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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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 981 through 990 of 1,336.00-
great for single girl too not just fami - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By migster - October 1 - 2:00 ami love it! i feel comfortable in it when i am driving. wheather it be rain, snow, sleat. being a single girl who does do alot of driving by herself. a dn even someoday if i have a family i would feel just as safe having them in the suv.
-
235 cubic inche six....wow - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rdrackley - October 1 - 2:00 amENGINE N OISY. GIVE YOU THE 4 CYLINDER SOUND WITH STRAIGHT SIX GRUNT.DISAPOINTED WITH FUEL MILAGE
-
TB is Kickin - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By lincis2 - September 20 - 2:50 pmThis is my first SUV. After 6 months of shopping I chose hands down the TrailBlazer. The perfomance is their with the 270hp I6. Nothing else I test drove with a 6cyl could match the power. The handaling is great. I drove through a pretty heavy rainfall the other day and it drove great, better than any other car or truck I have owned
-
Superior to Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Joe Torres - September 18 - 2:00 amMy experience with my trail has been great! Its fun to drive. Has a very smooth drive! Definitely Ford Explorer Sucks! TrailBlazer is the best!
-
Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Benc - September 12 - 10:00 amThe best GM car I have had
-
I love my Chevy Trailbalzer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Debra - September 8 - 2:23 pmI really like the way my Trailblazer rides and it has handled very well on the snow and ice we have had this year. It is really roomy. I dont think I could ever go back and own a car again...
-
03 Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By dapper24 - September 8 - 2:00 amSo far an excellent SUV choice. Plenty of power and responsiveness with a very good ride. Gas mileage could be better, then again its an SUV. No problems other than cheap radio preset dials, the black peels off over time, but is covered under warranty. We ordered our loaded (leather, 6 CD, sunroof, etc.) and it certainly feels like a luxury SUV, but without the debt.
-
Its soooooo bad - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By What a lemon - September 7 - 10:00 amI have never bought a new car with so many problems. All these problems and it never went off road. All sway bars had to be replaced within the first 3 months to stop the banging noise when I made a turn. The entire left wheel had to be replaced and remounted. The squeeking noise during normal driving is driving me mad. Now the transmition doesnt always shift from 1st to 2nd. It has been in to be repaired at least once per month since I bought it. Im dumping it before the warranty runs out. DO NOT BUY ONE.
-
luv my chevy - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By bdl2 - September 1 - 2:00 amthis is a 1st for me-i love my trailblazer but gm is making it difficult not to trade her in with the huge rebates.
-
Blazin new trails in my Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Meurk - August 28 - 2:00 amI wanted a bigger vehicle to use for hauling all my stuff and people. The third row seat can actually handle two full size adults, unlike my uncles lame Durango. The in-line six engine is smooth and powerful. I successfully pulled a car trailer with a Camaro on it from Kentucky with no problems. It was like the trailer wasnt even behind my truck. You will soon find my uncles Durango on a Chevy dealers used car lot!
