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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Opps We Made A Mistake - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Salchow - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Lots of Power, great acceleration, good turning. Have not used 4x4 yet. GM should provide compass on all the TrailBlazer mirrors, not just LT. Rear area is large, spare tire is under second seat. Mats are useless. Paint chipped in first week. Drivers side mirror on visor HAS NO COVER ON IT. Be careful, it is disorienting. Have contacted GM twice and dealer, no help. Have never seen a car with the mirror uncovered whether foreign or domestic. Is a safety hazard.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dave - March 11 - 10:03 am

  We bought our TrailBlazer in 05 after owning 3 Blazers since 1995. This truck handles well, is much more comfortable, has more power and has proven to be extremely reliable. It has been to the dealer four times since we got it, all for scheduled oil changes, nothing else. This thing is loaded with great options such as dual heat controls, front and back, XM satellite radio, OnStar, heated leather seats, sunroof, and more. Mileage varies from around 15-16 in town to as high as 22 mpg on the highway. Would definitely buy another! Chevy has a winner.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ron - March 10 - 7:52 pm

  I was a first time buyer of a Toyota product and after two years traded it on a Chevy TrailBlazer, best thing Ive ever done. Great ride, plenty of power, good ride even on the long trips, good gas mileage, lots of head and leg room. Just a great fun to drive SUV. Next time I will stick with GM.

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  Our Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jim - March 9 - 9:28 am

  Purchaced for my wife. Gas mileage for this type of vehicle is not bad, she gets about 18.5 average, high 20.5 low 16.9. The ride and power for this SUV is great. We would recommend this to others comfortable, easy to see out of. Gives one a secure feeling. We tried out many different vehicles in this class and this was best in our opinion.

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  lemon - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ksav - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Radio Not Working At Delivery, Leaking Oil At 2000 Miles, Differential Seal Leaking, Repaired By Dealer, Leaking Again Next Day, Dealer Replaced Differential, 2500 miles, Heavy Banging From Front End, Stabilizer Coming Loose, Radio Went Dead Again, Air conditioning Giving Out Chemical Odor, All Repaired By Dealer, Doesnt Meet Chevrolet Criteria For Replacement with a new truck? This Is A Classic LEMON!!!

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  Not sure - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JoAnn - March 3 - 9:12 am

  Really like it so far. Just got it. Really rides good. Would like to get owners manual about it none was with it.

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  Never Again - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By NDMN - February 29 - 2:51 pm

  I have owned this car since new. The first time it was in the shop was 10 days after I bought it due to a "flapping" sound on the highway. It took 3 additional trips to determine that there were screws missing in the wheel well. The build quality on this car is terrible, it has been in the shop 30+ times for all manner of problems. Now I am looking to get a new car (Toyota) I find that my $30k SUV is worth almost nothing. GM has forever lost a customer with this vehicle.

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  I miss my Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jo - February 27 - 12:16 am

  I owned my Trailblazer for almost 2 years. Bought it used with 15000 miles on it. Im shocked by the negative reviews on other Trailblazers because mine was great, except for the gas mileage. It started out at 17 mpg, later was getting 14 mpg. As much as I hated to, I decided to trade it for a Hyundai Tuscan so I could get better gas mileage. When I traded, it had 35000 miles on it. Other than it being in the shop a few times right after I got it, to replace a window motor and radio (which were covered under warranty) I never had any other problems. I wish that Chevrolet had made the Trailblazer get the same gas mileage as my Tuscan. Id still be driving it

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  Take my word, dont purchase - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jd - February 17 - 9:36 pm

  Nothing but trouble out of my trailblazer. Like the looks, but thats about it. Only has 32,000 miles and Im having misfires in cylinders. Dealership cant figure out whats wrong. Want to charge me thousands of dollars to test different "theories". Hatch shocks are also already out. Plus there was a whinning in the motor, come to find out the tensioner pulley was going out. Going to get rid of the suv, before it completely goes out.

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  My Wifes SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dj - February 15 - 4:52 pm

  The Trailblazer SS is an excellent all around performer. My wife loves it, and im pretty partial to it my self. Again its a great truck. Just dont hit a patch of ice (in southern Texas) at 30 mph it will send you through a fence and in to a field.