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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  My Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By AMANDA - April 3 - 7:34 am

  I just bought my Trailblazer a couple months ago. My Trailblazer does not have a ashtray and cruise. They do make them with cruise and a ashtray, mine just happen to be one of the ones that did not come with them. Other than that it has everything else a person could hope for. We haven’t owned it long enough to know if it is dependable or not, but so far hasn’t given any trouble. I love to take long trips and sleep while Im riding so comfort is a big deal to me. These seats are awesome to sit on or sleep while on a trip. They have great support. I have found my Trailblazer has a lot of power.

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  Solid Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jerry - April 1 - 5:58 am

  This SUV handles great and will tow heavy loads with no problem. We have taken a long trip with 7 passengers comfortably. The seats fold flat easily and the ride is great. The gas mileage is its weak point 17mpg but we knew that before we bought it.

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  Unpleasant surprise - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kevinb - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the Blazer class and have owned one since 1989. (Every three years I leased a new one.) With the phasing out of the Blazer I went with the Trailblazer. I was very disapointed in this the vehicles performance. I have had to bring it in for four different repairs in just two months. Two of the repairs were major. The interior is very cheap- no light in the glove box, interior light switch is near impossible to turn on, and the sunshade covers half the window (wrong half). Also- what is up with the seatbelts?? these are the worst seatbelts I have ever seen.These little things do add up and unfortunately for me I didnt spot them before I purchased.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By "BUYER BEWARE" - March 31 - 10:06 am

  I bought this Chevy used. I knew the risk but car looked great, low miles and great used price. Did not buy an extended warranty because the car only had 28,000 miles and was in excellent condition. Three months and two car payments later the trnasmission falls apart on a car with 31,000 miles. Unlike many of its competitors, Chevy does not offer a 5 year warranty on the power train of the Trailblazer. Wonder why? Chevy knows this should not have happened but we still had to pay big. (Chevy did split the price with us). This car is junk. Do not buy! If you have to have it, buy a very good extended warranty.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Joe - March 21 - 9:44 pm

  I stopped buying Chevys a few years ago.. Decided to give them another chance. I love the TrailBlazer! A great vehicle at a great price. Cant go wrong! More comfortable and faster than my Grand Cherokee Lerado. (4.0L) The ride is near perfect, not like a Cadillac but not as stiff as a pick-up. Just right for an SUV! Now my wife wants one.. The EXT for the third row seats for the kids... Ill trade that minivan for another Trailblazer in a minute!

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  Rides like a dream - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ridin in style - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the 1st vehicle I have ever owned that has everything I wanted in a automobile. It has such a smooth ride and great interior room and comfort. The power is incredible for a 6 cylinder. Acceleration onto highways is more than enough. As for the "reviews" about poor handling in the corners, SLOW DOWN, your not at INDY!

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  Fix the Little Things! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Fred - March 20 - 5:58 pm

  Started looking for an 02 Explorer, and then read about all the problems with them. So I switched over to the TrailBlazer. Liked almost everything I got. But a couple of little electrical issues keep this from being a great car. 1) Memory mirrors dont go where they are supposed to when preset is recalled. Dealer says it needs to be replaced, but I will just live with it. 2) OnStar system is not working. Needs to be fixed. Would have been nice to know before I signed up for the service. I think this is more a problem of the dealer not fixing a few issues before selling it, but with only 51K on it, these shouldnt be issues in the first place.

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  02 Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jon - March 19 - 7:05 pm

  I love this car. Weve has it since it was new. Our set-up will tow 5500#, and the other gear ratio will tow 6500#. We used to use it to tow a small travel trailer, but has to buy a truck when we bought a larger unit. It was great to use to tow a boat also. They all come standard with a 4" Reese hitch receiver. If you just want performance, it has 270 Horsepower and has plenty of get up and go. In the snow it is great also. I remember Christmas the first year we owned it. There was about 14" of snow, and some roads actually hadnt been plowed all day. This car when right through it all and never got stuck. We drove right thought the snowbanks at the end of the unplowed driveway

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  Think twice and buy a good warranty - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bill Wooten - March 17 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased a LT Chevy Tralblazer 2003 4WD in May of 04. At the time it had 23000 miles on it. I am an outside salesman and so far as of today (March of 06) I have had the following problems. I had to have a new transmission put in it around 65,000 miles. The starter went out of around 70000, at this time I also found out that the fly wheel was cracked and it needed to be replaced. Also,around 30000 some sensor went out causing low engine power almost causing me an (several times)in high traffic. Its been recalled twice for back stop lights. If you need a reliable car and are considering a Chevy Trailblazer please THINK TWICE. Today I have 75K on it. Whats next?

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  Great truck - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mike - March 16 - 8:04 pm

  I owned an 2000 S10 blazer LT before this one, what an improvement. 100 more horsepower and better mileage. Build quality is vastly improved, no rattles. Rides smoother. Better handling.