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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Good Reliability Quality Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By gmsmith - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My Chevy Trailblazer has plenty of pick up and passing power I love the power. This is a very fun vehicle to drive; I took this SUV on a trip that was about 1600 miles round trip, it average about 21.97 mpg on the highway and about 14 to 16 in the city, I think that great mileage for a truck with that kind of power. It has a very soft ride for a SUV. The seat can be a little more supportive but they are fairly comfortable. This is a very reliable vehicle I have 20K on it right now. The crap that they say that the ford explorer handles better is not true my son has a 2002 ford and my trailblazer is faster and handle a lot better than his ford explorer.

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  2002 Trailblazer LS - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By L. Porter - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle at an affordable price. Lots of extras, fun to drive, plenty of power, nice extras on the 1SB package.

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  Lots of miles in the first month - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By canoe - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I just returned to Chicago from a road trip to Texas. I bought my Trailblazer a month ago and have almost 5000 miles on it. It has been a comfortable, fun and reliable ride. After test driving virtually every mid sized SUV available, I selected the Trailblazer. Its comfort (great drivers seat leg room) and interior layout and space sold me. Im not disappointed. Im also pleased with the engines performance. The gas mileage matched the window sticker and it ran smmothly. Great car so far.

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  cool truck - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By goalloutK37 - November 7 - 7:52 pm

  looks really sexy day and night and has a great mean front end look.

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  my truck is the best - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By preskoolma - November 7 - 10:00 am

  second and third row seats fold down in a snap. so easy my three year old does it all on his own. extremely comfortable. would trade it for anything. my husband can trade his truck in for another four door truck.

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  Real SUV without the rock hard ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bkd - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power and fantastic ride. It has a much better ride than the other SUV I tried, including the luxury models. Available options are great (XM, On-Star, DVD). I would also recommend the leather.

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  2nd row doors tough to open... - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Tracy Schaller - November 5 - 9:41 pm

  The wiper module has failed 2x. The 2nd seat doors have failed 9x. The 2nd row blower has failed once.The rear tailight has had two repairs. There have been 2 front end repairs in excess of $1K. More repairs that result in lost work time too many to remember. Not what you expect from a new car. Numerous recalls..Chevy extended the old Trailblazer & did a poor job. The undercarriage has a center cross beam that drags on the beach & offroad. YUCK! The only good news is the 3rd road seat comfort. Corporate has yet to accept the design failure on the doors. Avoid this 1st year model like the plague & check the reports on subsequent years.

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  @004 Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mcarlson - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this SUV and so far I really love it. I would like to see added space to carry your purse or other items while driving, other than that I cant think of a thing I would change about this vehicle.

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  The best TrailBlazer Ever! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Zeke Bronson - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 3 TrailBlazers since they were restyled in 2002. This 2004 2wd TrailBlazer LT is the best ever. The 4.2L engine w/3.42 rear gets great fuel mileage on the highway ... 21+ mpg. Thats really good since most of my driving is highway. The seats are comfortable, and I have not been back to the dealership since I bought it. I love this TrailBlazer, and may keep it another year and get a 2006 model.

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  2004 Trailblazer EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Highway - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent overall performance. Ive had it only 2 months, but I dont anticipate problems. Very solid vehicle