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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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:
Showing 941 through 950 of 1,336.00-
One of the Bast - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By ronw - December 30 - 10:00 amVery comfortable, great ride quality and handling. Very quiet
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Luxury Without Ostentation - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By zenith - December 26 - 12:22 pmWhy would anyone buy an Escalade when this vehicle is available? Its a solid citizen. Reliable. Comfortable. American. Could use heated wiper blade arms for snowy weather. I recommend preventative maintenance. Dont wait for something to wear out. For example, a worn fan belt replaced away from home is always going to be cheaper than replacing a broken one in far off Dogpatch.
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not a problem - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By cubfan - December 26 - 10:00 amMy 2003 Trailblazer has not had any problems whatsoever. We had a lot of snow in February and whenever I needed my four wheel drive it was quick to respond and made it through the deep snow without any problems.
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Happy Customer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Terry Pogue - December 24 - 10:00 amOverall we love the Trail Blazer, it is a pleasure to drive. It is quite and smooth with little road noise. The gauges are plan and easy to see and read. Road visibility is very good. The stock sound system is above normal in quality and performance. The drive train is sound and powerful. 2WD likes to change on its own to AWD and/or 4WD and some times it feels like the truck could easily be rolled if turning to quickly. Not happy about the three recalls but they were taken care of in a timely manner.
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I BELIEVE I HAVE MY FIRST LEMON - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By SKIPPY - December 21 - 10:00 amMY TRAILBLAZER LOOKS GREAT, RUNS GREAT, AND RIDES GREAT. LOVE THE VEHICLE AND WOULD BUY A SECOND, HOWEVER I HAVE A WATER LEAK IN THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR AREA. A DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE LEAK WAS FIXED. ??? MY THIRD APPOINTMENT IS MY LAST BEFORE I FILE FOR LEMON LAW. STILL DIE HARD CHEVY.
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Expensive Junk - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Mary Ellen - December 20 - 11:54 pmThis SUV is overpriced, and, in my opinion, is one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have ever been in as a passenger. The seatbelts are crap, and it takes about five minutes to get them to work properly. It is fair (in terms of comfort) when you are the driver. The interior is junk. And, it is worth about half the price I paid for it, and I got the GM discount.
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First two weeks with a 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By kapptin - December 17 - 2:00 amSo far I have been very pleased with my new 2003 LTZ 4wd. I have always been a Chevy fan and found that the TB was an excellet choice for mid size SUV. The only real thing that Chevy could have done better on is the front seats, too much slip side to side. I have leather and you have to hold yourself in place on sharp turns. Very happy with performance and handling. Great ride and easy to drive for around town use.
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First SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By OPRF Dooper - December 13 - 11:08 pmJust turned 5,000 miles. Close to zero defects. TB is fun to drive compared to our minivan. Front seating is comfortable and the ride is good, but it really rolls a lot when hitting bumpy corners. Maybe all SUVs do that. Havent tried the 4WD yet. Nice to be able to pull into a parking space and not scrape on the barrier or curb. Definitely like better than a passenger car. Mileage running about 17 mpg as advertised in the city, but at least that weight provides some safety (as do the side airbags).
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2002 trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Wayne Baker - December 12 - 3:08 pmWe bought our trailblazer new in July, 2001. We were attracted by the size (not too big) and design. We occasionally pull an 18 foot boat and the towing ability is excellent. Also, it is very comfortable for trips and safe for my wife to drive around town. Our LTZ came with all of the "bells and whistles" availabe when they first came out. We had a choice between a DVD player or sunroof, and chose the roof.
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Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By eng6fire - December 12 - 2:00 amDont understand complaints about steering & suspension. Mine turns fine and rides better than most cars. Also handles sharp corners with ease.
