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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:

• 

  Very economical - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sas - January 18 - 10:42 pm

  I really like the vehicle and its very comfortable. When my spouse and daughter get into the car they love to fall asleep because the leather seating is so comfortable. My coworkers do the same thing. I do not like that the battery drains quickly when I leave the vehicle sitting in the parking lot over 3 days.

• 

  LuvMyLT - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mstr2u - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a little less than a year now, and have taken it on several trips from Georgia to Maine. What an awesome truck! Ride is smooth, horsepower rocks, and gas mileage (highway) is great. I have had two problems: A/C pressure switch died after a month (quickly repaired; no further problems), and DS window motor quit (also fixed expeditiously). Only thing I wish I had is the auto-adjusting drivers seat. With a teenager learning to drive, its a pain to readjust the power seats. Loved my 97 Silverado, and foresee a long, enjoyable relationship with this one as well!

• 

  love it - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By stevec - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought TrailBlazer LT in Feb.2002. Love the vehicle. I get 18.3 mpg with air on. My wife bought a 2002 Lexus, she drives mine more, really likes the Onstar phone for hands free.

• 

  4 year owner - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By wbertacchini - January 9 - 11:04 am

  We have had our TB for 4 years and have had very little wrong with it. Some issues in the beginning, but has been great since (knock on wood). We average 17 in the city and 21+ on the highway. For a big 4x4 with a big interior it is a great buy. We plan on driving it till it stops.

• 

  Love my TrailBlazer! - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By New chevyowner - January 6 - 1:36 pm

  After being a 25 year Ford customer and having a dismal experience with my last Explorer, I decided to make the switch to a Chevy. Wow what a difference, I should have done it years ago. The TrailBlazer is as beautiful as the Explorer, with a much smoother ride. I cant feel every little crack in the road like with the Explorer, the transmission is superb with none of the problems I experienced from day one with the horrible Explorer transmission (so far, I havent had it long). Chevy offers the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty which tells me that they put alot of confidence in their product.

• 

  Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By kandb09 - January 5 - 4:00 pm

  I love my TrailBlazer! I upgraded from a 2000 Grand Am which was falling apart. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it and I have no problems with it. We got a really good deal on it because it has some hail damage but I can deal with that because it pretty much paid for itself! As for gas I was only getting 26mpg with my Grand AM out of town and Im getting 24-25 with my TrailerBlazer so I cant complain.

• 

  Best Buy I Made - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Y Michaud - January 5 - 10:06 am

  I really enjoy driving my Trailblazer and recommend it for everyone. This was my first winter with it and I felt really safe. I do a lot of towing in the winter with my snowmobiles and had no problems.

• 

  Favorite SUV So Far - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bobkat38 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve been thrilled with everything but the gas mileage. We traded in a 2000 2 dr. Blazer LS with a six cylinder engine, and this larger car handles much better than that one did. It has that right on the road "small" car handling feel despite its size and truck status. I doubt well trade this one in, its a keeper.

• 

  Get a Gold one! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bdr - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my Trailblazer! I have driven Tahoes for the last 9 years, and the Trailblazer compares nicely. The ride is smooth - and as with most SUVs the gas mileage could be better. The console is a bit small - especially if you carry "drinkers". The middle cup holder is the only one that is practical. The rear seats fold down with ease - and the cargo space is great! This is a great vehicle!

• 

  Rewarding to drive - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By cristios - January 4 - 10:03 pm

  My 08 TrailBlazer SS is a truly enjoyable ride. Porsche people will hate this but the car this reminds me most of is the 97 911C2S I drove for a while. Looking over the stubby hood and praying that there is enough traction to make it around the corner makes for fun- if not especially confidence inspiring- driving. There is however a lot of traction and brakes to go with the power of the LS2.