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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Everything but mileage - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By fisherman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Drives good,good visibility, confortable, no too high so runing boards are not needed. I bought it to pull my bass boat and drive to work. I pull my 18 bass boat with no problems. Power is great and no spinning pulling out of the ramp like my chevy c1500 two wheel drive pickup did. I dont even have to put it in 4 wheel drive. Gas millage sucks, two trips to the lake during a tank of gas and millage drops to 14 mpg. If I dont pull my boat I will get 17-18.

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  TrailBlazer Justifies Return to GM - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By dleaoh - October 7 - 10:00 am

  After 20 years of buying only Japanese cars we have finally given GM another chance in the last three years. The 2002 TrailBlazer is as well engineered and built as our six Toyotas and Hondas. The same can be said of our 2000 Chevrolet Venture. The major disappointment with the TrailBlazer is gas mileage--about 17 MPG, most of it freeway.

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  Just OK - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Trucking - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  This truck has had its ups and downs. Just when you think its all OK, somthing else is just not working right. I like the truck, and have hauled a lot of stuff in it, but it just cant pass up a dealer. I think it likes to have people looking under its hood.

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  Solid Suv - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mickey - September 25 - 7:41 pm

  At first I worried about buying American due to the fact of poor reliability. Im going on 2 yrs with this truck, and it has performed perfectly. I have about 18,000 miles on it with no issues. It is great in the winter. It gets you through anything without a problem. The ride is soft, so it does wallow a little bit, but overall has a nice ride.

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  URBAN LEGEND - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By gholtz - September 20 - 10:00 am

  FOR THE PRICE, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT SUV. THE NEW QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS ARE NOTEWORTHY. MOST OF ALL, THE POWERFUL INLINE 6CYL AND MULTI-STAGE TORQUE FUNCTIONS MAKE THE POWER AND TORQUE PERFORMANCE SECOND TO NONE. THE HANDLING AND RIDE CHARACTERISTICS ARE EXCELLENT. WHY THIS VEHICLE IS SO UNDER-RATED IS A MYSTERY TO ME. THIS SUV ROCKS.

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  New, but great - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Mike G - September 17 - 3:11 pm

  I tried the 4 runner, which seemed great until I drove the Chevy. I traded up from a Cobalt. So far so good. Its a smooth truck. I expected the ride to be a little harder, but it handles better than a small car.

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  Like it, dont love it - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Les Kevehazi - September 14 - 7:51 pm

  We have been happy with the vehicle. On the highway it is great, with a smooth and quiet ride. It is a little big to drive in the city daily. I would recommend it for long trips.

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  I Love My TrailBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Linda - September 12 - 6:30 pm

  I have had my vehicle for 4 years now and still love driving it. It is very comfortable for short and long distance driving. The only mechanical problem was the left tailight had to be replaced, under warranty, and the tires only lasted 32,000 miles. The paint looks the sames as when I bought it. Still has a great shine to it. The gas mileage is OK, expected for the type of vehicle it is. So if you want a vehicle that handles well, gives you the power when you need it, and comfort, this is great!

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  Love my TrailBlazer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By paula arnold - September 8 - 11:21 am

  I had a 2002 TrailBlazer and loved it. I was very pleased with everything about it. The handling, gas mileage, etc. I traded it in for a 2006. It had more options on it. Sunroof, six disc player, power driver seat. Im still getting great gas mileage. It was even a little cheaper than my 2002. For the price, you can get a lot for your money. I will buy another one if I decide I want a new SUV!

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  Poor Quality Chevrolet - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Would not recommend - September 8 - 10:00 am

  In the shop at least monthly. The battery was randomly going dead. (bad cell). Power windows have had to be repaired. Rear brake lights module has gone out twice. Four-wheel drive module went out (4-wheel drive would not work). Power lumbar support motor went out. Wipers quit working. Trailer light plug quit working. Consistent rattle in the engine compartment on exceleration since purchase (shop cant find). Now there is a VERY loud high pitch sound coming from the motor. We would like to trade it in but the resale is so poor. After purchasing it one year ago for over $30,000, the trade in value is barely $20,000.