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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Fun! - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Golf26guy - May 19 - 11:27 pm

  I was going to buy a Corvette, and have a second vehicle for a daily driver. That was all until I drove my 3/SS TrailBlazer. I have driven many rental car regular TrailBlazers, and the difference is amazing. You wouldnt think youre in the same manufacturers vehicle. Word of advice, if you buy one, do not put a straight pipe on it, way way too loud. Gas mileage stinks, but its a 6.0 V8. Its very fun to drive on the twisties, but not as fast as I initially thought. Cant beat a Mustang GT, or a Z28, however it does accelerate hard, and shifts very hard - I really like that part. Beat a 350Z, and any other SUV with the exception of the Jeep Grand Chrokee SRT8, and Cayenne Turbo. Overall, I absolutely LOVE it! Cant complain.

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  High-Tech ... But Still Some Retro! - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By tknrg - May 19 - 5:19 pm

  The "TBSS Experience" is as close as youre going to come today to getting a true sense of the good old glory days of the historic "Chevy SS" muscle cars of the 60s and early 70s! This vehicle not only recreates the feeling of the "SS power cruisers" of the past - - but it has handling, ride, comfort, and convenience features that go well beyond most vehicles (car, SUV, or truck) on the road today, especially in its price-range. This is an all- around, truly fine, American-made, limited production vehicle! Pretty spectacular all-around!

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By michigan - May 13 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven a lot of SUVs and this is the worst by far. Rides like a truck, the trim/seal on the doors is already falling off. Too small inside, horrid cup holders. Doesnt feel like it holds the ground well. Drinks gasoline like plants drink water. HATE IT. Would love to get rid of it.

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  2nd TrailBlazer - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chevy buyer - May 10 - 3:34 pm

  This is my second TrailBlazer to purchase. The first one I had for four years with vitually no mechanical problems. I love the 2008 and the cosmetic changes to the front and rear end and the wheels! Great black leather interior, sun roof and 6 disc cd. It is really fun to drive and looks good. OnStar is a nice security feature too

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  BEST MID SIZE SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailblazer154 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this suv for a while now, and with 15,000 miles it has been a great car. You will have no problems beating anybody at an intersection, this suv keeps up w/ audis and bmws! Everything is perfect on it, best suv for the money ever!!!

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  Put it through hell - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Big D - May 10 - 12:28 am

  Have had very little problems with my TrailBlazer. I do a lot of towing, 3500lb. boat and 5000lb. travel trailer. I take it out to the woods all the time. Have recently had to replace the water pump. Still using the original brakes and only on my third set of tires. Not having any of the problems with stereo and so forth that other reviewers are discussing. I put my Trailblazer thru hell and have loved every minute of it.

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  Nice SUV - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Joe - May 7 - 11:51 am

  We traded in a 2005 Saturn Vue because of our growing family. It is more comfortable, quieter, than the Vue. The Vue was much faster due to the Honda V6 that it had, and it was better on gas. For being rwd, the TrailBlazer did great in the snowy season we had in Detroit Michigan. We never got stuck, or slid off the road. We average 15mpg in the city, and 20mpg on the high way.

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  Great all-around vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jc - May 6 - 4:45 pm

  Its been a great car for towing utility trailer, but just ok for 4000 lb boat. Had a great time on 4wd trails in co. Great family vacation mobile too!

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  Inline 6 - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By KeithAH - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about this truck EXCEPT the poor fuel mileage. I get about 16 mpg average. This is running about 1/2 city streets and 1/2 freeway. On long trips, the mileage increases to 18.5 mpg. So city driving mileage is really poor. The inline 6 power band really comes on (and is felt) at 4000 rpm! It cruises down the freeway (at 70 mph) at 2200 rpm!! The power is only usefull when REALLY getting on it. So normal driving is out of the power band. Less horse=bad economy. I think that if I was buying another, I would get the V-8. The mileage would be better and there would be more low end horse power.

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  Think twice before buying - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ambivalent Trailblzr - May 2 - 6:21 pm

  My wife always wanted one so when they were cheap in 2005, I finally agreed, even though I knew deep down it would be a mistake to buy another truck. It drinks up gas like theres no tomorrow. Resale value is poor. Other than that, it looks nice, it drives nice, it has plenty of power, lots of cargo space with seats down. Its good at what it does. Weve had problems with steering - fixed under warranty. I wish we leased it rather than bought it so we could be done with it. 12-13 mpg around town on a really good day. 10-11 is typical. On the hwy 18-20. We had a 95 Suburban that got the same mileage. Think twice before you buy!