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Chevrolet TrailBlazer - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ranks 30 out of 30 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The TrailBlazer's strong point is its comfortable, roomy and relatively well-equipped cabin, but that can't make up for sub-par handling and cheap interior materials. For a smoother ride and higher fuel economy, consider crossovers such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex or Mazda CX-7.

The 2009 Trailblazer continues to fall short of top competitors in reliability, interior materials and -- unless you're talking about the powerful SS model -- performance. "After factoring in the inevitable incentives that accompany the TrailBlazer, it has a decent amount of equipment and is somewhat of a good value, but the interior and the driving experience place it at the bottom of its class," says Car and Driver. "The SS model transcends its plebeian roots, however, and will provide some serious acceleration, handling, and grins." Due to poor sales and plant closings, the TrailBlazer is expected to be discontinued after this model year.

Be sure to check for current Chevrolet Deals that may be available on a new TrailBlazer. Also note that Chevy's parent company, General Motors, is giving consumers a great incentive by taking the risk out of buying. The automaker's 60-day money-back guarantee allows buyers of 2009 and 2010 vehicles to return them between 31 and 60 days of purchase -- just as long as there are less than 4,000 miles on the odometer and the buyer is current on payments.

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in two main trims: the base LT and the performance-driven SS. The SS is broken down into two sub-trims: the 1SS and the top of the line 3SS.

• "Chevrolet TrailBlazer is powerful, rugged and capable, yet smooth, comfortable and civilized. Its rigid chassis, sophisticated suspension, powerful brakes and impressive details place it among the best of the mid-size SUVs." -- New Car Test Drive
• "TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs, and match most rivals for pace and space. Overall, however, we prefer the GMC Envoy among this GM family as the best blend of performance, interior design, and dollar value." -- Consumer Guide
• "Though still a decent SUV, the 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer's aging design puts it at a disadvantage against newer competitors." -- Edmunds
• "The SS package is fairly costly, but is a bargain -- considering what it adds to the standard version. It provides the best of two worlds -- the utilitarian benefits of a truck and much of a sports sedan's driving kicks." -- MSN

TrailBlazer Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

Test drivers are largely unimpressed with the TrailBlazer's performance, except when it comes to the sport-tuned and extremely powerful SS model. Car and Driver says, "The loose, imprecise feel doesn't inspire sporty driving." On the plus side, both the TrailBlazer's engine options offer plenty of power -- but they come with sub-par fuel economy. Read More

TrailBlazer Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2009 TrailBlazer's tough exterior is familiar to many potential owners. "Overall, TrailBlazer looks sturdy and neat, with confident lines that express utility," says New Car Test Drive. "The pillars and window lines are graceful, while the big fender flares are visually bold." Reviewers like the SS model's styling even better. Read More

TrailBlazer Interior - 7.1 (Good)

Though the Chevy TrailBlazer offers spacious seating and cargo areas, reviewers find the interior rather uninspiring -- with a major complaint being the use of low-grade materials. "We felt that the design of the interior looked a bit dated, but the controls were generally easy to figure out," says MarketWatch. On the other hand, cargo capacity is one of the TrailBlazer's few high points. Read More

TrailBlazer Safety - 6.1 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is well-equipped with safety features. However, it underperforms most competitors in federal government crash tests. The TrailBlazer's standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control. Read More

TrailBlazer Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). A three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty covers the TrailBlazer. Read More