2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Finally, an SUV from GM that can compete with the big boys. Add in some higher-quality interior pieces and a more tightly controlled suspension, and it might even beat some of them.
Pros
Class-leading engine power, forgiving ride, room for seven in the EXT version.
Cons
Slow steering, generic interior design, doesn't like to be pushed hard in the corners.
What's New for 2002
This fully redesigned Trailblazer now sports a longer, wider and noticeably stiffer chassis, along with an all-new 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a more refined suspension that is light years ahead of its predecessor, the Blazer. Unique sheet metal now differentiates the Trailblazer from its GM cousins, the GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada, while a restyled interior makes better use of the additional passenger room inside.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
GM's Electrical Nighmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I drove past the vehicle on the lot for a couple of weeks. I couldn't wait to own it. Unfortunately, it has not been kind to me. Reduced engine light comes on frequently. It has been to the dealership 6 xs to get repaired for that. They replaced numerous electrical components only to tell me they are not sure what the problem is. The driver door module works when it wants to, so sometimes the door doesn't lock. The memory seat works when it wants to. Other than that, replaced suspension parts, and fuel sending unit. All of this happened from 50,000 to 90,000. Can't wait to get rid of it!
Favorite Features
Love the cup holders and automatic climate control. Leather seats are nice. Love rain sensing wipers! Overall, it is a very comfortable vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Electrical - Your own technicians can not fix these problems!
Solid family transportation
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my 2002 TB in May 2005 from the company I worked for. It was our vice president's vehicle. Therefore I knew it had been serviced regularly and well maintained. It had a 105,000 mile on it when I bought it and now had 159,000. In 2006 I had to replace the part that shifts the vehicle from 2WD to AWD, it cost about $400. I have not had any more problems with that part. I also have had problems with the hatch on the rear door. Sometimes it locks and sometimes it doesn't. I should have it looked at, but it doesn't happen that often, so I've learned to live with it. It's been very realiable transportation, and nice for hauling around a family of four. I drive 80% highway miles and avg 19.5/gal
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Never Again
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT LT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought used with 30,000 miles, good looking vehicle. have had numerous problems. 4 wheel drive went out so did read end. Also dual climate doesn't work and has been fixed 3 times. Terrible wind noise, washer fluid quits working has been repaired 4 times. Very hard on tires as well will now get good mileage no matter how many times you rotate them. Terrible fuel mileage as expected. Parts are very expensive as alternator costs over $200. Oil is difficult to change with the cover plate and design. Make sure you change tranny fluid or you will have that to deal with. Overall a good looking vehicle but probably the last Chevy I will ever own unless I buy a Corvette.
Favorite Features
Exterior design, good driver in bad weather (as long as tires are new) Good radio, comfortable, good setting position.
Suggested Improvements
Very noisy bad fit around weather strip & doors. Lots of mechanical problems. Cheap looking dash. Needs lots of maintenance, lots of things go bad, Dual climate control quits & so does washer fluid both fixed numerous times. Oil hard to change. This vehicle is not recommended wouldn't buy again.
Nothing to brag about
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned this car for over 2 years. The leather interior and amount of drink holders is nice but the cheap looking dash and stereo system is a bad combination with the nice seats. Mostly the SUV has not been giving me trouble but one problem has never been corrected and that is the braking system which has been locking up at the worst times. Glad I haven't crashed into anyone yet.
Favorite Features
Smooth comfortable drive, engine response, cargo space
Suggested Improvements
Cheap dash, lousy brake system, gas guzzler for a 6cylinder
Still Going
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have 142k on this SUV. I have not had to replace the tranny or engine. My goal is to get 200k on this vehicle. Little things have gone on this vehicle, lights on the dash have gone out. Some on the radio, gauges, etc. But owning this vehicle over 6 years, I think that's pretty good. I am a believer of preventive maintance, and I think that has helped in keeping my vehicle running. All fluids are changed reguarly, and the brake fluid,and front and rear diff has been changed. My mechanic recommended to change the radiator to extend the life of the tranny. Did that around 120k, so far so good. The suspension needed to be changed around 100k. But have not done that yet. And I proabably won't
Favorite Features
Vehicle still looks very good. ABS-excellent. Still runs well
Suggested Improvements
Electrical, Stiffer suspension
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
