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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Overall, nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By j_coakley - September 19 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a few weeks now and I really love it. The ride is smooth and quiet. I dont have the leather seats and really dont care. I have the Bose sound system which is great. The engine is great as well. I would recommend the Trailblazer to anyone. Its in between sporty and big at the same time.

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  I Love My TrailBlazer! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jeremy - September 14 - 8:59 am

  What a great make by GM. I has a proud driver of the TrailBlazer. Dont get me wrong, there are some kinks to work out. But they are all minor. Other than that this is a brilliant car. Fun to drive. Im 62" and it was hard to find a car that I was comfortable in.

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  After 20 years, I think Im done with GM - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sigh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Having only had this vehicle 2 months, I finally had the "last straw" American car experience. The TrailBlazer wont let go of my key....stuck in the ignition, I will now get abused at the dealership and loaned a musty old Cavalier or Malibu while the switch is replaced and I have to take a morning off work. This is my last GM car... and I get a family discount that has kept me in the guilt of buying a GM all my life. Id rather buy a smaller Honda that is $3,000 cheaper to keep my payments the same than have to deal with the morons at a GM dealership 4-5 times a year like I have been. Bye GM. Hello Honda, Toyota, hell, I think Ill try a Hyundai.

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  Almost completely satisfied - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dennis - September 11 - 9:45 pm

  Bought this one new. Use for towing pop-up camper and boat. Good power and reasonable fuel economy with I-6: 18 mpg (suburban) 21 (highway) 16 mpg (highway towing). Only two mechanical problems: fan clutch (my pocket) and loose baffle in muffler (warranty). Original Goodrich tires went 60,000 miles. Very satisfied but will likey replace with one of the new GM crossovers for better economy and increased passenger capacity/cargo space.

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  Gee, I could have had a V-8 - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RCHopper - September 9 - 9:56 pm

  Satelite radio, OnStar, sunroof rear wiper 4WD, trailer hitch. Comfortable ride. What more could one want? AN ENGINE, THATS WHAT! I was willing to trade down from a Tahoe and save on gas and emmisions, etc. I have a sluggish car that gets less mpg (12-15) than my I got with my V-8 Tahoe. Very dissappointed in this L6.

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  My Dad is a Corvette/Trailblazer SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dave Bjoralt - September 8 - 4:43 pm

  Have had the car about one month. Love it, have had two new C6 Corvettes a 98 & 2001. This is not a Vette but is a lot of fun anyway. My wife had a 2004 Trailblazer and wanted a new one. She wanted a sunroof and such. I wanted a Vette so we met about half way. The power is great. The gas mileage is not as bad as I thought. The first tank was on a trip over trailridge and back was 19.5 this is at 10,500 feet over sea level. It did not know we were on a hill. All the power you could use.

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  Awesome - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DLSnole - September 7 - 2:00 am

  From the time I set foot in this truck I was in heaven. It rides better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee I had previous and it is a lot easier to drive. I do not feel top heavy in this vehicle and it is very well priced for what you get.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailBlazer Lover - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The new 2003 TrailBlazer is a great SUV. This is our 5th Chevy in a row, and before we purchased this I wanted to try another brand, such as Toyota. We were interested in the Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia. When we got a rebate in the mail from Chevy, we called up and made an appointment with our friend Ken. We went the next night, and purchased our new "Off Road" TrailBlazer. No regrets AT ALL. Its now a week old and we just had a big snow; the 4 wheel drive works great. Love the Sandalwood metallic with Med. Oak interior. We even got factory brushguards. Not bad at all for under $31,000.

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  Wind Noise - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mockster - September 5 - 10:59 pm

  I love the power of this vehicle. I also love the "weight" of the vehicle. It feels sturdy. The cargo room is better than other SUVs I have owned. My biggest gripe and the reason I am looking to sell? Wind noise. This is the loudest vehicle I have ever driven in. It sounds like the windows are open when you get out on the highway. You cannot hear anyone from the back seat. I read reviews about the noise when I bought the vehicle but didnt realize what it really meant. I cannot drive it any longer because of this one complaint. It makes me crazy. Watch your air conditioning belt also. Mine froze up and cost $1100 to fix.

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  Horrible Electrical system - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By kdogg - September 3 - 1:04 am

  This vehicle has been in the repair shop for electrical problems 2 times, with only 5600 miles this annoying.The 291 horsepower rating, i think is wrong,more like 200 hp. Gas mileage is 12-14 city and 18-20 highway. Off the line acceleration is horrible,from 0- 40 feels like a go-kart, once you are past 40 mph acceleration is awesome. A Geo Metro can beat this vehicle off the line. Transmission is ok, but I think a 5 or 6 speed would improve performance and gas mileage. G80 rear locking differential is awesome, with this no need for 4wd. Wind noise is horrible at highway speeds, sounds like a window is open. Turning circle is great, better than most cars. Stability control is excellent.