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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 Dss21 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome SUV. Very fun to drive and tons of power. The gas mileage is ok average of 15mpg. I had to have the vehickle serviced at 120 miles for the pass lock security system went out and I was unable to start the car. had that fixed and hasnt been a problem since.

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  Fun SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By perkis - November 11 - 11:39 pm

  Bought my TrailBlazer used with roughly 45k miles on it, have put 40k on it so far and love it, replaced the tires with some aggressive all terrain tires and performs well in snow and light mud. Havent had any problems with it except for maintenance which is to be expected. 4.2 liter engine is a real work horse, regularly pulling a 5800 lbs boat and still getting 15mpg on the expressway. Somethings could be improved but every car/truck could be. Interior is a bit plain compared to other suvs. But I would take reliability and performance over looks any day. I would gladly buy another and intend to. To the people who complain about the gas mileage, when you bought it the sticker said the gas mileage

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  Third SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By 2bearsmom - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Dealer was great, better then the local Ford dealer when we looked at the explorer. So far so good

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  Trailblazer review - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailblazer ext - November 5 - 5:43 pm

  I love everything about the car, except I was misled by the dealer about the gas mileage. I do not understand why I get the same gas mileage on this car as I did on the Suburban which I traded in . (about 15.5 and that is almost 100% highway driving) This car is so much lighter. If GM could get the gas mileage right, maybe 25+ mpg, they wouldnt have to practically be giving the cars away.

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  Dont Waste Your Hard Earned Money - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By smokiesmum - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Not only have I had this car in for service at least 10 times, I lost a ton of money in its resale value. The build quality is terrible, half the problems I have had were deemed as "could not duplicate" by the dealership and went unfixed. Now, I am trying to unload this hunk of junk and getting hosed by the resale. This is the fourth Chevy in a row I have owned that has NOT performed well, you would think I would have learned my lesson by now.... Dont make the same mistake I made!!!

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  Surprised by the Quality - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By nmorgan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our TB in Feb, 2002, and we have enjoyed it ever since. The engine is more powerful than most V- 8s, the styling is excellent, and it has been very reliable. The gas mileage borders around 20-22, which is just average in my opinion. Overall, it is a wonderful automobile.

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  The best mid size SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Choon Lee - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Suburban Z71 last year and needed a smaller SUV. Compared with Honda Pilot, but this LTZ was far better in performance, value, quality, reliability, and incentives.

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  One Tough SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Lancelot - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the design and handling characteristics. Has many useful features and is solidly built. Interior is equal to or better than most of the SUVs I drove. Controls are easy to access and it rides great for a truck. On Star is a must for the safety conscious. Looks much better than the the crossover stationwagons. Looks like a true SUV.

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  Good Gas Mileage - 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Randy - October 25 - 11:07 pm

  The window sticker said 14 city, 24 hwy. I have the 6cyl 4.2 engine and getting 20 around town and 25 hwy. I do not understand why they are advertise at 20 mpg highway? I like the performance and quality. It is a medium SUV with a lot of room inside and fits in my garage perfect. The ride is very smooth for an SUV

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  Vibration between 58-60 MPH - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MikeS - October 25 - 2:00 am

  As described in Liz and NewOwners comments regarding the vibration around 60 mph, I have the exact same problem and have brought this problem to the attention of the selling dealership more than a few times. Although the service department was extremely friendly and sympathetic, diagnostics could not reveal the source of the problem nor any solution from GMC that would correct the problem. They mentioned that the problem could be anything from the engine to the transfer casing. The dealership said that GMC was aware of this problem and may be able to correct it via reprogramming of the vehicles computer. If I hear of any correction, Ill post here again.