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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Graten - November 3 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had my TB for 10 months and Ive driven it in city, highway, and on 4WD trails. Ive also slept in it for a couple of nights while elk hunting. This is a good all around vehicle especially for the money. It is big enough to be fairly comfortable sleeping in the back with the seats down when you need it. The only down side is that HWY mileage at interstate speeds (75MPH) is only around 17 1/2 to 18 MPG (rated at 21 mpg) although I do have a slightly higher rear end gear so others may do better. Driving in town yields around 13-14 mpg.

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  TrailBlazer LS - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Fran Preve - October 29 - 4:31 am

  I bought this vehicle based on the fact that we may finally need a 4WD here in western New York (where I live on Grand Island Ive never needed one). I have been completely satisfied with it, and we did use it during our "October Surprize" blizzard of 06. My wife also is happy with driving it. My gas mileage all around has been 16/17 in mixed driving, not great but acceptable, and its not broken in yet. I dont regret for a minute buying it and highly recommend it.

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  Handsome and solidly built - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Skuuter - October 28 - 12:03 am

  My wife and I looked at the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Nissan Armada as well as the Chevy TrailBlazer. I was leaning toward the Chevy, but let my wife make the final decision since she would be the primary driver. All five SUVs could handle the necessary trailering of our 3300 lb. sailboat and were comparably priced at the trim levels we wanted. It won her thumbs up for comfort, solid feel, on- demand power, and aesthetics. After 23K miles it has proven to be very reliable, comfortable on short and long trips and she gets at least 17 mpg on her daily 60 mile trips into the congested city. No squeaks or rattles, lots of oomph and classic looks make this a winner.

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  2003 Trailblazer LS - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Exiler069 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After driving the trailblazer for 4 months now, I have found virtually no problems with engine, interior, or exterior. It is definitely a fun to drive vehicle for long trips as well as everyday driving.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By N Virginia - October 17 - 6:01 am

  A wonderful, comfortable, safe vehicle. We have found this TrailBlazer to be very sure footed on slick roads. All wheel drive is very easy to use with a flick of a switch or just leave in "Auto". The running gear is solid and dependable. Unlike other SUVs from Asia, you can actually fill the seats and not exceed the maximum gross weight. This TrailBlazer is very quiet on the road. At 65 miles per hour, you can whisper to the person next to you. We have never had a problem with our TrailBlazers as this is our second!

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  One Major Complaint - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Aching Back - October 16 - 7:15 pm

  I purchased a 2006 TrailBlazer LT three days ago, and Im very disappointed. When I took it for a test drive, I tried to find a comfortable position for the drivers seat, but could not. Since it has the 8-way adjustment, I figured it was me, not the seat. I was wrong. Look around the net and youll find numerous complaints about the hard/uncomfortable drivers seat. The design is terrible. The seat feels like you are sitting on a rolling pin, and the lumbar adjustment is another rolling pin that still protrudes too much, even when "deflated". The frustrating part is that I like everything about the rest of the TrailBlazer (V8, Bose, XM, OnStar,etc.). The 8 way seat causes back pain.

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  GOT A GOOD ONE - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RDS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS FOR MY WIFE AND IT`S PERFECT. GREAT LOOKS, AND FUNCTION. MPG COULD BE BETTER, BUT PLENTY OF POWER AND WHISPER QUIET MOTOR.

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  TrailBlazer Review - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Michael Paladino - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This truck is awesome.

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  A Beautiful Mind - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By matt2002 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, it has all the room you need and is a sporty SUV, that turns alot of heads!! With the 4WD and locking deferation you can go in all conditions!!

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  Better Look Closely - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By taw - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The ride is good, the 6-cyl has power and quickness, even in the mountains, and I have found it to handle well. There is only one usefull cup holder in the front. The cup holders in back are awkward, and cannot be used with a third person in the seat, or with any cargo. There is almost no storage behind the third seat. When the third seat is in the down position you do not have a nice smooth storage area as in the normal Blazer. Gas mileage is 14 and 19---at $ 1.75/ gal that is not good. In addition, I have been back for repairs 4 times in three months, all covered under warranty---but...