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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  03 Trail Blazer, so good so far - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Paul McKee - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 03 TrailBlazer from Chev. dealer with 5M miles on it. Engine is quiet, very smooth, gas mileage is OK at 22-23 Hwy, 14-16 in town. A little stiff ride around town, but what I would expect from a truck frame. Very smooth ride on the highway. Poor handling in curves. Interior is a could certainly be improved. Dont know why GM persists in cheap, hard plastic interiors. Some wind noise at highways speeds. I bought it because it was priced well and even with its good/bad features, it represents a decent value in the field of SUVs.

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  One good SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Luke - October 28 - 8:54 pm

  We only had our Trailblazer for about a month but it is one of the best SUVs we have owned (Jeep, Montero, Trooper)!!! It has a smooth ride any plenty of power to cross the passes in Colorado. It handles well in the snow

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  Best SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Alan - October 28 - 4:15 pm

  Exceptional value with all the bells and whistles. Plenty of power from the 4.2L. Great handling and firm ride. XM/Bose system with navigation well worth the option. Comfort is quite good with power seat,heater and pedals options. 17" wheels gives a slightly better ride than the standard 16". Never had a warranty claim to date with 21,000 miles. Mileage of 15/21.

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  Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Craig Pennsylvania - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall. Very smooth ride, LTZ is super high luxury with nice features only available on lux SUVs with prestige name plates costing $20K more. After I set aside the snob factor (not easy coming from BMW/Volvo background) found this an excellent value. Extremely powerful engine that beats most competitors including the minivan-like (and looking) Mercedes SUV and overpriced and compromised interior size BMW. Even the headlights are good, which was surprising given that I always drove European cars before with excellent lighting.

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  Trailblazer overview - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jim Gray - October 21 - 10:00 am

  We feel that the trailblazer is an outstanding multi use car. It has a relativly small footprint for the useable space available. It is a powerhouse as tow vehicle for up to the 5500 lb limit.The design is easy to live with and the fit and finish is way above average.

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  DealerBlazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JimR - October 18 - 2:00 am

  With all the problems with this SUV, it should be called a DealerBlazer. Its been in for problems six times in the first year. Now it is currently back at the dealer because the four wheel drive would not work. The dealer got it to work and couldnt get it to turn off. Nothing but major electrical problems, ranging from the four wheel drive to the seats, mirrors and alarm. Back window leaks have been fixed 4 times. Poor handling and seat comfort as well. Dont waste your money. Avoid it. For $36000 its a big waste of money.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By larry - October 13 - 9:44 pm

  Overall ratings for my Trailblazer are poor. Gas mileage is horrible. Only getting 11.9 miles to the gallon. Uncomfortable seatbelts mounted into the seat makes it difficult if you arent the perfect build. Noted headliner falls down leaks water onto the pass side floor from unknown source.

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  I love my new ride - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Suzie - October 7 - 12:34 pm

  I went from an xterra to my Blazer, and I love the comfortable and quiet ride. It is so smooth, you hear no outside noises! I like the bigger size, I had an older Blazer 1995 and I loved it also, but more room is great!

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  trailblazin 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mikeliny - September 26 - 10:00 am

  so far my 2003 trailblazer ls has been great. only has a minor a/c problem but was fixed at dealer in 15 minutes.

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  excellent truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By intmdtrdal - September 26 - 10:00 am

  awsome truck when you do performance upgrades. installed k@n filter high flow exhaust, a jet performance chip and a transmission shift kit to fix the wimpy automatic. love the 4.2 six