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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Good Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By good truck - May 1 - 6:46 amGood SUV. Not too big, not too small. The EXT has room for my family of 5 and our stuff. Fold down seats leave plenty of space to haul things. The 4.2L engine is great. Lots of power. Have had lots of brake problems, and what I suspect may be a transmission problem at around 60,000. The LT package is great.
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A Wonderful Blend - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tjl - April 30 - 5:35 pmMy 2008 TrailBlazer SS AWD is the first performance truck I have owned. In the past I have had BMWs. Z Cars, etc. as my performance rides and a Blazer as my truck. I read a lot of reviews and on-line postings about the TB SS. I took one for an extended test drive and I was hooked. No car I have ever seen does everything well. The truly great cars are a balance of features and the Trailblazer SS is a great ride. Chevy has not just jammed a Corvette engine in a SUV. They have paid attention to all the details such as handling, comfort, looks, build quality, and did I say performance? They have tweaked everything. You will forget that you are in an SUV. The SS is a true joy to drive.
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TrailBlazer 2005 review - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By phillip anteski - April 29 - 7:16 pmI bought this TrailBlazer with 17,850 miles. I test drove quite a few SUVs this had the best ride. Chevy has a winner with this one. This is my first suv me and my son love it. Buy it you wont be sorry.
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2005 Chevy Trailblazer LT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Casper - April 29 - 11:50 amThe car is quite nice to drive. Very easy to use especially with the steering wheel controls. I plan on taking it for a long trip this May so that should be interesting. Pretty quick at least faster than my Mazda. Very good car for a small family.
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Never again - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Layn Hayes - April 29 - 7:09 amI purchased my TrailBlazer used, it drives and looks great, lots of wind noise until I put on wind deflectors from wal-mart to keep the rain off the door electronics. I had serious noise in 4wd and was told it was from dry pavement.now the front def. has to be replaced and GM has offered 25% of a $5,000 bill that can be done elsewhere for $2,000 a 12 labour charge because of a very poor design. I have had to replace the rotors and pads, tie-rod ends at 60,000K. The seat skirts have to be repaired. Kept loosing antifreeze, GM replaced the Head gasket to stop the leak. No wonder GM is a sinking ship. Tires need to be replaced now at 70,000K.
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Best suv out there - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By kingpinokc - April 28 - 2:00 amThere is no other suv in its class that has the horsepower and fun to drive feature. When I first brought my wife thought it would be hard for her to drive since all she every had was small cars. She would not trade it in for the world. Also she came from a ford family and I have comverted her. HA HA HA
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Major Gas Hog - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By bsm2dogs - April 27 - 11:59 amI didnt care about the poor fuel mileage of this hog at the time of purchase, but boy is it bad now that fuel is $3.50 a gallon! The navigation system is also a joke. You cant use it without the disk which by the way cost $500+ and it is outdated. Want updates?, Buy a new disk at the $500+ price. In my opinion, there are much better choices out there then this vehicle - Dont waste your money on it.
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Last GM Ever in my life - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Baz - April 26 - 12:51 amI was forced to purchase this vehicle due to company policy. It is the poorest built vehicle I have every bought & The transfer case failed at 60700 km. (700 km past any warranty coverage) GM laughed at me when i suggested they should fix it for free. I would recommend buying anything but a Trailblazer. At 65000 km this thing is falling apart.
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What do you think? - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Danielle - April 24 - 1:33 pmI just bought the TrailBlazer and I think I like it. I am not sure about the gas mileage. I think it could do a lot better, but it rides like a Caddy and I like that. But so far so good!
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Big fun with a price - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By drwooly - April 23 - 7:59 pmCourse I got this before the current gas problems, but I dont care! With the 6.0L engine, this is a blast to drive. Feels very solid better than my last 2004 Silverado Crew Cab. AWD really feels good. Mileage is worse than expected, but not horrible. (The same as my Silverados 5.3L engine) Road/Street combined around 14-15 mpg. Have found 1.5 mpg difference between 55mph, and 65mph. Build quality vey,very good. No problems, 4,00 mi. into it. Just a good, less expensive Corvette, with a big trunk!
