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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Amazing - 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By wallen - May 29 - 12:14 amI have had my tb SS for about 4 months now and am loving every moment. I was a little skeptical at first b/c the SS has been out for almost 4 years now and hasnt had all the new GM updates, but the engine makes it well worth it. The symphonic sound of the engine when the car is floored is just amazing. Fuel economy stinks, but hey, dont buy the car if that is what you are looking for. Also great because you get all the power, and the space. And not to mention, its an eye catcher. 20" really make the car. They really pop on the dark red. If you want the vehicle, find one and buy it b/c they are discontinued after this year
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My first year review - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By svegliando - May 28 - 10:00 amIve owned the LTZ for a year now and have been pretty happy with it. Ive experienced a few minor problems (transfer case mysteriously shifting on its own, power windows that do not reset), but the vehicle has been reliable. My only complaint would be in build quality. Seams do not appear even and when driving off road. When driving off road (forest roads) the body does not feel tight over bumps. But having own two GMC Jimmys before this, it was expected.
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Like it more than I thought I would! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rdg81 - May 24 - 2:00 amWe bought our Trailblazer used in December 2003 with @16,500 miles on it. Its loaded with all the toys, leather, etc. So far Ive enjoyed this car even more than I thought I would. Hard to beat on long trips with the kids. Plenty of room, smooth ride. Not great gas mileage around town, but can get @20 miles per gallon on highway.
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Handling - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jim Winchell - May 22 - 8:28 pmChange the shocks, they come with street car shocks. When I bought my 04 it did not handle will, Brian the service manager, sent me over to a front in shop and they put on new truck style shocks for 4WD units ($500.00) man what a change, had a better ride, no more lean around corners, no rolling from side to side when changing lanes, also my CHP friend had a lager Chev SUV he also changed out the shocks, big improvement to his ride. I have 98,900 mile on mine. I would buy another one, but please tell the people at GM wake up guys and put better shocks on from the factor..
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Worried I made the wrong purchase - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Dee - May 20 - 1:25 pmI traded my 2001 Jeep in for a trailblazer, loved the handling the first time I drove it. It had 31K when I purchased it and now it has 36K. I have had to replace both front wheel bearings (which thank god I purchased the extended warranty) and the air pump system needed to be replaced. Currently since my check engine light came on due to the air pump my cruise total will not stay engaged. So back to the garage. I am now starting to feel a slip in the transmission. There is also barely any room up front and the wind noise in the doors and windows are annoying. Wished I read these reviews first. I would of stayed with Jeep or Toyota.
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Speedometer Failure - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By btowne - May 18 - 12:30 pmI am happy with the Trailblazer, its wonderful for road trips even though gas mileage is an issue. My complaint is the instrument panel failure at 45,000 miles and no help from GM or the dealership, and from what I have read on the Internet this is a common problem with this year of TBs. It will be my last GM product.
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PROBLEMS! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By 4dfmbz - May 17 - 11:43 pmMan, I thought I was gaining great bargain. We purchased my 2003 trailblazer ext LT from the local carmax for 20998. It only had about 29K miles on it. The first month it was in the shop for a problem with the engine fan that locked up. second month, brakes gas seal and brake lights went out had to be entirely repalced, third month, the RPM gauge stopped moving, got a quote of 400 to fix, not to mention the door mechanism began scraping, an extra shove is required to get out of the driver side. Trading in ASAP! I guess you get what you pay for.
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engine problems - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jcameron - May 15 - 10:17 amI currently have 23,000 miles on my 2006 trailblazer. My check engine light came on, and they said it was misfiring in the cylinders. They replaced one, but that didnt fix it. Gm told them to replace the whole head and gaskets. They billed gm for over $6,000 warranty work, and now the light is on again. They are saying it is a parts problem, but they have to order the same part again to put back in it..$6,000 more dollars. My warranty is up in 2 more months, and I am trading this vehicle. My cousin has one also, and has problems. The service manager told me that it was a problem with the in line 6 engine in this vehicle.
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Just bought a new car - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By trsweeney - May 15 - 2:00 amBought a new trailblazer and within a day the locks on the drivers door broke and the steering rack blew out, It looked great on the back of the tow truck though. I hope its a fluke but my confidence is shot!
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Great Ride - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Maryellen - May 13 - 8:53 amIm a Chevy buyer. Started with a Cavalier 25 years ago, and worked my way up to the Trail Blazer. I love it. Its stylish and reliable. It still looks brand new, and rides as smooth as the day I purchased it.
