Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Name: 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

CR's Take

This midsized SUV was introduced as a 2002 model. A 4.2-liter, 270-hp inline six-cylinder is the only available engine. The TrailBlazer accelerates enthusiastically and offers a compliant, if slightly jiggly, ride. Its handling, however, is ungainly, with excessive body lean and slow steering. Stability control might help tame the twitchy rear end, but it's not offered. Braking is unimpressive. The TrailBlazer's interior is mostly quiet, but wind noise is pronounced. Front-seat comfort is only mediocre, and the seat-mounted front safety belts are a nuisance. An extended-length, seven-passenger TrailBlazer EXT is also available.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

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2020

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

4WD, Rear

4.2-liter 6 (270 hp)

4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

Chevrolet resurrected the Trailblazer name for the 2021 model year, positioning this subcompact SUV between the Trax and the Equinox. It also shares a platform with the Buick Encore GX. Base models get a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. All-wheel-drive as well as a larger 155-hp, 1.3-liter and a nine-speed automatic are also offered. The 1.3-liter is responsive and fuel efficient. For its small footprint, the Trailblazer provides ample room but thick roof pillars and the lack of a third side window compromise rear and side visibility. The ride is decent but handling is rather clumsy. Road noise is pronounced. Standard active safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. For 2027, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning became standard. The trim choices are now LT, RS, and Z71. A slight freshening updates the interior, increasing screen size and adding second-row vents.

2002-2020

2002 Redesign Year

The TrailBlazer feels underpowered with its inline six-cylinder engine, but it offers a compliant--if somewhat jiggly--ride. Handling is ungainly, with excessive body lean and slow steering. We also found the brakes unimpressive in our tests. Wind noise is pronounced and the seat-mounted seat belts are awkward to use. Electronic stability-control became standard starting in 2006, which made emergency handling more secure. The EXT version, which offered seating for seven, was discontinued after 2006, and the entire model line was dropped after 2009.