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 It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.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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  Worst vehicle ever - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Patrick Watkins - October 26 - 4:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle from my father (the original owner) in about 2011. My father bought it new in 2005 for about $35,000. He went to trade it in, in 2011 but was only offered $4,000. That alone is absolute crap return on investment. There was only 115,000 miles. That means it had a $31,000 loss in 6 years. Ive owned it from my father, and it has been an absolute nightmare. Everything and anything keeps going wrong. In the last few years, I have replaced the brake pads 3 times, rotors 3 times, exhaust manifold, head light assembly 2 times, secondary air intake pump, hub assembly, e-vap system, radiator, power steering pump, rack and pinion, wire shorts in the stereo, and other general up keep. I have only owned this vehicle for about 4 years, and it sat in my garage for the last 10 months because I cant afford to keep fixing it. I was speaking to my father who was salesman for Chevrolet and he also agreed that he will never own another Chevrolet product after owning this hunk of junk. The gas mileage on this vehicle is atrocious, I cant get more than 275 miles per tank of gas. Also, since Ive owned this vehicle Ive only put on about 30,000 miles in 4 years because of the constant cost for up keep. I would never recommend this vehicle or any other GM product to anyone. The only good thing that this vehicle has done for me, is it has allowed me to find tons of how to fix videos and become more handy on fixing my own vehicle. Ive spent somewhere in the neighborhood of about $5,000 on fixes in the last 4 years. Please look at other vehicle, I cant say enough bad stuff about this product.

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  Please Reconsider This Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ballyclassic - March 22 - 7:28 pm

  Purchased new in 2005 and it has been a long road with repairs. I finally feel at 4,000 in out of pocket repairs Im at the end for reliability. Several electrical problems (Not covered) fuel system problems, I dont have enough space to comment. Please reconsider this vehicle it is very poor on mpg 14-15 overall and horrible in the snow or wet roads. If you live in a perfect climate than this is for you. One rainy day, snow covered road or ice and you will be trading it in. I have been a GM owner for years but sorry to say I will not be a supporter in the future.

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  Not a good SUV at all - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ericx - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV hoping it would be the best yet. However, all I have had is problems! The transmission was just replaced. I stalled out on a freeway ramp. Started smoking at 1,500 miles. The interior needs some work. The shifter should be on the column. Radio is confusing. Plastic is hard and ugly. Outside is the ugliest Chevy I have ever seen.

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  Save Your Money !! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Decisionmaker - October 1 - 9:26 pm

  I wish I had more than 700 characters to describe. Quality is less than desirable, very cheap interior, many factory screws missing. Fuel economy is a joke along with the electrical system. If considering this vehicle there is a reason for the 36K mile warranty, dont go past it. Many small issues and if your looking for a toss away vehicle you have made the correct choice. Just some advice for inclement zones, the trailblazer for a 4x4 is horrible in the snow/ice and even more dangerous on wet roads. I purchased new and have had all warranty work done and it is still a money hog with costly repairs. Gee, I wonder why GM is in trouble with TRUCK and SUV sales.Sorry this is my last GM product.

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  Last GM Ever in my life - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Baz - April 26 - 12:51 am

  I was forced to purchase this vehicle due to company policy. It is the poorest built vehicle I have every bought & The transfer case failed at 60700 km. (700 km past any warranty coverage) GM laughed at me when i suggested they should fix it for free. I would recommend buying anything but a Trailblazer. At 65000 km this thing is falling apart.

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  Trailblazer Unreliable - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jon Illinois - January 2 - 2:05 pm

  Battery failed in 1st year. Buttons peeling on Premium Bose Stereo. Wind Noise is very bad. Had to install custom deflectors but still have noise. STARTING PROBLEMS**** - Multiple occurrences. Late 2005 and late 2007 - still continuing. Dealer replaced a bunch of stuff in 2005 which did not solve the problem. Finally replaced ignition switch which solved the problem. New ignition problem - not starting in late 2007. Replaced ignition switch but the problem is still occurring. VERY UNRELIABLE. Transmission shifts hard but has not failed yet.

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  Bad bad purchase - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Hauppauge, NY - September 25 - 2:16 am

  Dont even consider buying this vehicle... Nothing but problems.... Front linkage constantly loosening. Brake rotors wearing unevenly. IGNITION PROBLEMS...whew!!!! Blower Motor Vibrates very loudly Tires wear unevenly. Smithtown Chevy....horrible dealer. Ripoff Salesmen, and Service manager is a tyrant.... no satisfaction, they only fix what they want too... beware REAL GAS MILEAGE ONLY 13 MPG...... HIGHWAY MPG=14MPG CITY MPG = 13MPG

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  Transmission Blew out at 20K - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kevin - September 1 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle is another typical poorly snapped together American tin can. My wife and I decided to be loyalto the US manufacturers, and I have not had a US made car since my Dodge Dart slant 6, which was ugly but reliable! This TrailBlazer was aptly named. Hit the trail and something under the hood will soon be ablaze, as I was told when I had an engine fire at 5,342 miles that was due to oil that spilled on the block. I disagree, since it looks like it originated from a cluster of wires that looks like a rats nest. Then my transmisssion completley failed at 19,456 miles and needed to be completley replaced. They blamed it on us saying we had driven the car hard. We use it to shop!

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  ALL WET - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mmelyssa - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Since we have purchased this vehicle it has spent more time in the shop then on the road. Somewhere in the front of the vehicle there is a leak that no one can find. Every time it rains, the entire front floor pannel gets soaked. My car smells like mildew and GM is not being all that cooperative with helping us out. I am not the only trailblazer owner that is having this problem. DO NOT GET THIS CAR