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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 truck - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By gator2 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  It handled great when I moved across the country towing a Uhaul. Awesome power!!

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  good family suv - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By capt.M - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck since February 03 and am very pleased. Took it on a long trip and after 13 hours the old back still felt well. I do have several complaints. first I had a problem with the 4 x 4 service light coming on. The dealer convinced my wife it was a fuse. NOT!!! Turned out to be a computer problem. The day before we left for vacation the trucks computer module had to be replaced. Dealer service manager stated the computer are a sub-contract to gm and use "B S" parts. After they changed the module no more problems. Overall Im quite happy, the off road capabilities are admirable.

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  LTZ Review - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By cannon - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Trailblazer is one of the top Mid- size SUVs around. It handles like a dream, great acceleration, and you can even make a really tight u-turn. The interior of the LTZ is nothing less than plush, with two-tone leather seats and the dvd player.

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  Best drive of the SUVs - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Debbie - January 31 - 4:02 pm

  After test driving four other vehicles, the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT was the best drive. We test drove the following 2005 SUVs: The Montero sport - very top heavy and felt like it would tip over if turned too fast, Ford Explorer - very cheap looking in the interior and not a smooth ride, heard some rattling in the front end, Nissan Pathfinder - drove like a truck, interior seats were very cheap looking and also the access to the third row was not easy, Mercury Mountaineer - pretty nice except for the roominess inside felt very tight. The minute we drove the Trailblazer, we knew it was the one. It drives beautifully and is such a pleasure to drive!

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  I love my TB - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sherribaby407 - January 31 - 10:33 am

  My husband bought me this SUV after I sent him with a list and color I wanted. I absolutely love this car, it fits me perfectly, it has power, it is SMOOTH riding, the color (blue metallic) is just like my old 76 Camaro which I loved. He got it loaded, raised lettered tires, flashy rims. It has 18000 miles now and NO problems at all. I drove it on a 7 hour road trip, highway, and I used one tank of gas on the open road, which is amazing. Doesnt get that in city, tho. The truck is still in perfect condition, I keep in a garage, its beautiful. Im a lucky girl.

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  Nice truck - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jpb - January 29 - 12:56 am

  Purchased TB to replace an 02 Explorer (first and absolutely last Ford). Pleasure to drive, good performance, good reliability. Lots of wind noise. Not much storage up front. Seats could fold down easier with more room (they hit the front seats). Seat belts arent the most comfortable, and hard to reach. Love the heated leather, stereo, sunroof, driver info center. Gas mileage could be better. Cup holder locations arent very convenient. Great ride, though, and Chevy reliability is the best, especially after owning a Ford.

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  Reliable! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By P Fields - January 28 - 10:25 pm

  We purchased this vechile new and now have 80,000+ miles on it. Very reliable. Only repairs have been replacing bulbs (seems often). Expect to get another 100,000 out of it. Great to tow with.

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  Found my vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By John - January 27 - 11:53 pm

  Traveling down the road in an all- wheel drive Honda Pilot, I was amazed at how poorly it handled in 6 inches of snow. After I got stuck on a hill, I put the Pilot in low gear, pushed a button to lock the rear differential, and again I amazed. But this time it was how easily the Pilot freed itself and was able to move down the road. Living in the mountains of Colorado, this little test proved that I needed something better than all-wheel drive. One of the things that sold me on the 2006 Chevy Trailblazer was its automatic locking rear differential.

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  TRAILBLAZER 101 - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kemp Morris - January 27 - 6:46 pm

  I have put 60K on this truck.. it has never been in the shop for anything except the scheduled recalls. I have been off road 4x4 worked fine. This has been a great truck dependable. The key to these 4x4s is proper maitenence you must change your fluids.. I change all the fluids in the entire vehicle every 30k example rear diffs, transfer case, trans. etc (oil every 3500)and have used synthetic since day one. This has been a great vehicle. In comparison to everything in its class it has the best ride (smooth) of any of the SUV with solid rear axles

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  A great SUV to own and drive - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Zeke - January 25 - 10:13 pm

  Ive had two 2002 Trailblazers LT, 1st one new , drove to 78,000 miles. Very reliable and great riding comfort on highway. Bought another 2002 used with only 18,000 miles because the first one was so reliable. Will keep this one for another couple years. Dont know why so called experts rate this car so low. May buy anew one in a couple years. Only one major complaint--The heating/AC controls are very difficult to figure out and use. Tell them to go back to the hot/cold with a fan control.Nothing complicated.