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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:

• 

  No Good Chevy! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By No Good Chevy - April 5 - 5:31 pm

  Have had this SUV since new. Will never own another Chevy. Build quality is lacking. Gas mileage is horrendous. Getting 14.5 mpg according to onboard computer. Bought the top of the line with all the extras for $36000, now trade in is only about $17500! why did this loose value so quickly? Does Chevrolet know what junk they are selling? Have replaced the wiper motor twice due to recall, replaced taillights twice under warranty, and now need to replace again. Electric mirrors were replaced under warranty, now they need to be repaired again. Great Bose Stereo, but Chevy didnt build that. Reccomend Ford or foreign made vehicle next time. Very uncomfortable leather seats for front passangers.

• 

  SUV with an edge - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jj - April 3 - 3:33 pm

  After one year with my Trailblazer. I still look outside and admire its styling. When this SUV came out in 2002. It looked like a vehicle that was capable off road as well as a sporty cruiser around town. My family of 4 fits well in the Blazer. But, for me its a family vehicle that looks youthful and sport. Outside styling Great Inside Styling Functional

• 

  Feels big.... Is big... Not really Fun - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By brownie2k - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, powerful and a great value. However... Backing up is a complete mystery, amatuers need not apply! Once moving forward, drive is quite smooth and full of power - for a V6. Owned over 1 1/2 years and virtually no problems other than the dealership hosing me at time of purchase...but whats new!

• 

  Need to work the bugs out! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sgtpepper - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I am pleased with the vehicle overall but have had problems. I had the vehicle only two weeks when I noticed a whine in the rear. It turned out that the entire rear end needed to be replaced. Problems with electrical system Ive had to have the wiper motor replaced and now the recirculation fan on the a/c isnt working. Im also experiencing trouble with the automatic climate control system. Sometimes it blows cold and sometimes warm when set at 60 the fan speed changes even when it is set to manual control. I have also had occasions where the entire driver information system, including gauges, went dead on me. There is a wind noise issue with this vehicle.

• 

  Still new - no problems - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JTL - March 26 - 6:05 pm

  Like it alot but a little loose in the handling. Quiet and a great turning radius. Gas mileage average for an SUV. No surprise. In line 6 very quiet. Rides well - seats hard but that is good.

• 

  Not that great - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Scott - March 26 - 4:13 pm

  My wife and I love the look and feel of our Trailblazer but the reliability is what brings us down. Transmission went out at 25,000 miles and dealership kept car for 3 weeks to fix it. ENORMOUS amount of AC problems over the last 1 1/2 years. Dealership can sometimes "duplicate" problem and they just keep replacing parts but nothing on the AC gets fixed. Also, the clock will sometimes change to a totally different time by itself (jump ahead a few hours and minutes). One time, the complete dashboard electrical system just went out (all the displays and the speedomoter). I got it to come back on after I turned the engine off and on again. Car sometimes has trouble starting too.

• 

  Coulda been better - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By talbin31 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Several problems damper this otherwise fine vehicle. Lots of wind noise is the most apparent at speeds above 50 MPH. Front passenger seat belt locks up continuously. Fuel range...listed as 400 miles per tank...yeah...maybe if you drive the highway at 55 mph...otherwise expect mid to low 300 miles from full tank. Back seat uncomfortable...especially around foot area....other than I like it.

• 

  i love this truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sean Stark - March 20 - 10:00 am

  has plenty of power

• 

  Perrys Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By perry - March 13 - 1:04 pm

  this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. You get a lot of bang for the buck with this SUV. Performance is great and it has a smooth, car-like ride. When this vehicle first came out it had a lot of advancements that were firsts on an SUV, like steel reinforced hydraformed side rails for safety, and a smooth powerful european inline 6 cylinder. Besides normal wear and tear maintanance costs and some dealer recalls, the vehicle has been very reliable.

• 

  So far so good - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TrailBlazer - March 9 - 5:26 am

  Only 900 miles so far, mostly city, and driving, comfort, sense of security and somewhat fresh styling are all making me glad I bought it. Vehicle is a big hit with family and friends, partly due to plush LTZ features. But the truck has a nice sturdy feel. While I give a slight edge to Envoys exterior, I went for "it is what it is" simplicity of the Chevy interior vs. the Envoy "wanna be luxury" styling. Flexible dealer, great price made this a value not to walkaway from.