3 months ago. The fronts were still good so the dealership said I could wait a while on those. Original tires are still in good shape as well. This is actually my second TB. This one was a bit fancier than the first one and has the 4x4, step bars, mud flaps, etc. I have driven this vehicle across country several times as well as towed my trailer with it. It performs well, is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Over-all I am pleased with the performance and reliability that this truck has provided. I would buy another one but I have heard GM is phasing this model out.

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  Super Sport Heaven - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By LuvmySuperSport - May 31 - 11:21 am

  Just brought home my ss last week. Wow, what a truck! I am a bit of a motorhead for being a girl, but this truck is the bomb! The power, handling, suspension, ride, the list is so long. I love my super sport. Not since my 1972 chevelle have I loved to get behind the wheel and just drive. It is awe inspiring. I love the black on black and will be detailing her and enjoying every minute. Beautiful and eye catching. Thank you.