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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By sal - January 11 - 2:25 am

  Owning the Chevy Trailblazer has been very fun. This vehicle is very reliable and for having a six cylinder engine it is pretty fast and strong. The accelaration is very quick and you could feel the power of the engine as you step on the gas pedal. I feel that this vehicle is safe and comfortable for me and my family.

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  Love It - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By NVME - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a chevy and now I will definitely buy another one.The ride is awsome! It rides like a Cadillac. The room in it is perfect and the seat are so comfortable. I love the duel lumbar support in the seats. The gas milage is great and it has so much power. I will buy an extended LTZ next year.

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  Solid Performer - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By richgimmel - January 10 - 11:35 am

  I traded a 2005 Subaru Outback with turbocharger for my 2006 Trailblazer. Although the Chevy doesnt "scoot" like the Subaru, it has a decidedly heavier and more solid feel to it. While the Subaru had more of a "dinky" feel, the Trailblazer inspires confidence, and performs more than adequately, while still producing reasonable fuel economy. It has the room I need, with a comfortabable ride (not like a truck) which my wife loves. Leather seats are of a much more comfortable size and design than the Subaru. This is a strong, well- put-together vehicle.

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  05 Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jimmy - January 9 - 5:55 pm

  Really excited to purchase first SUV. Six months later, I am disappointed. Poor fit and finish, interior is terribly cheap. First and last GM product.

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  2005 TrailBlazer LT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ND - January 8 - 12:50 am

  I am extremely disappointed in this vehicle. Gas mileage very poor. Worse than the 1/2 ton Silverado I had. Very noisy inside of vehicle. I took vehicle back to dealer for the noise. They worked on it for a day with inpuit from GM. GM said the vehicle has high road noise. I find this vehicle to be noisier than the Silverado I had. All in all, buying this vehicle was not a good move. On the positive side, the leg room in front is great for a person +6.

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  Trailblazing - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MICK RANGER - January 3 - 7:05 pm

  Very comfortable ride, plenty of power, and sufficient amount of room for 5 people and more than enough space in the back for any type of luggage or materials that you need to take with you.

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  Good for the price - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ricardo riostirado - January 1 - 2:41 pm

  It is a nice SUV at a competitive price that offers average commodities and comfort. But as all other SUVs it looks the same as all others and the interior is mostly plastic with very little luxury beside a little chrome around the interior. My Trailblazer is supposed to seat 7 passengers, but I wonder where they get 5 people that can actually seat comfortable in the back seat. The Vortec 4200 six-cylinder engine is surprisingly responsive and delivers enough power to pull a good size trailer and boat. The transmision shift smoothly and the Automatic Allwheel drive is a great feature.

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  Love my Car........................... - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By starla - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I was a previous 12 year owner of a 1985 S-10 Blazer. Shopped long & hard for the right SUV for my family, settled with Trailblazer. I love it. At first, with all of the electronics, I wasnt so sure Id like it. WOW. its great. Kids cant lay down comfortably in the backseat, but its not made to be a motorhome :-). Well worth $.

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  Great for towing, bad for driving - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By John - December 30 - 11:17 am

  Leased it to tow my boat, great for towing, tons of power. Dont believe what sticker says about gas mileage, they like to pad the numbers. If I would have known I was gonna get 11 mpg I would have leased something different. Love to change my own oil, but for the life of me why would they bury the oil filter so you cant get at it, and Im a mechanic. All that aside its not a bad SUV, if they built an SUV that got 40 mpg everyone would buy it.

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  And they wonder why GM is going under?? - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Renzo - December 27 - 6:50 pm

  Fell in love with the front face of this SUV in july 2001, went to test drive it in August, made a deal in September, and $30,000 later, I had my brand new Chevy Trailblazer. In the first 6 months, it was in for repairs 4 times, electrical, brakes, 4wd switch, more electrical, yet more electrical, etc. A year later, with around 28K miles, I got stuck out in VA (Im from NY). Tranny was locked, key locked, etc. Contacted GM, "take it to a dealer and theyll fix it". I manually unlock the tranny and had to drive 450 miles w/o int. lights, turn signals. Took it to dealer, They told me I had too many miles! The worst vehicle ever!