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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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THE 2003 ARE BETTER THAN THEN 2002 - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By STEVO - December 8 - 12:13 amI LIVE IN UPPER NORTHERN WISCONSIN, AND I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF SUVS AND TRUCKS IN MY TIME. IVE OWN GMC, CHEVYS & FORDS. I LOVE MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER. I KNOW THEY HAD ALOT OF PROBELMS WITH THE 2002, BUT MY 2003, I HAVED NO TROUBLE WITH IT EXCEPT FOR A RATTLE THAT I HAD FIXED. THE 2003 HANDLE GREAT. I LOVE DRIVING IN THE SNOW WITH MY TRAILBLAZER. THE ONLY PROBELM I GOT WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THAT THE RESALE VALUE IS CRAP. BUT YOU GET THAT WHEN YOU BUY AMERICAN. MY RECOMMENDATION FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO BUY A SUV. BUY THE 2003 TRAILBLAZER, NOT THE 2002
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Quite Satisfied - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By BJ Mahoney - December 7 - 10:00 amReplacing Caravan, needed 7 seating,but not all the time.Pro- reviewers talk of leaning in corners,so dont drive like a teenager in a Miata.Drive normal and the ride is great,engine quiet,and the suspension fine.I am hoping to get sticker mileage,and was very careful to buy one that came with the standard axle ratio,as other ratios will get worse mileage. My wife likes the 4 wheel drive,for snowy weather.Hopefully we wont miss the cargo space of the Van.Great standard towing apacity,comes pre-wired.We like this thing,it is the first new Chevrolet we have owned.Our last 2 were Chrysler products.
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LTZ Rocks!!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By JEP - December 7 - 10:00 amSo far, so pleased. I came from a Honda---a big difference. Love all the bells and whistles that came with the Trailblazer. I havent had a reason to need or ask for anything more because the LTZ has it ALL.
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awsome - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By gyl - December 7 - 10:00 amruns smooth. A lil loose on the corners.
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Trailblazer LS 4WD is quite bland - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Brian - December 4 - 2:33 amWeve had ours for nearly 2 years now. We have put 17K miles on it and havent had any mechanical issues as of yet. I did not know about the "marinal" crash offset score when we bought it. However, the side impact (front and rear) ratings are excellent. Folks are saying they are getting 14-16MPG with this SUV...we average right at 20MPG (cautious driving technique). The vehicle doesnt handle very well on curvy roads. The steering response is very lack luster. The transmission doesnt seem to know what gear it wants. The interior looks as cheap as they come. The stereo is decent for a base factory model. Rear comfort is like a 2 door sports coupe.
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Happy when it works - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By just dont break - November 30 - 9:57 pmI really enjoy driving it when it is not having problems. It is a company car that gets every dealership recommended service and oil changes at 3K miles however, there have been several recalls, transmission failure at 38K miles, 4wd went out, electrical issues that impacted tail light, air conditioning and rear wiper, horrible noise when turning sharply in 4wd that had to be fixed, parking break stopped working. Though I enjoy driving it, I am reluctant to buy another one for fear of spending several times a year at the dealership.
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SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By TARAH - November 30 - 9:52 pmI use my Trailblazer primarily for my business. Its great driving and easy to get around. I went smaller with the Trailblazer from a Dodge Ram. Its gas intake is easier on the pocketbook.
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Better than expected - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jhIII - November 28 - 3:48 pmI spent several months looking at toyota pathfinder and nissan sentra. I am over six feet and found in both cars the seats bottoms too small and did not support me comfortably. The nissan requires premium fuel to get maximum horsepower. I just about quit looking for a comfortable suv 4x4. In desperation I decided to look at Chevy Trailblazer. Did not really want to given history of Chevy reliability for many of its cars. Bought it at Performance Chevy(great dealer and price). Mileage: 13-15 in city and 19-24 highway with reg gas. I get 16 mpg with mix.No problems except one sequeak. Torque on low speeds is somewhat weak but great pickup at higher speeds.
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x - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By jp - November 24 - 10:10 pmThe vehicle stop running the first day at only 29m and had to be towed. Problem with the heated mirrors, the 4X4 system, the engine makes funny noises, all kind of little problems you should not expect before 4-5 years are there after only a few months. Very poor service at the dealer.
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Why did I trade my SUV? - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By hand1415 - November 23 - 4:59 pmI bought the Trailblazer because it is a great looking SUV. However, I have had several electrical problems. The rear brake lights went our 6 times. The dealer changed the module 3 times before they were fixed. The "Check Engine" light came has come on 3 times. The drivers side mirror never returns to the proper position. The drivers heated seat module had to be replaced. The rear window washer hose has developed a kink in it. The rear seats are very uncomfortable and the drivers seat lacks support. The vehicle has deprieciated much faster than I thought was possible. My three previous SUVs were only in the shop for warranty work once, to repair a fog light that had burned out.
