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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 is a great pick - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By CBTrailblazer - September 27 - 10:00 am

  this suv was purchased just days before a 26" snowstorm. 4 wheel drive works great! we traded in a 00 venture and dont regret it for one second. interior materials are a little on the cheap side, but exterior styling is great. love the tan interior and exterior! came with factory brush guards for under $31,000. this is our only car now since our 96 metro just died. reliability is questionable, however, metro never broke down, just many problems. the catylitic converter is what did it in. we compared the trailblazer to the toyota sequoia and found the trailblazer to be a better value.

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  best suv out there - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By smooth rider - September 27 - 10:00 am

  this is the best suv i have ever owned. i had a 97 bravada 00 jimmy but this blows it away the ride is unreal it handles like a dream.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By stephanie - September 25 - 9:05 am

  I drove Jeeps for years. I am so glad I made the switch to my TrailBlazer. I can only say great things about it! Would recomend it to anyone looking for a midsize suv! We have plenty power to tow our camper and boat. Better gas mileage than expected!

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  GMs Electrical Nighmare - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By buffalolaw - September 23 - 12:08 pm

  I drove past the vehicle on the lot for a couple of weeks. I couldnt wait to own it. Unfortunately, it has not been kind to me. Reduced engine light comes on frequently. It has been to the dealership 6 xs to get repaired for that. They replaced numerous electrical components only to tell me they are not sure what the problem is. The driver door module works when it wants to, so sometimes the door doesnt lock. The memory seat works when it wants to. Other than that, replaced suspension parts, and fuel sending unit. All of this happened from 50,000 to 90,000. Cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Noisy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By j. m. - September 10 - 1:02 pm

  I got one because I thought it looked good and it was a Chevy which made me think reliable. I have a 03 Blazer with over a hundred thousand miles no problem at all. With less than ten since I bought my 05 TrailBlazer with 30 thousand miles Ive changed the water pump, power steering went out and the windows howl at high. Speeds due to bad weather stripping around the doors. The engine does have plenty of power and it handles well.

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  SS TB Rocks! - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DCC - September 5 - 4:19 pm

  After owning 2 Corvettes but needing a truck, this is a great way to go. Gas mileage could be much better if Chevy junked the 4-speed transmission for a five or 6-speed. Other than that, its a blast to drive. This truck gets a lot of looks and is nicer looking (inside and out) than the SRT Jeep I was looking at.

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  Excellent so far! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lindsyriches - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Though I have only had this car for less than a week, I have only found one thing I dont like. The recirculate button on the AC is not the default when you turn the car on. I had a honda and it was always the default.

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  Quality Remains at GM - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jerry - August 27 - 8:19 am

  I bought leased this truck from my because we could not keep her Jeep Grand Cherokee out of the repair shop. We have had the Trailblazer almost three years and 30,000 miles without one issue. I have the straight six with plenty of power. Once towed a 7000lb trailer. Great in the snow, sorry to see it go off lease. I plan on leasing another GM product.

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  Mileage stinks - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jo - August 25 - 10:47 am

  I only have 17,500 miles on this vehicle. I get 11 mph in town and 16 mph highway. I have the v6 engine. Thought about trading it even though it is in mint condition and very well maintained. Decided that the difference in cost for a new vehicle would buy a lot of gas.

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  Wih high gas prices, these are cheap! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rick0822 - August 21 - 12:23 pm

  Have had this vehicle for about a month. I traded in my 10 year old Sunfire, and yes I miss the gas mileage, but its OK. So far it has been great, weve put roughly 1000 miles on it trouble free. We did buy an extended service contract for the length of the loan, other reviews have been subpar, so we didnt want to chance it. With gas prices so high we paid $13K, and it had a window sticker of $36K. We bought it planning to only keep it around for 3 years or so, but we might go long term. Personally, I wish we would have bought the 3rd row V8, gas mileage isnt that much worse. We just couldnt find one low mileage with an LT option package.