Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV | Crossover
Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV | Crossover
[Jul 06, 2004]
stealth916
Model Reviewed:
LTZ 4WD
Weakness:
Too many to classify.... After 250+ previous and wordy reviews on this SUV, let's cut to the chase with mine: Nightmare... A fully loaded, couldn't add another option nightmare. Engine replaced at 21,000 miles; Cooling fan replaced at 22,000 miles; The 4WD system changes modes at will like it has a mind of it's own - so the transfer case was rebuilt at 25,000 miles and is already damaged again at 31,000 miles as a result. Right rear brake light is always going out (I have seen this on many, many TB's around town); Interior door trim pieces are popping off. The stereo head unit and steering wheel were both replaced at 27,000 miles because the lettering was rubbing off of all the controls. The side mirrors never re-adjust to their home position; Loose trans mount bolts found on several occasions causing lot's of clunking during accel/decel; After Lord knows how many trans computer reprograms by the dealer, the thing now shifts like an NHRA dragster from 1st to 2nd, and no matter how gingerly you accel, you are going to get neck snapped and your coffee *IS* going to spill on you when it shifts into 2nd. Bottom line: I have 2 months or 4,500 miles left on my warranty; I have taken it to the dealer too many times to count, and at least five times for the 4wd problem, and it still is not fixed. I have retained a Lemon Law lawyer and I am making GM eat this P.O.S. And after the way GM division service handled my case, I have vowed there will be NO MORE GM PRODUCTS for this 35yr old professional.... Similar Products Used: Toyota 4-Runner |
[Jun 19, 2004]
stephy
Model Reviewed:
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Strength:
Roomy and Stylish!!
Weakness:
Piece of JUNK! This suv has been a money pit! It was purchased used and I contacted the original owner and he traded it because of the A/C. Well I had that problem fixed and then the lights started going out one by one. I have had windshield wiper problems and the check engine light came on once I then took it to the dealership and the next day it came on again. They supposedly have fixed that problem but now we have greater issues. The transmission has quit!!! It is back in the shop at this time to get that replaced. The truck only has 50,000 miles on it so the tranny shouldnt have gone out. The other problems is the controls for the radio look very used and the paint is peeling off of them. Luckily I purchased the extended warranty but it wont cover things like the "roaring" in my steering wheel and the squeek that everyone hears but no one can find. Oh and last but not least the engine threatens to stall periodically but since it is only periodically I cant prove it. It usually happens at a stop and the RPMs will drop below 1000 and it will shake like it is going to quit but hasnt yet. I just hope it does before the warrant expires. I am now looking at the Nissan Murano. We will not purchase another Chevrolet!!! Similar Products Used: None |
[Jun 01, 2004]
AllCreatures
Model Reviewed:
Chevy Trailblazer
Strength:
Smooth ride, nice interior for the $$, plenty of foot room & passenger room. Good trunk space.
Weakness:
All the above mentioned. Electrical problems, and also cheap stuff used (plastic things probably made in CHINA) Ok, first of all, I just want to say that I think GM should get it's act together. I was so excited about buying my 1st new SUV, until about 4 mos. (8600 miles) into owning my new Trailblazer. The stupid tail & brake lights went out within the first 4 months! Well, the dealer claimed it was "burned out bulbs". Ok, so they changed the bulbs. Well, needless to say, the underlying problem is MUCH more than just bulbs, it's a serious electrical problem. Since owning the vehicle for over 2 years now, I've had to take it to the dealer for non-working tail and brake lights a total of 8 times! I mean, it's just ridiculous. Last August they had a recall to fix this supposed problem which had something to do with the computer chip in the steering wheel (whatever that meant, I don't know). Well, I thought, "this time, it's fixed for good." I jinxed myself real good. May 11, 2004, I'm driving from work in traffic (live in Los Angeles, the freeway's are NOT a safe place w/o brake lights), this guy pulls up to my truck and shouts to me "You have no brake lights!" I'm like, oh crap! Just great! So I rush over to the dealer, sweating bricks since I'm in traffic with giant trucks behind me that can't tell if I'm slowing down or what. Anyways, they supposedly fixed the problem now, but my 36,000 mile warranty is up and I'm having none of this junk anymore. I invoked the California Lemon Law through an attorney, and I'm having GM buy back my truck and pay off my loan. Oh, there were other problems as well, like the strap to the rear tail door braking, and this weird noise coming from the odometer. Also, when I turn the AC on to level 4, the whole system just shuts down, no air comes out at all. And the buttons on the radio controls became worn out with the paint coming off within 6 months of ownership. I'm so sick of these problems, I have better things to do w/my time and hefty monthly payments than to spend time at the dealer to hear them tell me silly things like "well, the light bulbs are out". DO NOT BUY A CHEVY, GO GET SOMETHING ELSE! Similar Products Used: Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner |
[May 04, 2004]
kmcallen
Model Reviewed:
Chevrolet/Trailblazer
Strength:
power, economy style
Weakness:
poor build quality and resale value What a nightmare. I am 36 years old and have owned many chevys over the years but this TB is by far the most unreliable vehicle yet. I have had replaced under warranty... A/C pressure switch, tail light circuit boards, fan clutch twice, more sensors than I can list, SES light has come on 10 times, 4 wheel drive system quit and to top it off the rear brakes did not work for the first 20,000 miles unknown to me. The dealer has been good about fixing things and arranging towing for when it overheated but that does not make up for the hassle. I am terrified it is going out of warranty soon and tried to trade it in. No luck,themarketis flooded with them from people running away from them. Do your research before buying one. Similar Products Used: Durango, explorer, land rover |
[Apr 21, 2004]
JimK
Model Reviewed:
Trailblazer LT
Strength:
Interior design, power, fuel economy (considering the type of vehicle), turning diam., plenty of cargo room, running boards, rear step bumper, Class III hitch with wiring included, traction control, great audio system with tape and CD and the FM can display radio info if broadcasted, comfortable seats with an 8-way adjustable driver seat including lumbar support, and very sporty looks (Chevy put the "sport" in SUV).
Weakness:
Headlight and rear brake and blinker lights went out around 31,000 miles. Wish the rear setbacks folded completely flat -- it goes almost flat, but is better than the Explorer. Should have included a light in the glove box and under the hood. This is a follow-up to my 11-13-02 review with only 1300 miles. I now have 33,000 miles and it is still an exceptional vehicle. I did have a right headlight and right rear brake and blinker lights go out (as others mentioned), but today the dealership put in a new circuit board under warranty, even though there wasn't a recall for this problem. Other than the lights, I have had no problems. The big question is: would I buy this vehicle again? Having gone to a recent auto show to look at what is currently available, I would still buy the Trailblazer. Its interior ergonomics is terrific with plenty of front and rear leg room and the dash is designed perfectly with large buttons and knobs; the engine power and transmission are smooth; and the turning diam. is the best in class. This is the vehicle that the current Ford Explorer should have become! I hope I can be as pleased with 100,000 and more miles. I'll let you know then, unless a major problem develops. Similar Products Used: Test drove Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and others. I prefer rear-drive vehicles and the Trailblazer has to be the best. The Highlander may be the best front-drive SUV with similar qualities except for the dash design. |
[Apr 16, 2004]
MYFREEBIRD77
Model Reviewed:
CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS
Strength:
COMFORT, SMOOTH RIDE, LOTS OF ROOM, NICE LOOKER, PRETTY GOOD POWER.
Weakness:
TWO PROBLEMS IN 3 WEEKS, NEED I SAY MORE. HAVE THE TRUCK 3 WEEKS NOW AND HAD TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE ALREADY. THEY WERE MINOR THINGS. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN I WOULD GO OVER BUMPS, THE DEALER NEEDED THE TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS BEFORE THEY FIGURED OUT WHAT IT WAS, THEY SAID IT WAS THE BACKING PLATE ON THE ROTOR. THE SECOND PROBLEM WAS A HOSE I NOTICED HANGING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK BEHIND THE GAS TANK, THE SAID IT WAS A VENT HOSE THAT CAME LOOSE FROM ITS CLIP THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE UNDER THE TRUCK.I HOPE THIS IS NOT A SIGN OF WHAT IS TO COME, THE TRUCK IS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD AND I SAW THE DEALER TWICE ALREADY. PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO THE WIFE AGAIN AND WENT WITH THE TOYOTA OR NISSAN. EVERY AMERICAN CAR I BUY TURNS OUT TO BE JUNK, THINK I WOULD LEARN MY LESSON BY NOW!!! Similar Products Used: 2001 JEEP LIBERTY-POOR MPG 8-9 CITY |
[Apr 13, 2004]
Bonnie
Model Reviewed:
trailblazer lt ext 4x4
Strength:
smooth ride, quiet, good gas mileage for SUV, comfortable
Weakness:
Doesn't seem to show problems on diagnostics I have had my tb since August 2003. It has been wonderful to me up until recently. For three of the last four weeks it has been at the shop for overheating. The fan clutch, water pump, housing unit and thermostat has all been replaced and is back in the shop now. Chevy says there is nothing they can do about it but try and fix it and they will continue to keep it in the shop until they do fix it. In the mean time, I have a loaner, the same thing, and I have to continue making payments on a car I do not have. Fortunately I have not had any problems that a lot of people are dealing with and cross my fingers I won't have any. I do have to say the ride is very smooth, the Bose stereo is great and it is very quiet and I get 18mpg. I would and have recommended the tb to others but may have to reconsider if the problem is not remedied this time. Similar Products Used: previously owned 01 grand am GT |
[Mar 21, 2004]
BHAN3527
Model Reviewed:
4X4 LS
Strength:
Design Engine Auto Trac 4X4
Weakness:
Stock tires Gas mileage I would definitely say this is one of the best SUV's on the market. Despite having read some dismal reviews in some magazines and on the net, I was drawn to the TrailBlazer through its refined yet rugged look. After test driving one my mind was made up. I also test drove the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner. The Highlander handled to much like a car, and the 4Runner was ok, but I couldn't stand the tiny view with that ridiculously small windshield. After owning my TrailBlazer for a month now I am very pleased with it. I have had it just about everywhere (including off-road) and handled most situations very well. I do wish Chevrolet put a better tire (BFGoodrich stock) on the 4X4, because while handling most off-road situations ok, I had a some significant slippage in heavy snow, even in 4-lo. As far as delivery of this vehicle, there were no sample defects interior, or exterior. I have noticed, before reading reviews here, several TrailBlazers with the right tail light out. I hope Chevrolet has addressed that problem. Also, for you rear window freaks out there the TrailBlazer has only some slight wind noise with just the rear windows rolled down. It really pales in comparison to the Highlander as I checked this during my test drives. Powerwise, the TrailBlazer has all the power you should ever need. With its Vortec 4.2L L6, at 275-hp it will beat any other in this class hands down. My gear ratio is set at 3.73, the middle setting, for increased gas mileage and I feel every one of those horses running beneath me anytime I need them. The transmission is very smooth with little to no detection of shifting gears. The Auto 4 wheel drive is a very nice feature to have, it will automatically switch to 4 wheel drive when any slippage is detected. To date I am very pleased with this vehicle, and while it was a little more costly than the competition it has been worth every penny. Similar Products Used: Test drove Toyota HIghlander and Toyota 4Runner. |
[Mar 15, 2004]
jtoby_tat
Model Reviewed:
Chevy Trailblazer
Strength:
POWER, comfort, handling, storage space, ride stability and handling.
Weakness:
Only big problem is the gas mileage, especially with todays ever rising gas prices. I really hate to read all of these dreadful reviews. I bought my TB brand new (less than 2 miles on the odometer) in march of 2002. I will admit i have had my share of problems, but after having owned several new trucks(all Chevy) i have taken in to acount that you have to keep on top of all the little issues that could end up huge if ignored. The mechanics at my dealership are always great and work around my busy schedule. The only major problem that i have encountered is that my taillights repeatedly went out. The dealership was great about replacing them and after having them replaced three times, fixed the problem permanently. The truck, when I bought it, was a first year new line and I knew that any very new vehicle has bugs to be worked out, as it has. What really attracted me is the power and looks. I'm still very happy with both and expect to be for years to come. Being that I am very close to 50K miles now, I must say that I am very happy overall with this truck. I am also 6'4" and it is great to own a vehicle that i can ride comfortably as well as the passenger that sits behind me. It has been on two lengthy trips(about 1400 miles each) and the ride was never cramped or uncomfortable even with luggage for four and four adult passengers. I love the options for comfort that are available as well. This is supposed to be a sporty utilitarian vehicle and I think it serves that purpose very well. Similar Products Used: 1994 Chevy S-10, 1997 Chevy S-10 Blazer. |
[Feb 15, 2004]
myknyte
Model Reviewed:
Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
Strength:
-Good muscular/aerodynamic design -dual climate control -Excellent ride -zero to 60 ok, but once on the road, powerband is great (like a V8) -270 Horses on Inline 6 -opt for the Steering wheel radio buttons -Paid $30K for LT trim with BOSE/6disc, Sunroof, digital+dual Climate control, Leather ... awesome deal =)
Weakness:
-busted right taillight (easy fix from dealer) -Unable to recline the rear seats -not yet a lot of options on RIMS/Wheels for the exclusive 5x6 bolt patter design -no extra 3rd row seating for Standard (non EXT) models, while same-sized "SUV's" like the Acura MDX has this 3rd row seating. -18 gal Fuel tank.Yes, its a little small, but works out well for me actually. I had to post my experience with this truck after reading all the negative reviews. Here's a positive twist to it. I purchased my vehicle the 2nd year it came out. I have 17,000 on it and the only thing I took it in to the dealer (aside from the regular oil change) is that one of the rubber seals on the right passenger lower door seal came off in the snow. Not a biggie. Well, also during this check-up, I did have issues with the back right tail light going out a few times. I mentioned this to the dealer and apparently this is common and they changed the light assembly quickly and its been 4 months now and I have no problems with burned out lights. This SUV is awesome! I got the LT trim and totally love the steering wheel radio control buttons, the DUAL climate control since I like my evironment hot and my wife likes it a few degrees cooler, the 6 disc BOSE cd changer and the tight bass, and Onstar (free for the 1st year). I have taken this vehicle to multiple trips in the snow, to long drives (1000 mile weekend trip) and have taken this SUV past 100mph and it is Staaable. Try taking this baby on I-5 and pass the slooow drivers --I6 270hp engine picks up and is responsive. On the highway, the ride is very smooth. On potholes, its still not a bad ride (stock 16" wheels) I have not experienced any rattling, never had to tinker with anything under the hood. Overall, its an excellent SUV that I'm very happy and satisfied with. Similar Products Used: Ford Explorer (Pre 2000) Jeep Grand Cherokee (Pre 2000) Toyota Rav 4 |