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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Great SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By albertls - February 13 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Great performer, good looking style. Has performed everywhere as expected

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  Tons of fun! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mike S - February 8 - 9:47 pm

  Ok, go out there and try to find something like this for the money, good luck! This is a very fast truck, accelerates, sounds, handles and drives like a sports car. I bought it used, 13k miles, one owner, fully loaded, paid 24k, could not be happier. Drive as a company car, need all the room to put all my stuff, puts a big smile in my face every time I press the gas pedal. OK gas mileage stinks, what can you expect? 6.0 liters, 395HP/405Lb torque (you will feel them) you need a lot of gas to put out those numbers, I get 13MPG average, which is comparable to a lot of V8 trucks out there. If it snows where you are get AWD and get grippier tires than the OEM Goodyears

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  An Excellent Affordable SUV! - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kansas Sunflower - February 8 - 9:15 pm

  Since buying this vehicle I have driven it in town, on highways, in mud, in sand, in snow, and some on ice. Much of the driving has been a combination of city and highway, but it has been on one trip of about 2000 miles. The performance has been great and the overall mileage has been better than I expected. Most city driving yields about 15-16mpg and most highway driving has yielded 19-20 mpg. However, during the 2000 mile trip the TrailBlazer (6 cylinder) got 23 mpg at times with an overall average of 21 mpg for the trp. This is a very comfortable vehicle to drive and to ride as a passenger. It has not given me any problems so far.

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  love my LTZ - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By love my LTZ - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This was the best 36000 I ever spent. COmpared to the price and comfort of the Mercedes ML 320 that I looked at before buying this, the Trail BLazer blows it away. It rides like a car and has many features for a family, (dual radio and climate controls). The only problems encountered were with the electronics. The seat would not move into position sometimes when ignition was started, and side veiw mirrors seem to have a mind of their own and not stay in set place.

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  TrailBlazer SS - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Darkhell - January 31 - 9:52 am

  The hands down best SUV I have ever driven. I have never been a fan of buying new cars until the day I drove to the dealership to test drive something fast just for the fun of it. Months went by and I couldnt get that car out of my head. Its the comfort of one of a luxury SUV, hands down best looking SUV on the market and is powered by the 400hp ls2 corvette motor. Not sure if you want one? No harm in just test driving one.

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  Pros & Cons - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By vachevyguy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Blazer for 4 years before I got my new 03 Trialblazer LT. New new Trailblazer is light years ahead of the old Blazer. However, they are really getting choosy with the option packages. Its not enough to get the basic LT package. There a lot of things I wish were included that arent

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  2005 Lemon - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By NomoreChevys - January 26 - 2:30 pm

  We bought this vehicle at 36,000 miles and at 50,000 it needed a new transmission (automatic) because of a manufacturer defect that the dealership called "dipstick intrusion". Apparently water was getting in the transmission through the dipstick. Good thing we purchased the extended warranty or we would have been out $3500. This is the most unreliable car I have ever driven for how new it is. We take it in routinely for all regular maintenance and had tranny maintenance 2 months before it crapped out. Now the heater wont work and the oil gage is registering zero with no engine light indicator and there is oil in the engine. Ill never buy a Chevy again!

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  Not a bad deal - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rebel - January 24 - 10:59 pm

  Ive had my TB for four months now, and Im pretty happy with it. I average 13-15 miles in combined city/highway driving. The car drives ok for a truck, but I feel like the handling is very rubbery (compared to my F150). Its more than OK for normal driving, though. And its spacious enough to handle all my normal cargo for weekend trips and my dog (German Sheppard) has plenty of space in the back. Its a good car, really.

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  Its a bonafide LEMON - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chas. Brown - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Brakes squeeked from the beging but dealer couldnt find the problem despite 7 trips in for repair. Transmission went out at 6,000 miles. Drivers area is cramped. GM repurchased and we bought a Tahoe, which is a 10 times better car!

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  Love It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Becky - January 20 - 5:29 pm

  Just bought this truck 2 weeks ago, so I can only speak to the reliability during that time. So far, so good. I do know the dash was replaced before I bought it, so that timebomb is taken care of. As to gas mileage, Im getting on average of 22 mpg highway and 15 city. Comparable to my F150. Love the handling. Snow and ice dont make me nervous anymore. This thing is a rock! Id buy a new one tomorrow if I could. Much better than the Explorer, and Im usually a diehard Ford freak. The stereo and DVD are just icing. Love the straight 6.