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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  03 Trailblazer LT, Summit White - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sh801 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, roomy, EXTREMELY smooth ride, great Bose stereo. Excellent power.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By SUVette - July 2 - 9:59 pm

  Great ride in a midsize high- performance SUV. Quiet, smooth ride and handling, responsive steering and super turning radius. Have averaged over 17 mpg by using cruise control (and not lighting up the tires) on highway. Fairly comfortable seating and easy entry and exit. Extremely pleased with purchase. Get more compliments from admirers than my last three Cadillacs!

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  best bang for your buck - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Anonymous User - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven all types of SUV vehicles and trucks, both foreign and domestic, and this is by far one of the best Ive ever driven. Only minor service issues thus far, such as a suspension squeak. Driving is a joy, with plenty of balanced power. The ride is very comfortable, better than a lot of passenger cars. Although gas mileage is poor, what do you expect with 270 horsepower?! Highly recommended.

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  Loved My TrailBlazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By James - June 28 - 5:45 pm

  I bought my TrailBlazer new in Feb 2003. Overall, I have been very pleased with it. I looked at the Explorer, the Durango and Gr Cheerokee as well, but the TBs HP and styling won me over. Great for long trips, tons of storage, great in the snow (I have the locking rear). I too had problems with a leaking taillight and the trim around the license plate, but they were covered under warranty. Also had a rear window motor go last summer, but my dealer got GM to cover the part even thought the car was out of warranty. Wind noise was louder than I was used to. Mileage 15 city/22 highway. Just traded it on a new 07 Suburban - I was very sorry to get rid of it, but we simply outgrew it.

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  Love my Trailblzer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Blueskies - June 28 - 9:24 am

  A friend told me about how she loved her Trailblazer. I bought a new one in 2004 and have been in love with it ever since. There was only one minor recall, I have not had any problems with it (knock on wood), and the service people at the dealership are so pleasant and helpful. I will drive this SUV until it dies and then I will go out an buy a new Chevy.

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  I love it! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rick - June 27 - 1:05 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I knocked out the factory muffler and replaced it with a Dynomax and eliminated the rear resonator. I also replace air filter with a K&N. My truck has the feel of a sports car and the fuel economy of a smaller truck. I average 19.5 MPG and it has 85K miles on it. The only items replaced on it have been the O2 sensor, serpentine belt, four tires and headlight relay. I have maintained it according to OEM requirements. I considered many SUVs before purchasing this truck and comparing others I still cant find a better truck for the money after 5 years. I still have the original brakes!

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  Very satisfied owner - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ken - June 26 - 10:05 pm

  Ive had it for a year. Its a wonderful compromise between a sports car and a family vehicle. Better than an X5, fraction of the cost.

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  My TrailBlazer is a piece of crap - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chris T - June 26 - 2:34 pm

  At first I loved it - smooth ride, good size. But weve had nothing but troubles: 3 transmissions in 50,000 miles, electrical problems, computer issues, problems with the fuel injectors. Its been in and out of the repair shop for the last 6 months, and the last time we only had it home for 12 hours before it wouldnt start again. Too bad too, because I loved driving my TB, but the reliability stinks.

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  Luvin the Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Zak - June 25 - 1:27 pm

  Great vehicle. A decent amount of room for all your stuff and plenty of power to get it where it needs to go. I had some initial problems with the tachometer sticking when held at a constant rpm. Fourtunatly it was covered under warranty. I also just had to put a wheel bearing in it which was kinda pricy. My vehicle has 60,000 miles on it and I was the second owner. Im assuming the first owner beat the crap out of the thing and it still drives as smooth as glass. I baby my cars so I think it should last me a good while. I love Chevys and its because they know how to build something thats tough.

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  Trailblazer LT - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By :] - June 23 - 12:25 pm

  This SUV is fun to drive and handles great. The mileage stinks. It gets around 15 mpg so it seems like I am always at the gas pump. The interior design is cheap looking.iI would be nice to have the wood trim like GMC and the new 2007 Chevy Tahoes and Suburbans have. The build quality is poor. It sounds like the windows are down when they are all up and about a month ago the it got stuck in drive and would not move to R or P(park)so that wasn’t good. The sound system is good but it makes everything shake/rattle when the bass is on. Other than that this SUV is a good buy!