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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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Nice Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Lorenzo - August 8 - 9:32 amVery nice ,comfortable, and good handling SUV. Has all the options. Great sound and power when you need it.
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from texas to colorado!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Ray from San Antonio - August 1 - 2:00 amThis is the best vehicle that I have owned. Tough, fun, and looks good while working hard. Quick enough and responds quickly(speeding up or slowing down). perfect for both city and rual drives.
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Luv my Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Trailblazer - July 27 - 6:40 amI just bought my first SUV and I always wanted a Trailblazer, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to buy one. I was not disappointed at all. It drives like its floating on air. When going up the hills, it has some kick to it (not like my little 4 cylinder) and shifts very smooth. My kids even love it.
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cool looks and gr8 performance - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By skx - July 27 - 2:00 amthis car is gr8 the best suv of tis size performance wise it s comfy and just fun 2 drive by the way gr8 acceleration and kick down
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Trailblazer Happiness - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By snap shot - July 20 - 1:23 pmMy trailblazer has been an excellent vehicle. Great comfort and ride. Gas mileage could definitely use improvement. Had initial trouble with a faulty fuel injector but once the dealer bit the bullet and repaired on warranty I have had no other performance or reliability problems.
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Tough, Fun & Practical - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By NickKat - July 16 - 10:00 amI have found my Trailblazer LTZ to be tough, yet fun and practical. It replaces the boring old station wagons and mini vans with something able to do much more. It is quick and stable. It tows well, hauls well and the 4WD adds a measure of exploration and safety not available in those vehicles AND with reasonable fuel economy (especially vs the big station wagons) and great luxury as well.
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i love this car - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By imcbeddings - July 16 - 10:00 amthis car iz tha bomb
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Poor fuel economy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By MB - July 8 - 2:43 amWe have had our Trailblazer fro about 10 months...and basically I love it EXCEPT for the fuel econmy! It STINKS! It seems every other day I am putting gas in, and I only have a 5-7 mile commute daily. It doesnt even come close to my friends Ford Freestlye as far as fuel economy. Other than that, it is a very comfortable ride and is fun to drive.
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Cheap Cheap Cheap - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Jamie Keaton - July 7 - 10:20 pmI own a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4x4, purchased it in February 2006 with around 11,000 miles on it. Since Ive owned the vehicle, Ive already replaced the rotors. The rubber molding trim around the back doors comes through when the doors are shut. The black plastic molding around the front driver side door handle keeps falling off- local Chevrolet dealership fixed it and it fell off again. The front passenger seat molding around the bottom of the seat is loose. The glove compartment will completely fall out onto the floor from time to time. Overall this vehicle was made cheap and Ill never buy another one. Im looking into trading for a Toyota 4Runner.
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All around decent SUV - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By slider5 - July 4 - 11:04 pmBig roomy and powerful. Sure the interior is bland and plain, but it is functional and the seats are comfy. Other SUVs such as the Pathfinder or 4runner look nice with their shiny futuristic dashboards, however I have ridden in both and the seats are like sitting on a padded ironing board.
