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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  My Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mstexas - October 21 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had my Trailblazer about a year. I bought it slightly used. Overall it has been good. Ive had a problem with the rack and pinon steering ($1000 repair) and the power door locks failing to lock the rear glass using the key fob. I feel very safe and secure as I drive and there is no wind noise. Overall, a good purchase

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  comfort and ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mogle - October 21 - 2:00 am

  love the trailblazer, had a 2002 and it was not as good as this one. the only thing I dont like is the brakes, there is a squishy feel in the pedal. I have 6100 miles and it was fine until about 5500 miles. very comfortable ride, engine responsive and great sound system. lots of cool creature comforts

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  ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ride - October 21 - 2:00 am

  In the amount of time I have owned the vehical I love they way it drives and the powwer is great.

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  Still Going Strong - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jim Zis - October 17 - 9:31 pm

  Four and a half years later, still going strong. Pick up from a stop is acceptable and very impressive acceleration in the higher RPM range. Front leather seats have very little side support during turns. Ride is smooth and confortable but road feel in the steering is lacking. In 4 1/2 years the problems have been: Right front wheel bearing went bad, replaced hub and bearing, wire harness at right headlight melted, a new pig tail was installed, memory for driver 2 with all its settings are lost then reappear the next time the vehicle is used, stopped at a traffic light, engine cuts off and the check gauges light comes on, engine will restart fine and the warning light goes off. Lots of ghosts.

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  Impressive - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Wvasko - October 11 - 4:31 pm

  Saw it, liked it, drove it, bought it. It was a great experience. The ride is smooth, acceleration good for nice sized rig and 6 cylinders. Exceptionally comfortable easy, to load groceries etc. Easy to get into and exit. Some dont like the seat belts, I do as they are lower than most and not across neck. We have been averaging 18.5 mpg. I was very impressed going over the bumps etc.

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  Love my Blazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MattK - October 10 - 1:21 pm

  I have had mine for 2 years and not 1 time in the shop. Super comfortable and fast and fits 5 very comfortably. No complaints other than gas mileage which can be expected for this engine/size car. I get about 19/20 mpg in a suburban area with a decent amount of light. I would buy again!

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  Good but not perfect - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By LouAnn - October 7 - 11:13 am

  Overall this has been a good reliable vehicle but we have has some issues along the way. The transmission dipstick rotted off near the handle (replaced under warranty) and the alternator pulley was squealing within the first year of ownership. We purchased new, but these just seem to be poor quality issues. More recently the trim at the top of the hatch froze in place (winter ice) and bent upward - nearly breaking the glass. The cheap plastic trim held up though it bent the metal brackets this is an obvious design flaw. Half the radio lights are out and its $800 to replace it. Fuel economy is ok for a big SUV(about 15mpg) and we took 4 kids to FL from MA in relative comfort last year.

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  What a car! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sherry - October 4 - 11:50 am

  I love my Trailblazer. I travel more than 45 minutes each way to work and this car makes it worth the trouble. It is loaded with so many comforts like 4WD, seating for 7, leather seating (heated), OnStar, XM radio, and much more. I bought the medium red color with gray interior and I get so many compliments! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Trailblazer could use improvement - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Skinyard - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have three kids and it is a tight fit with all of them in the 2nd row. It is difficult getting the kids in and out of the 3rd row seat. The rear seat DVD entertainment system is not the best. We constantly get a "Disc format error" or "Disc play error" and have found the DVD system is quite touchy. The sound for the DVD only comes through the wireless headphones. It would have been nice if the sound came through the speakers as well. It also would be nice to be able to control the DVD from the front seat. Gas mileage is okay (14 mpg). The third row seat is also a bit cumbersome.

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  Save Your Money !! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Decisionmaker - October 1 - 9:26 pm

  I wish I had more than 700 characters to describe. Quality is less than desirable, very cheap interior, many factory screws missing. Fuel economy is a joke along with the electrical system. If considering this vehicle there is a reason for the 36K mile warranty, dont go past it. Many small issues and if your looking for a toss away vehicle you have made the correct choice. Just some advice for inclement zones, the trailblazer for a 4x4 is horrible in the snow/ice and even more dangerous on wet roads. I purchased new and have had all warranty work done and it is still a money hog with costly repairs. Gee, I wonder why GM is in trouble with TRUCK and SUV sales.Sorry this is my last GM product.