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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Best car Ive owned - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Greg - February 22 - 1:10 pm

  We recently replaced a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP w/ this and are very pleased. The ride is great, the fuel mileage is O.K. w/ the 8 cyl. ( 17.5 to 21.7) but we have not taken it on any trips yet. We got every option on this except the DVD player and like it all. What a pleasure to drive and to park.

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  Nice tight vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Brad - February 21 - 6:20 pm

  Have enjoyed owning the Trailblazer so far, handles well, and has alot of power.

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  Buying it for the power not the mileage - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lovemytbss - February 21 - 4:05 pm

  I have loved the TrailBlazer look since it came out, but never wanted to pay $30k for an inline 6cyl. Problem solved! I have been a Vette owner and this is a four door cargo carrying Vette. It rides great, handling is amazing, braking is very impressive, and its just the right size for this kind of power. The clean exterior with little badging is such a tasteful look. I got a 2007 fully loaded minus nav for just over $30k and the 6001 lb gvwr makes it a nice tax deduction. I know the mileage is bad but thats not why you are buying this vehicle. Buy one!

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  Adore the TrailBlazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By aja - February 16 - 10:40 am

  I have never owner a SUV until 2006. I wanted more room and a comfotable drive. I purchased a 2006 Chevy TB and I love it! It is roomy, drives like a car and is great on gas. I will never convert back to a sedan and am committed to the TrailBlazer forever. Love it, Love it, Love it.

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  Trailblazer Value - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TNJ - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have found the Chevy trailblazer to be a reliable car with plenty of room and very reliable in all weather conditions found in the Northeast USA. Although I would have liked more choices for the standard interior I disagree with the critics that it has a "cheap" appearance. One of the reasons I chose this vehicle was for the comfort it offers to individuals like myself who are over six feet tall...I shopped about 20 vehicles in this category (including the ones they "highly" recommend) and found Chevy offered the most SUV for the money.

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  More sir,could I have more? - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TroyQT1 - February 11 - 1:27 am

  I finally got the SUV of my dreams. My initial purchase trip was for the CTS-V, instead I test drove the TrailBlazer SS and could not leave the drivers seat until I went inside to sign the contract. I have left Mustang GTs eating my dust and just love the growl of the exhaust. Chevrolet did us truck fans proud when they Nürburgringd this one for us. If you seek excellent, reliable transportation with some ooomph, get-up-and-go, this is the one.

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  Great, Dependable Trailblazer - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By John - February 10 - 5:17 pm

  Have been driving my new 07 Trailblazer LT for a week now and absolutely love it. 4 wheel drive is fantastic and the ride and feel of the car is great. 18 inch rims look very sharp and have turned a few heads already. Great SUV and would highly recommend it.

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  My Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hammer6970 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I had an 02 and I can definatly say that the fir and finish of the the 04 is a marked improvement.

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  2005 Trailblazer - Impressed! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Tom Sneed - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The Trailblazer is a must have in a mid size SUV. The value is unbeatable. The V6 engine is best in class and really is quite impressive. It blows away the competition.

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  Upgraded from 1990 S-10 Blazer... - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mwp99 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  ...and I couldnt be happier. The power produced by the TBs inline-6 is awesome. Toying with other comparable Jeeps and Fords is quite fun. The ride is so smooth, too. The Bose Sound System is quite an improvement to the "premium" system in the 90 Blazer. Cargo room with the rear seats folded down and inside room as a whole is noticeably larger. The 22-gallon fuel tank is a plus. When driving at highway speeds, you can get 450-500 miles to a tank of gas. One minor thing is the fuel efficiency when using cruise control--avg MPG about 1-2 MPG less than when driving with CC off compared to with CC on.