Chevrolet TrailBlazer

The 2008 TrailBlazer is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the LT1 2WD to the SS3 AWD. TrailBlazer

Upon introduction, the LT1 2WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 285-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The SS3 AWD is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V8, 390-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 TrailBlazer is a carryover from 2007.

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS

Summary TrailBlazer :
I have been quite pleased with my 2004 Trailblazer until recently. I have had zero problems for the last 4 years. At 75,000 miles, the transmission gave out. It would shift in low gears, but would not shift past 3rd gear. The cost to replace it at the dealership is $3200, which is double what you will pay if you take it to a transmission shop. Honestly, I was more pissed with the dealer than the actual mechanical problems. Even to rebuild my trans, the cost at the dealer is $2300. I just didn’t feel like there was much love after I dropped 38K for the truck.
Anyway, I got it rebuilt by a mechanic who specializes in transmissions for $1600 out the door. He also informed me that my transmission was missing 1 clutch.. it had 5 clutches, but there should have been 6… I would say that is a major problem if that is true. My truck is shifting smoother than it ever has after the rebuild. I would recommend that you stay away from the dealer because you will pay much more than you have to… this goes for any type of mechanical problem that you encounter.

Also, I will say I drove this trailblazer to California and back from Michigan. I drove it through the Rocky Mountains, and I towed a 3500 lb boat from California to Michigan going up and down mountain grades. I also tow a boat in Michigan in the summer. This has put a lot of stress on the transmission, so I don’t think I can be that disappointed. I have had zero problems in 4 years other than this.

Even with that being true, I would probably look Toyota’s way in the future.. There are just too many complaints from other people on these Trailblazers. You would be foolish to spend that kind of money knowing there are specific quality issues on these rides.

Strengths:
Nice exterior design, great cargo space, smooth quiet ride for an SUV.

Weaknesses:
MPG-15 city, rear wiper is not that great, transmission issues.

Similar Products Used:
Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer , TrailBlazer