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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  2004 North Face EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jwoodie - February 27 - 4:42 pm

  This has been a great vehicle with no problems other than automatic wipers sometimes wont turn off. Plenty of headroom w/o sunroof. Interior space and 3rd seat comfort unbelievable unless you have been in one. Long wheelbase gives extremely comfortable ride but can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Tony Britton - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 1st SUV Ive own, but Im lovin it. The only problem Im having with this is the gas mileage. At 16 city and 20 highway, plan to spend many hrs fulling up. And thinks to Edmund.com I got this truck at very good price.

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  Disappointment!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hadnor - February 25 - 7:48 pm

  Although the interior is roomy and comfortable, the electrical problems are frightening. The vibration in the rear end is annoying and Chevrolets customer service is nonexistent. My Trailblazer has been reprogramed so many times, it should be able to do it itself. Although Chevy says they want to keep me as a customer, they continue to dismiss my complaints about the electrical problems. I have been completely disappointed with the quality of the Trailblazer as well as the horrible customer service provided by the dealership and Chevy.

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  Solid performer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Scott - February 23 - 11:43 am

  This is the wifes daily driver. It was a good combination of size, space and cost. Overall very reliable, the only issues weve had were known to GM : A/C sensor causing A/C to not function intermittently and reverse lamp not lighting intermittently. Both issues were addressed free of charge within warranty. In order to utilize fold-down seats, front seats must be pulled forward. This is a problem for me (61" tall), and basically makes that feature useless on long trips.

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  Perfect SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By billylawdawg - February 20 - 4:46 am

  First off, I must say that I would never buy anything that isnt a Chevy, so Im a little biased. This truck is a perfect compromise - Tahoes too big; Blazers too small. In any event, Id definitely recommend this vehicle, but heres some things that can be improved upon. Im so stupid, though: I had to jump a buddys car, and I removed the fuse relay center cover before realizing that the battery was all the way up front....it was after a few pops, though.....

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  Nice Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ralph - February 18 - 12:42 pm

  Went from a 2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD to the 2006 Trailblazer. Very pleaseantly surprised. First American made vehicle in years. Nice features and ride. No problems. Very nice 6 cylinder engine. No regrets so far. The dealership was great with a no nonsense deal that no one else could match. Even my wife likes it.

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  Love the Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Colin - February 17 - 12:43 pm

  Buying the Trailblazer (or any SUV) was a very different type of vehicle for us. Being 66" I needed the headroom and legroom, which I found in both the driver and passenger side. We are extremely pleased with the ride, comfort and the pleasure in driving it.

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  04 Trailblazer LT 4wd - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Steve - February 5 - 4:06 pm

  We have taken it to the mountains of Colorado and it has proven to be a very capable off road machine. Took tough trails like Tincup, Iomogene, and the legendary Black Bear. A little short on ground clearance. I get 22 mpg if I drive it and the wife gets about 17. It is an economical 4wd if you drive it well. This is the 3rd one we have owned. No problems with any of them. Had a couple of recalls on the earlier models, but they had not affected us. Wish they would make it with a small turbo diesel. It would be very economical then. Why is Jeep (owned by Europeans) the only company offering a diesel in a SUV?

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  Love the Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Trailblazer - February 4 - 6:22 am

  I traded my Dodge Dakota for the Trailblazer as I wanted more room and better gas mileage. I found I got 20 MPG on the highway doing 70 mph, which was a huge improvement for me. I love the room it offers and it handles great in corners. The sunroof and 4X4 features are just an added bounce. All in all Im very happy with my purchase.

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  We enjoy our SUV - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By RachaelAC - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We wanted to find a reasonably priced SUV before we started our family. The Trailblazer gave us practically everything we wanted. The ride is nice, it has nice power and towing capacity. The fold down seats have been great, we have been able to get a new leather furniture set in the SUV, and only had to tie down the gate for the long couch. Only complaint is that there do seem to be some minor problems. Our gas tank had a leak, the rear AC stopped working this summer, and the battery would completely drain in the winter when the truck was not started for a few days. If Chevy could work out these little problems, the truck would be a dream!