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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Great Truck - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Matt - July 14 - 8:33 pm

  This truck is amazing. I just drove cross country and was amazed that my body was not all tired and fatigued after completing 1,500+ miles in 3 days. The truck was also able to sit five full sized adults comfortably. I was constantly amazed at the power this truck has and what a true joy it was to drive.

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  Blazed a trail in my wallet - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Frank Perez - July 8 - 10:00 am

  first time buying a new car and less than 6 months 03 tblazer was in shop 2 times for climate control switch or whatever the a/c was not working dealer told me "when this happens again just to make me feel better hit the compressor with something" yeah ok whatever you say sir. very attractive car but something must be done if i am to be a repeat gm buyer

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  Roomy, Gadgeted-up Gas Guzzler Just OK - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Darin Lawson - July 8 - 7:06 am

  I swore Id never drive a Chevy again, but the employee-discount deal made a 2yr lease on this T-Blazer cheaper than the four-year-old Eddie Bauer I was looking at, so I relented. Took it through a car wash the other day; the top windshield molding blew off. My wife opened the door the other day; the inside door seal fell to the ground. Plasticy interior has had a couple rattles already. Biggest complaint is the lack of travel on the seats. Im 63 and cant get the seat low enough to feel like Im riding "in" the car, rather than "on" the car, plus no lumbar or lateral back support- my 96 Ford had a better seat. It aint bad, it just could be better..

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  Major Headache - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Diehardchevyman - June 26 - 10:17 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used in 2002. The day after I bought it the headlight burned out and melted the socket for the bulb. A week later it melted the rear brake light circuit board. Not too much long after that, we had problems with the engine, it ate two batteries in a week, and now it still has a knock in the engine. The rear liftgate handle has broken on the inside, the driver side interior door panel is falling off, the plastic moldings around the handles are falling off, and the weather stripping is falling off. Needless to say this will bemy last Chevy purchase. Do not buy this model year Trailblazer. Its not worth the headache.

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  Happy with It - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Matt Bednarcik - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the vehichle gratly. The performance is very good for its size and weight. The comfort is exceptional for an Suv.(my 2nd).The improvements I would make have been made from Chevrolet already.

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  Comfort is value - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jackie Trautwein - June 18 - 4:26 pm

  My Trailblazer is probably the most comfortable truck I have owned. Others who have driven in it with me have also remarked how comfortable it is. I would like to see a more chic, sporty stereo system panel in it. It has the basic panel which all the Chevy trucks have. It runs fantastic. Gas mileage is better than other SUVs but could be better. Quiet engine and rides like a car, not like a truck.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DollBaby - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I drove a 2002 Blazer for about 2 years and was pleased with the performance of that vehicle. When the need arose for a 4-door vehicle in our family we chose the Trailblazer based on the performance of the 2002 Blazer that never gave us one ounce of problems the entire time we owned the vehicle. The Trailblazer screams comfort. I would even say it is comparable to a Cadillac that I once owned. THIS IS A NICE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!

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  So far so good - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By POENY - June 13 - 9:13 pm

  My 2005 TrailBlazer EXT LT has almost everything I could ask for. With 600 miles on it everything is tight and working as it should. Based on a less than perfect experience with my last vehicle (2002 Blazer) I hope the not to report back that things have fallen apart in a year or so. I really like the ride and handling. Cabin space is much better than the 4Runner I was looking at, amenities are more affordable (at least up front, resale value is another thing). I didnt get the sunroof, it gives me an extra inch of head room but getting it out meant I had to get the DVD player (not needed but my daughter loves it). All in all it is a VERY nice ride every day, I am impressed.

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  Great - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ltz2003 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been great so far. I only had one problem so far a leaking Rear diff. seal. One trip to fix it. I would tell anyone to buy one of these. Hope to have it for a long while

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  Really nice car - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Desiree - May 27 - 8:54 pm

  I fell in love with this car the moment I saw it. It has all the room our family needs, and plenty of safety features (such as front and side impact air bags and OnStar) to help us out if we need them. It has the DVD for the kids, and that could be considered to be a safety feature in itself! It has plenty of power for passing and getting on the highway, way more than you even need. The steering controls are also very nice. The standard stereo is enough for me, but it needs rear speakers for the kids. Love can sometimes be blind though. Fuel efficiency is not one of its best features, which is a growing concern.