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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  The FACTS! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Seabird - March 4 - 10:00 am

  So far shes treated me right. She runs good and handles great. The engine may have 270 horses, but she lacks low end torque and it leaves her feeling sluggish off the start. Once shes up in speed the horses come alive!

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  The Comfort of a Luxury Vehicle - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sailingsoon - March 2 - 8:49 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new for $18K when GM was offering great rebates- what a bargain! In 2003 we purchased a TB for my daughter and were impressed by the ride and ease of parking and handling. The reliability of her TB was OK, but not stellar. In 90,000 miles she had to have the fan clutch replaced, a passenger side power window replaced at her cost and had some initial warranty problems with door seals and taillights. I read where GM later changed the type of fan clutch and solved that problem.

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  Bought it to Tow Travel Trailer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mjwencl - February 27 - 2:00 am

  My Trailblazer LT has had no problems what so ever and I have 10,800 miles on it thus far. I chose this vehicle over the full sized rigs because of the I6 engine. This engine has a wide torque band and a 275 ft/lb of torque. I ordered mine with the 4.10 ratio rear axle to give me 6200 lbs. of towing capacity. The I6 engine is very smooth running and fun to drive.

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  No room it the back - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kaye - February 25 - 10:43 am

  This has always been a dream vehicle until we bought it. The vehicle is very comfortable except the backseat which is very uncomfortable and no room. There is no extras it is only basic inside.

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  2002 Trailblazer gets rated ! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Cmcjay - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Although the vehicle is a recent purchase for us, we seem to like it quite a bit. We did however, have a problem with the way they tie in the optioin packages. For instance, we wanted the sunroof but not the Onstar. They came as a package. We were unable to get the sunroof without having to pay the extra $965.00 for Onstar. Seems like a conspiracy.

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  Not sure I want another Chevrolet - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By cottonqueen - February 24 - 2:26 pm

  After owning a 2002 TrailBlazer, decided to get a new one. Boy was that a mistake. I loved it for the first 2 1/2 months. Then the stabilization light came on, got it fixed then check engine light came on. The nightmare begins, took in 12/27/08 and as of this date 2/24/09 I still have not gotten it fixed. They cannot get a torque converter. They say that is my problem. If they cannot get that part, what is to say they can get any other part that breaks! I am begining to hate Chevy. Paying for something, I cannot drive!

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  GREAT FAMILY CAR - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MEGAROO - February 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR I THINK IS THE BEST FAMILY CAR. YOU CAN FIT KIDS IN THERE EASLIY ALONG WITH ALL OF THE FAMILY BELONGINGS WITHOUT FEELING CRAMPT IN SIDE. I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS CAR TO EVERYONE!!!

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  Bang for your Buck - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By p819b - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a great SUV. Everything you hear about the handling is somewhat true. After all, this is a SUV and not a sports car. As for the Fuel economy I think it does fairly well. I am averaging about 18 to 19 mpg and that is in mixed driving. That is better then most SUVs with the same horsepower and torque. So far the things that have got to me about this truck are the Cup holders and the Floor storage compartment. Cup holders are in a bad place for the A/C controls. The Storage Compartment Tab broke the first day. Those are two minor things that I can over look for the value I got in return.

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  Most Underrated SUV On The Market - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mel Turner - February 13 - 10:59 pm

  I purchased my 2005 TB, LS 4x4 in Jan 2007 with 97,000 miles. I paid $11,000. High mileage doesnt scare me. As long as you perform scheduled maintenance, todays engines are engineered to last 500,0000 miles or more. I installed DVD system, I put Continental tires on and had 100,000 service: tune-up, coolant and all fluids changed, all filters and engine belts changed. At 130,000 miles, my SUV runs like it just left the showroom floor. The most dependable car Ive ever driven, including Toyota. I get excellent gas mileage for an SUV with a 6 cylinder truck engine. 4x4 extremey sure footed in inclement weather. I love my TrailBlazer.

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  A few flaws, but great overall - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Slowpoke - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The Trailblazer has plenty of power on hand, a surprisingly small turning radius, and great gas mileage for a vehicle as heavy as this and with this much horsepower (average 16 city, 21 hwy). Ive had two problems with it though: 1) the gauges have quit working twice (after the vehicle rests for about an hour, the gauges will begin to work again), 2) the air conditioning quit working once (again, after the vehicle rested for about an hour, the AC started to work again). Also, Ive noticed some vibration-noises in the rear suspension. Besides those issues, Ive thoroughly enjoyed this vehicle, especially on long road trips.