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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  So disappointed in gas mileage - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By teese - March 27 - 2:37 pm

  The overall look is nice, but the back seat is way too close to the front seat. The gas mileage is horrible. The truck handles well in the snow. The back hatch should close with an automatic button, its too heavy shutting it on your own. They cheaped out on that feature.

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  Not in love - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By nomorebowties - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Great sized vehicle. The new 6 cylinder engine is silky smooth and full of torque and power at a reasonable MPG. The handling and design quaality of this vehicle is top-notch. My hats off to Chevrolet Engineering for a great concept, design and build. Now, if you could just do something about the after- sale service offered by your dealer network. It leaves much to be desired. 3 return trips for nagging little problems that should be resolved FIRST TIME. The outside mirrors that move and dont move back, the electrical "glitch" that they cannot locate, etc, etc. I bought a fully loaded $36K vehicle, I expected no excuses, Ive had nothing but.

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  Kick BUTT Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailrider - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  My 2nd Trailblazer - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By FSAguru - March 27 - 12:25 am

  This is my second TrailBlazer. The first one I had was a 2004 and I loved it, absolutely no trouble out of it. Upgraded to a few more features. The car looks great and drives great

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  Excellent around town car. - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By thewren2 - March 25 - 7:19 pm

  Very comfortable around town car in all weather situations. Very good small family car.

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  noisy stabilizer links - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By duncan_william - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Had rattle near front wheels. Had dealer guy ride and he said it was R/I front sway bar. dealer replaced both front stabilizer links and that fixed the rattle(01/04/04). Now I hear it coming back(sept/04). Is there a lub I can apply or is there a permanent fix? Comments anyone. Thanx all.

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  good family vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By wileycat - March 24 - 10:00 am

  recently purchesed excellent rebate very smooth ride and excelleration great ext. styling my wife likes the smooth ride not intimidating to women

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  Hunk of Junk! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Stash - March 23 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my TrailBlazer for 2 years and have had nothing but problems. The first thing that went wrong was the driver side panel on the seat had to get replaced within a year. The second thing was the rear windshield wiper hinge had to be replaced. The fourth is the passenger side panel on the seat had to be replaced. The fifth thing is my dash and headlights keep dimming often. I took it to the dealership and they claim its normal. The sixth item is the rear windshield wiper hinge had to be replaced again. The final thing so far is that my hatch shocks are going out and the hatch will not open all the way. This truck is junk. Im getting a foreign car. I had a 5 year old Civic, and not one problem.

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  2003 LTZ - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Gene - March 20 - 2:08 pm

  This has been a wonderful vehicle to own and operate. It handles well, has adequate power and is comfortable to drive. The turning radius is out of this world, simply fantastic. During a recent relocation I used the vehicle to tow a 16 foot utility trailer on several trips of 700 miles over mountains and interstate. If you were to do this all the time Id recommend the V-8, but for occasional use the 4200 straight six is very good. Mileage at 20 +/- on the highway and 17-18 around town. Towing really takes a toll on mileage, but thats to be expected. I would buy another one of these vehicles in a heartbeat. Great size and fun to drive. Thanks Chevy.

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  Nice ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Johnny - March 14 - 9:27 pm

  Got it not expecting much. Rides like a limo and extremly roomy. Doesnt feel too big either