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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 Brian - May 25 - 7:06 pm

  This is fantastic vehicle for family use and towing! have had the vehicle for about a month and am very impressed with the comfort, build quality and performance. Only thing that I wished the vehicle had as an option would be a power seat.

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  LadyRed - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TopCat - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a car, even in bad weather and or rain. corners great and night driving not a problem as far as seeing the road and or other vehicles. makes long road trips a breeze, easy on the body.

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  Still Checking It Out - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mark - May 16 - 1:51 am

  After driving a 2001 Bravada, I felt cheated when I saw that the Trailblzaer was larger, heavier, and had more horsepower, and the same gas mileage (15/20). I get 16 mpg which I hope improves. As far as comfort goes, the way the drivers bottom seat is bolstered causes an ache under my right thigh. I try to make up for it with the seat controls. It has everything, and I really like it. It would be the perfect SUV for me if the mileage was better.

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  WOW! What a SUV!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailBlazerGirl - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I am IMPRESSED!!! I had a TrailBlazer as a rental car to drive from CA- Vegas- Laughlin- & back to CA. Very happy with fast acceleration, driving in mountain areas, & the comfortable seats for long drives! I was so happy with the drive I am currently shopping to buy one. I was in the market for a new Jetta to replace my old one or a Dodge Durango. I couldnt decide if I wanted the SUV or a car. However, this SUV puts the Durango to shame! Durango is no longer a choice! The trunk had lots of space with extra compartments.

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  Love it! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By texanspice - April 28 - 7:56 pm

  I love the new Trailblazers! Handles like a dream on corners. Room for the whole family. Beautiful color choices. I chose superior blue metallic. Great accents.

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  Happy TB Camper - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DukeCylk - April 13 - 11:58 pm

  I am very satisfied with our vehicle. The torque and horsepower are exceptional. My only complaint is that the new stadium seating concept makes it difficult to see where you are going when backing up.

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  Trailblazer 4wd EXT - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By DDMDM - April 12 - 5:09 pm

  We have had the Trailblazer since October of 2002 and have had great experiences in it. We have gone to Yellowstone in it with the family, as well as numerous trips between our home and other points in Oklahoma for our sons University visits and a number of doctor appointments that require turnpike travel. We have never had a mechanical problem in that time, and the number of rattles and squeaks that have appeared have been almost non- existent. It handles well in the wind and other weather, the 4wd has been used a number of times in snows over the past two winters, and over all it has been a very reliable and fun vehicle to drive and own.

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  Love It! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Denise R - April 10 - 2:28 pm

  I absolutely LOVE my 2003 Trailblazer! It gives me more room than a car, yet still gives me the room of a pickup. On long trips, we can lay down one of the back seats and BINGO! Just enough room for one person to lay down and sleep while the other is driving. If we pull over, we lay down both seats and have plenty of room for both of us to have a quick nap. With the luggage rack on top, there is plenty of room for everything from groceries to football equipment, to sleeping bags and pillows. Our dog especially loves when we leave both seats down, because he has a mini playground when we travel. Smooth riding and great gas mileage for our hard earned money. Thanks Chevy!

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  Not happy - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kcameron - April 8 - 4:33 pm

  After taking the car to the dealer and not having the roaming mirrors fixed or the roar at 57 to 62 mph, I traded the car for a Tahoe

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MC - April 5 - 6:33 pm

  I am a big GM fan, but this vehicle has issues. The ignitions switch went bad at 60k miles. My 4wd selector switch has been replaced, but is already acting up again. I love the look and ride of the vehicle, but a $35k vehicle is supposed to be reliable for more than 1 year!!!!!