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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:
Showing 501 through 510 of 1,336.00-
Trailblazer SS Love - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Elliott Goodman - August 31 - 5:41 pmLove the way it drives and handles, very sporty yet classy at the same time. Turns a lot of heads. No one expects it to turn and burn. Total sleeper, you just cant beat the LS2 Motor in a mid size SUV.
-
Great SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tpalite - August 27 - 8:35 amIm an orginal owner and never have had any problems with the vechicle. At 102k miles the throttle position sensor went out, replace the throttle body module. This has been a great purchase. It is the most stable SUV at high speeds that I have test driven. I have no plans on getting rid of this vechicle, but if I need to replace it I would purchase a newer Trailblazer.
-
Trailblazer LS 4WD - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By omar - August 26 - 2:07 amI bought my Trailblazer LS 4wd in 2006. Overall, its a great vehicle. Has a punchy v-6 motor and has been very reliable. However, I wish Chevy had put extra efforts on the SUVs interior and handling
-
Good SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Brent - August 22 - 4:32 pmUpgraded from an Impala LS to Trailblazer for more storage and light hauling. Very pleased with overall performance - acceleration leaves a little to be desired, but I was coming from an Impala. I have driven in 2 blizzards already and felt very relaxed. Gas mileage is a little bummer - I average around 13 in city and 18 on highway. After 3 years and 30K miles, I have only had it in for routine maintenance.
-
cabin noise - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By clddy - August 15 - 2:00 amoverall good vehicle. Major Problem is interior cabin noise. Returned to dealer to have them checkout advised normal truck noise(laughed and walked out) Sounds like window is cracked open slightly, spoke to other people about it who also own one they advised that t hey didnt notice. The next day they came in and know they hate me because they hear it everyday. That is the reason I rated it low in both "build quality" and "interior design" didnt know exactly where it fit.
-
AM I THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS? - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By pcashotgun - August 15 - 2:00 amI HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN THE SERVICE DEPT SINCE TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, THE BRAKE AND BLINKER LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING BAD AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAS BEEN ON OVER 5 TIMES, THEY HAVE PUT A NEW GAS TANK IN IT AND I HAVE HAD FRONT AND REAR AC PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE,I LIKE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THIS VEHICLE WHEN AND IF I AM ABLE TO DRIVE IT.
-
Love my Trailblazer! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Love My Trailblazer! - August 13 - 12:09 pmI love my Trailblazer. The ride is so smooth! Very realible. It is 5 years old and have not had any problems with it at all. The rear stereo is great. My son can listen to his CDs while I listen to the radio. I think I will always buy Trailblazers.
-
See Your USA - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Joseph Condomitti - August 10 - 10:00 amTrip to FL. 2 day trip but my wife felt great. Her back didnt hurt,she loved the ride and just wanted to drive it through. I had 8 people in the car in Florida and they loved it.The gas milage was 19.4.drive,handled well,looks great,good be better on gas,and in is American. It gets my vote and I drive a Benz and it rides nicer than the Benz and the salespeople were much nicer! Has more room than my brother-in-laws Navigator in the 3rd row.
-
Fun Ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jarred - August 8 - 1:25 pmIve had the SS for a few weeks now and I love it. It has the feeling of a car except youre sitting up higher. The fuel economy is pretty poor but what do you expect for an SUV with a Corvette based engine. The engine has a nice rumble to it. Ive always had vehicles with leather but opted for the cloth on this one and I couldnt be happier. The seats are actually more comfortable than the leather. Overall Im very happy with the Trailblazer and would highly recommend it to anyone.
-
GREAT SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By DTL - August 8 - 10:00 amI DID NOT THINK I WOULD LIKE A SUV, I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A CAR. THIS DRIVES LIKE A CAR BUT I CAN SEE NOW ABOVE THE CARS. THE POWER IS GREAT AND THE SHORT TURNING IS BETTER THEN I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED. IT ACTURALLY TURNS BETTER THEN THE SMALL CAR I HAD. NO COMPLAINTS IN 12000 MILES. LOVE THIS THING!!
