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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  2004 Trailblazer rear seats - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bill - May 10 - 7:14 pm

  Really like the Trailblazer. Fun to drive. Never had an issue - mechanically... Can pull/trailer but uses some gas. Had an S-10 Blazer and wanted to "upgrade." Liked the S-10 Blazers gas mileage better even when towing... Back seats on the Trailblazer only lay down if you pull fronts seats all the way up... S-10 didnt have to adjust the front seats... Should have kept the s-10 blazer... if you find one, get it... Trailblazer? Dime a dozen. Find one with low miles - youll be happy. Plenty of storage room in the back - its an suv.

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  Traiblazer EXt review - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By burakceylan - May 10 - 2:00 am

  The EXT is amazing, way more space than the Explorer or Durango, better fuel economy than both, with more torque and horsepower. The third row of seats have alot of leg room, and are elevated a little higher than the other seats. Nice quiet ride, smmoth; get the BOSE sound system (optional) This vehicle rides so well you get addicted. It also feels so comfy. Looks slicker and classier than the other SUVs in this class. Lovin it! the 4.2 V-6? Much quieter than GMs other 4.3 V-6. LOTs of power...275 horse, 275 torque!

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  Trailblazer LT EXT - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By subnavychief - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful SUV, Got it for $100 over invoice. Rough Buying experiance, dealing with the dealer. Drives great! A lot more standard than Ford SUVs

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  Trailblazer 2005 LS 4WD - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chevyman - May 8 - 10:26 pm

  Hold on to your horses on this one. Owned chevy products in the past and this one should be buried with the design. Reconsider this one folks, not bad under 36K but be prepared for costly repairs after warranty is out. Chevy with the 4.2 is noted for numerous electrical problems (Fuel sending units) bad connections and less than favorable gas mileage. Purchased new and currently average 11- 14mpg highway and have done all service inspections and it still has cost me over four thousand in repairs. Interior very cheaply assembled GM could have done a better job!! Think twice or even three times before you invest in this model and be prepared for repairs.

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  Love my TrailBlazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By FFHEAP - May 5 - 4:57 pm

  After a long search, purchased the 2004 TrailBlazer for its carring capacity and its towing capacity. Very comfortable to drive on city streets and highway. It tends to be very noisy when driven fast. Very good value if maintenance is kept up.

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  Loaded and Loving It! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Cashola - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Trailblazer is everything we were looking for in an SUV with the comfort of a sedan. The inline 6 cylinder engine has more than sufficient power even with the added weight of the EXT model. Every option you can imagine and still a relative bargain. A wonderful vehicle for the daily commute as well as weekend camping and boating trips!

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  Worst Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By David Binder - April 24 - 7:17 am

  The stabilitrack light comes on and the dealers can not find a problem. The vehicle once would not move when that light came on. We finally used Onstar to capture the error code but the dealerships we took it to could not identify the problem. The windows are slow to go up and are noisy.

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  I love it - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TY L. - April 21 - 1:43 pm

  I love it. Drives awesome, looks even better. Theres not a lot of them around where i live so its awesome being next to the tuner guys and give em hell. The ride is very smooth. Everything is straight forward. Fuel economy is something everyone seems to have an CON for but what do you expect out of an SUV with a corvette engine in it. Id recommend anyone that needs the room of the SUV but the fun of a sports car to buy it and never look back.

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  Needs a recall notice - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By darrell - April 19 - 1:39 pm

  Ever since Ive had the vehicle I have had nothing but problems. The traction control light come on all the time and the check engine light. Ive had it tested for the traction control lights and they said the computer chip needed reset and they did that. However, the lights still come on all the time. Now we are experiencing a very bad miss in the engine and it wont hardly run. I will never own another Chevrolet because Ive had nothing but trouble ever since Ive purchased this vehicle.

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  Nice but could be better - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By john d. - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The first six months were ok, after that we started having trouble with 4way falshers coming on when you put on turn signal, still doing after 2years, have had in back to garage 3 times for transmission problem, it acts like it is slipping you step on the gas and the engine rpm goes way up but you do not go anywhere. Alot of wind noise.