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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 SUV! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hot SUV - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This a geat SUV. You can not buy a better SUV for the price. Its handling and ride are excellent. Mine has 4WD and it came in handy on snow and ice. Dont expect great gas milage.

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  Nice overall - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By J-Rave - March 8 - 2:00 am

  love this car. It has such power. A little slow at first but once it gets going it rips. Three people in my family have 4 door blazers from years 96-2002. I feel like the king since mine is so much larger. Great car overall I have owned the car for 4 days, I am scared to fill up the tank! Thanks GM.

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  I love my trailblazer! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jenniffer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an SUV that Ive wanted for a long time but I was too afraid to make the switch from sports car to SUV. I was sure I would flip it over in a week. Instead, i got a vehicle with cargo space, enough horsepower that im not missing out, and the comfort my sports car couldnt give me. I love it!

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  GRAN SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By OSO - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, high power, super confortable ride, no major problems in 25,000 miles, computer alert about oil change.

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  The Ulimate SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Patrick - February 13 - 3:49 pm

  I have a 2003 Trailblazer LS All I can Say is WOW .. This is by far the best SUV I have ever driven. Traded a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (JEEP was in the shop every other week Up til the end) Differential problems, Transmission probelms and rotors every 10,000 miles or so -- That is unheard of, well so I thought.. Anyway, drove every mid size SUV before deciding on the Trailblazer. Purchased it because it had the best ride and all the features I wanted and the price was right.. I do not have the wind noise a lot talk about -- As to gas mileage City is around 16 HWY 22 I live in the mountains not the flat lands This is an SUV not a Civic.. I LOVE It Drive one and see for yourself ......

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  2003 ChevyTrailerblazer honest review - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By rick 2004 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Trailblazer is quiet and confortable to drive. However it can be sluggish thru turns, and gas mileage is disappointing. Even though it does better than Dodge Duragos V8, I feel Chevys straight 6 engine would perform better than the 15 mpg Im currently getting. Still, Im happy overall with this SUV, and, so far, no service costs.

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  Second Time Around - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Second Time Around - February 6 - 10:33 pm

  I leased my first Trailblazer in 2001 and I liked it so much when my lease was up I decided to re-lease the 2005 LS Trailblazer. I noticed some features and bugs have been worked out. Tail lights actually work in my 2005 and my 12v plug is missing in my 2005 to blow up my bike tires. All in all I like the overall feel of the steering, drive, and pick up of the Trailblazer. The LS is just as nice as the LT without the bells and whisles. The sun, sound, and safety package is great! My friends own the Durango, and Explorer and wish their family worked for GM instead. Thank you for such a great automobile and hope GM keeps going in the right direction!

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  Good ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By steveh1354 - February 2 - 11:04 pm

  I love the way this vehicle looks and drives. Its a perfect car for the kids and long trips. Feel safe and confident. Wife fought me on buying it and now she drives it all the time. Gas mileage is pretty bad. I havnt had any problems with drive or performance. Wind noise is bad at highway speeds. Basic stereo and speakers are poor, I upgraded the speakers and that really helped. I have used this truck in some heavy snow this winter, and both the AWD and 4WD worked great. I went after market on a DVD system. Dealership wanted 1800, i got a nice one for under a 1000. Overall I love this vehicle and it looks awsome in maroon.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Maddog - February 1 - 10:41 am

  Im in the military and do alot of traveling. Ive found the Trailblazer to be a very reliable and fun to drive vehicle.The quick acceleration from the Chevy Vortec allows me to move in and out of traffic with ease.

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  Love my TrailBlazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By My first Chevy - January 31 - 8:19 pm

  I looked at all the midsize SUVs (Explorer, Grand Cherokee, and Durango) and picked the TrailBlazer for two reasons: It had the most powerful engine (270 hp), and I loved the body style. I have had no regrets about buying it. Its met or exceeded the expectations I had for it. Whether its taking the family on vacation, going hunting or fishing, or loading up at the Home Depot, my TrailBlazer has done the job. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a mid- size SUV