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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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TrailBlazer Redux - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By richgimmel - January 4 - 7:14 amThis is my second TrailBlazer. My first was an 06 that I gave up without a single problem after 70,000 miles. GM was discounting the new 08 models so heavily I had to buy one. This is a very well-built vehicle. Naturally, GM decided to shut down the plant that makes them.
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A Solid Performer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By richgimmel - January 4 - 7:07 amI kept this car for three years and put 70k miles on it. Never had a single problem with anything on it. This is a very well-built vehicle. So much so, that my replacement for it was another TrailBlazer, a new 08 that GM had heavily discounted.
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Quality Built! Its About Time! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By ALHJR - January 2 - 9:09 amIve always been a Chevy fan. But after a few purchases in the 1980s and 1990s I felt the build quality had went downhill so much I was wary of buying another Chevrolet product. I am no longer wary of the Chevrolet brand. Since buying this 2007 TrailBlazer well over a year ago I have nothing but praise for it. No problems what so ever. Build quality is outstanding. The ride and handling are great. The acceleration is wonderful. Highly recomended!
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Best car ever! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mikeyy - December 29 - 1:27 amThis car is the best. i can pass anyone out in it. lots of power. very comfy seats, feels like my couch at home. radio is awesome really loud and lots of bass. ac works great. engine noise is really quite around 1,000-2,000 rpm but once you get past 3,500 rpm the beast comes out. Just a great car
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TrailBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By friedmac - December 27 - 2:00 amNice features... leather, stereo, 8 way seats, etc. Handles well, drives quietly, we are very happy.
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SUV of the year?? - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By MissouraTucky - December 27 - 2:00 amAfter months of research between the exploder and the new trailblazer ext we purchased the trailblazer in early Feb, and WOW!!! Chevy has out done themselves with this new rig. The trailblazer with the I-6 has plenty of power where it counts and rides like a dream with great handling ,and a style all of its own. I have 2 kids and a large dog and there are no problems where space is a concern. The trailblazer also preforms well off road as I still have the mud to show for last weekend!! Great job Chevy!!!
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Much better than its reviews - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Locust - December 22 - 5:12 pmThe TrailBlazer is a plain vanilla SUV, but get in and see what you get for thousands less than those that get the great reviews. It has some great features, phone, directions & emergency. A very nice ride, Bose speakers, buttery soft leather, 2 zone temp control & deep tinted windows. And a lot of room, Im a big guy at 265 & Im not squished in , the seats are large & firm with plenty of headroom.
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Good truck but lacks details - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By northern horizons - December 21 - 12:46 amI bought this vehicle new in the fall of 07 as a left over. I put about 40K miles on a truck per year. I have been impressed with the power and fuel economy of the inline 6. I have had less than stellar reviews for the fit and finish and the vehicle locks. The interior console is poorly designed. I hate the OnStar big brother thing and the original tires. I now have a passenger side window track that is broke and Im out of warranty in 13 mos. Ill probably keep this car for a long time but I get the feeling that its going to be expensive. If the American auto manufacturers are going to make it they are going to have to pay attention to details & stop worrying about gimmicks
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trailblazer04 - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By peach - December 9 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is fun to drive. Has great steering capabilities. Lots of interior room especially for a mid-size SUV.
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trailblazer pro and con - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By earnest - December 9 - 2:00 amthe car is nice but there isnt enough rom for storage up front
