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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Never Again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JW - June 24 - 6:46 am

  Bought used with 30,000 miles, good looking vehicle. have had numerous problems. 4 wheel drive went out so did read end. Also dual climate doesnt work and has been fixed 3 times. Terrible wind noise, washer fluid quits working has been repaired 4 times. Very hard on tires as well will now get good mileage no matter how many times you rotate them. Terrible fuel mileage as expected. Parts are very expensive as alternator costs over $200. Oil is difficult to change with the cover plate and design. Make sure you change tranny fluid or you will have that to deal with. Overall a good looking vehicle but probably the last Chevy I will ever own unless I buy a Corvette.

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  Chucks 03 LTZ Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chuck Novak - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on 7/26/2003 & it really surprised me at the quality of ride & handling. The 4 valve per cylinder, 10:1 compression ratio gives this 4.2 litre a whopping 275 horsepower, not bad at all for a straight 6, & performs quite well considering the 4,616 lbs. that it is pulling. You can run 87 octane fuel, but I use 93 octane due to the compression & there is more performance & better gas mileage too. The only one thing I wished was that GM made the 5.3 litre V-8 available in the non extended models. I do love performance!

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  Trailblazer is very good choice - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By kwillaf878 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Handles very well.Plenty of power, especially to pass or merge in heavy traffic. Quiet smooth ride that is very enjoyable. Altogether fun to drive.

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  Love My Trailblazer - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Red1 - June 19 - 3:01 pm

  I traded my 05 Equinox for my 08 Trailblazer. It has great pick up and a very comfortable ride.I like the interior styling. The controls are all easy to use. The steering wheel controls were a little confusing at first but I got the hang of it. My 3LT has a lot of nice features, sunroof, Bose Radio w/6 cd changer, blk leather seats with warmers (needed for Chicago winters), recall seating using key remotes. The list goes on. Gas mileage same as Equinox more or less. Right now I am averaging 17.3 in the city (must be the lack of summer traffic).

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  A wonderful choice - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By AbsolutLiz - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Trailblazer a month ago after much research and contemplation on just the right new car. My husband and I chose the trailblazer both for its looks as well as its reliability and quality in performance. I have not regretted our choice even once. I feel much safer in my trailblazer and enjoy every moment in it!I recommend the Trailblazer without any qualms.

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  Im lovin it - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Luvin my ride!! - June 15 - 9:36 pm

  I got my Trailblazer for my 25th birthday from my wife because I was a little jealous of her Envoy she had purchased from 2002! I love the way it handles and when you floor it it moves! Gas mileage could be much better. I get 16mpg in mixed driving. I drive about 34 miles a day, and we go vacationing a lot down south, so I drive alot!

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  Rugged, Excellent Towing - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By GalTx - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third chevy vehicle and by far the 2002 Trailblazer is the best yet. Excellent power, towing, service, ride. We just got back from a 4,300 mile trip and we averaged 21.3 miles per gallon. Not bad for having 2 kayaks on top. The new 4.2 liter is exremely powerful.

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  Family - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By w. duck - June 14 - 12:40 am

  Good response. good ride, good handling. Its easy to park, and quiet on the road at highway speeds. Its easy to service, affords good visibility of traffic, and has excellent stopping power.

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  Better Quality - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jerry - June 13 - 9:34 pm

  Have had TrailBlazer for almost 2 years. Have had it in the shop 3 times and is heading back for service 4 wheel drive light is on and I have not used the 4 wheel drive for 3 months. The interior is pretty cheap and the middle arm rest is squeaky when you rest your arm on it. The mpgs I get are about 16/17. When you fill up, gas always spills out at the end. Have always bought GM vehicles and this will be the last one I buy.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Likeit - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV doesnt have the same impulse as my Jeep Sport but it could be that Im still getting used to it. It didnt come with the windows tinted so I did that right away. It is easy and so far very good. It is not, however, inexpensive when it comes to gas mileage.