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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Very sweet ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lora mccloy - January 16 - 8:11 pm

  I love my new 2007 TrailBlazer. I had a 2002 TrailBlazer and just traded it in on the 07. Its loaded. The comfort level is most awesome. I will never own a different type of SUV. Its just pure sweetness. Thank you Chevy for making such a fine ride. I find myself wanting to ride in it all day long.

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  kgbkahnk - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By kgbkahnk - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great styling. Fantastically smooth, powerful engine. Just cannot seem to get better than about 16 mpg, even in all-highway driving, and it could use better steering feel.

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  SS (LS2) Power - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dae - January 8 - 1:47 pm

  This one is fun to drive and very quick. The 6.0 has more than enough power. The interior is well done but there are some cheap plastics on the doors and dash. The rubber trim on the exterior winshield had to be glued back on after an 80 mph cruise. Overall much more satifying than my 2005 EB Explorer. I recently took a 400 mile trip (all on the interstate)and averaged 17.2 mpg at 75mph. The same trip in the 4.0 liter Explorer averaged 19.5.

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  I would buy this car again. - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By wpksr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I live in the mountains and have 61K miles in both Sierra Snow and California Freeways. No unusual problems and I consider this car several steps above the 96 Grand Cherokee that I traded in. Only gripes are VERY minor... Rear visibility when backing up is bad, and ground clearance isnt quite the same as the Jeep. However, much nicer package all around and VERY capable in snow.

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  TrailBlazer Rocks! - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jason - January 4 - 6:27 pm

  I absolutely love my TrialBlazer. The mean design and look is great! The ride is super and the power is wonderful.

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  12 - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By LM22 - January 1 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicle handles great! It also has all the power you would need with the 400hp Corvette engine. The sunroof did leak, but the dealership repaired it for me. The only downfall is that it gets bad gas mileage at 17 on the highway with the Corvette getting 27 on the highway. Overall I would have to say this is a great vehicle though.

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  I Love This Truck - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Marilyn - December 29 - 6:01 pm

  I love this truck. I had no intentions of buying one. I was going to buy a Volvo XC-90. I flew into Memphis to visit my son in college. I rented a TrailBlazer and was pleasantly surprised, and the rest is history

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  Happy so far - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ken - December 29 - 12:51 am

  Overall, a pretty good SUV. Excellent motor and transmission, trouble free after 100K miles. Had all of the axle seals, an air conditioning seal, and a faulty wire harness on the 4WD system replaced, thankfully all under warranty. Considerable wind noise from poor quality door and window seals. Gas mileage is very good for its class. Somewhat "Plain Jane" styling and interior features, which is now typical of GM vehicles. It seems like all of the innovation is with the Japanese brands. Perhaps Michael Lopezs cost cutting measures and squeezing of GMs suppliers have finally caught up with them. The 2007 model is still the same vehicle as the 2002. Why buy another one?

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  Love, love, love it - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jan - December 28 - 5:46 pm

  I love this truck. It is very comfortable, steers and handles beautifully. Feels like a luxury vehicle but with towing and 4 x 4. All the safety features like OnStar and side air curtains are a comfort. And it looks real good. I rode in back seat recently and love the rear seat heater with upper and lower choices and fan speed. Did I say I love this truck? Am looking forward to driving this for many miles!

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  A lot of car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mike - December 26 - 9:54 pm

  Well equipped for a base model. A good value if you are going to keep it for 5 years plus. Lots of room. Lots of power. Very reliable