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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Piece of junk! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By juliep83 - April 21 - 2:57 pmI have had my 05 trailblazer for almost 2 years and nothing but problems! Aside from all the mechanical problems, the wind noise around the Windows is terrible, gas mileage is less than the sticker says, interior is made very cheap, inside of the rear doors are rusting, rear wiper hinge has broke many times, tires wear unevenly. Ive always had a Chevy but never again! My advice is dont but a trailblazer! Oh and their trade in value is terrible!
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Recommended - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Recommended - April 20 - 6:06 pmExcellent overall vehicle. I drive fairly gently, obey speed limits, and use cruise control. 22.5 mpg hwy and 17.5 mpg city. When wanted, great power from the inline 6 cyl (275 hp). Fantastic brakes! Super-tight turning radius... Made driving/parking in chicago a breeze. I bought used with 7k mi 3/06 now has 39.5k mi... Absolutely no problems. 4wd works well... several excursions beach driving at Outer Banks, NC without problems (deflate tires to 15-20psi). I suggest changing OEM tires from Goodyears. I installed Michelin LTX tires and handling, ride, and offroad greatly improved! Outstanding everyday vehicle, in my opinion.
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Only one problem here. - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Brian - April 3 - 4:54 pmI havent owned a Chevy since the 80s and this car is my first SUV. I love everything about this car. Comfortable for me 64" with good leg and head room, excellent acceleration, quality interior, stylish exterior. Low road noise, and after 15,000 miles in 15 months no mechanical problems. I like the roominess and the cargo space. My only beef about this car is the lousy gas mileage. The rating says 15city/20hwy but I get about 14 MPG anywhere I go.
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Great vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By scott in ct - April 1 - 10:09 pmI have owned my TrailBlazer for a few months now and have had no problems to this day. The vehicle is great on trips and in the snow. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.
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Awesome! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Deb - March 27 - 12:50 pmI am from the UK so I had to find a car that was all in 1. Having never driven in snow I needed a good stable 4WD. This SUV is outstanding in all aspects. I am realy pleased I bought this car so I am totally recommending it to everyone that is thinking about buying one.
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Fast - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Midnight - March 24 - 5:24 pmThe wife wanted a hybrid, but nothing caught my except the TBSS. It has a mean muscular stance. We bought one in Red Jewel Tintcoat. Just a beautiful color. It is fast, roomy, and handles real well. I like big trucks. Im a big guy, and even though the HHR was better on gas, this works the best for us. My wife drives it to and from the train station and we use it on weekends. If I had to drive this to my work every day, 80 miles roundtrip, I wouldnt buy it because the gas would kill us. This is one awesome vehicle and is a lot fun to drive.
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Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jjohnson - March 23 - 2:00 amLove this vehicle, dont care at all for the dealer.
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Nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Mark - March 21 - 2:40 pmVery nice ride! Interior is very light, but comfortable. It rides like a bigger suv but handles like a small one. I have been very happy with the comfort, but wish I would have gotten a lighter color. Black is horrible to keep clean
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Excellent SUV-I love it - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Miguel - March 19 - 6:40 pmI like the style and the acceleration this SUV provides when pushed. The leather interior is superb!
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Great but... - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By RW - March 17 - 2:14 amI love the look of this SUV. Pros: love the heated seats, sunroof, stereo, tons of leg room in the front and the back. Cons: the 4 wheel drive is horrible. Not enough traction. The seats are not deep enough. I feel like Im going to slide off every time I brake (and no... Im not a big person).
