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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 Chevy Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Leevis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a 1997 Blazer. Greatly improved visibility in the Trailblazer. Excellent power and acceleration. Rear lift ate is a very nice feature.

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  My Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jayr1 - September 26 - 1:53 am

  After driving my fathers TB for almost a year I new I needed to buy one of my own. It runs great, looks great, its not too bad with fuel. I love it. Have not had any problems with it at all!

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  Joy to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Barb Cwirka - September 21 - 6:45 pm

  Great on family trips. Plenty of room for people, pets, baggage. GPS wonderful addition. Throw your maps away! Enjoy the scenery while you drive. Gas mileage of 22-25 on highway. 17 in town.

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  Not bad but not so good either - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By larrymac - September 20 - 2:00 am

  TrailBlazer has solid feel, good power, comfortable. Gas mileage not what I had hoped. Started at 13mpg in town. I can now coax 16mpg on average in town. Highway mileage averages 19mpg. The TrailBlazer trouble free up until I took an 1100 mile trip. It developed a high pitch squeal, turned out to be seals in the transfer case. Then I developed a bad oil leak. This all happened with just 28K on vehicle. My old 4Runner never had these kinds of problems until I had well over 200K. For the cost, $30K+ this vehicle should be trouble free, at least up to 100K. Maybe this is just typical of a first year design model and Im just shaking out the bugs.

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  Gas guzzler - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sal - September 18 - 1:06 am

  I bought this just before the $3.00 gas rush. I am sorry to say its a nice SUV, but around town its horrible. 8 miles to a gallon and its killing me already. Thank God I bought it with a GMAC Smart Buy because I am most definitely going to give it back on the 36th month. Thats unless gas should ever happen to go below a buck a gallon!

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  Trailblazer LT EXT V8 5.3L - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Carlos P. - September 17 - 11:16 pm

  I love this SUV, and the looks and performance on the V8 engine. Its roomy. A perfect vehicle for family trips or vacations, and well designed.

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  Good SUV, Good for towing, Ext LS - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Relentless TBExt - September 17 - 12:43 am

  This is my 1st truck, 1st 4WD, 1st tow veh. I6 does well w/ family of 5, 2 kayaks atop, and 27 x 4,300# UVW Wilderness trailer behind. 3rd seat a must. Dont like the front seat belts. 9- 11 MPG towing, as high as 21 highway w/ just passengers. 17.7 OA MPG. With high priced gas, Im very happy with the choice. Durango wheel base too short! Saw some w/ flipped trailers (beware!). TB Ext SUV pulls safe! With the load Im pulling, Ill stick to flatland. High gas prices make that easier to take. Wish they had higher standards on the body sheet metal, you double take to make sure theres no body work on this. Toyota would not attempt sell this quality!

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kar - September 15 - 4:28 pm

  I bought my Trailblazer 2nd hand. I worked at a small private dealership that specialized in used trucks and SUVs. My boss got it from a Chevy dealership. It only had 1 previous owner and it had 55,000mi on it when I bought it. I havent had to do much except maintenance. I have 70,000mi on it now. I expect problems to arise after 60,000mi. I had a Chevy S10 pickup and it had to have things replaced when it hit around 50,000. I hope to have it for a while. It is excellent in the snow and rain. My pickup truck was great too but it would hydroplane bad in rain. The Trailblazer handles well all around. It is an SUV, not a sportscar. I am very happy with my Trailblazer.

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  2004 trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By koula - September 8 - 10:00 am

  the trail blazer is one of the best suvs i have ever driven top rate interior for an ls 4x4 its like a truck not a family suv. but still a an ok family suv pesonally i think its tougher than a doge ram 1500 and more reliabale and better looking too great car cheap and usually comes with a 4 inch lift

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  Trailblazer LTZ - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By heather - September 6 - 1:48 am

  Gas mileage not very good, for the first few months got 9 mpg, now, in third year of ownership it is getting 13 mpg. Still has not reached the 15 city 20 highway that was on the window sticker! Lots of little things never did or do work right, even after telling the dealership. Example: the mirrors on the side of the vehicle take on a life of their own and move and readjust so that they are rarely in place when you need them. Other than that, the vehicle looks okay, but I would not buy it again.