2002 Chevy Trailblazer Review
2002 Chevy Trailblazer Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 2WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$233/mo for Trailblazer LS
Trailblazer LS
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
After years of lagging behind the competition with old-tech engines, bouncy suspensions and cramped interiors, Chevrolet has finally revamped its midsize Trailblazer and turned it into a true class contender.
Replacing the old 4.3-liter V6 is an all-new inline six-cylinder that boasts 270 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque. That's more power than most of its competitors' V8s and allows the Trailblazer to tow a respectable 6,400 pound (on properly equipped two-wheel-drive models). A four-speed automatic does the shifting and a dash-controlled transfer case delivers both high- and low-range gearing for off-road excursions.
The revised suspension consists of dual A-arms with coilover shocks in front and a solid axle and a five-link system in the rear. The new pieces are mounted to an all-new hydroformed frame that is substantially stronger than before, providing a stiffer overall structure and much improved ride quality. Rack-and-pinion steering has replaced the old reciprocating ball setup, but the overall feel is still a little on the slow side for our tastes.
The longer and wider chassis allows for noticeably more interior room, with five adults able to fit comfortably. There's no third-row option as of yet, but GM promises that a stretched model is on the way that will provide ample room for a couple extra passengers. The dash has been redesigned with easy-to-read gauges and simple climate and radio controls. Material quality has been improved over previous models', but the Trailblazer still lags behind some of its competitors when it comes to overall refinement.
There are three trim levels offered: LS, LT and LTZ. Base LS models come well equipped with dual front and side airbags, dual zone climate control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. LT models add a power driver seat with premium cloth, 16x7-inch polished sport wheels, keyless entry, the OnStar communications system, foglamps and an electrochromic rearview mirror with compass. Standard equipment on the top-of-the-line LTZ models includes power adjustable leather seating with memory, 17x7 aluminum sport wheels, automatic climate control with separate rear seat controls, a premium audio system with rear seat controls, rain-sensing wipers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with satellite stereo and climate controls.
So whether you're looking for a stripped-down workhorse or a fully loaded luxury cruiser, the all-new Trailblazer can be configured to suit your needs. With substantial power, a sizable cabin and stout underpinnings, this is one midsize sport-ute that deserves a look.
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Also Consider

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
LS, ACTIV, LT and RS
Starting MSRP$26,200
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Chevrolet.com
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges . Dealer sets the final price.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
5 star(45%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(1%)
303 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Best Car i've ever had
miwemiwe, 10/19/2012
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my TB in 2004 and it had 80k miles, was a rebuilt and now in 2012 it has 160k miles. Awesome car, barely brakes down other than ussual battery and tire replacelement. The only thing i notices that's begining to break down is the window power but to do date it's been awesome car with fog lights still working.
5 out of 5 stars
The best SUV we have ever owned
Logan Franks, 09/29/2016
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Our 2002 Chevy Trailblazer is just about to hit 300,000 Miles on the odometer. We have done regular maintenance every 3,000 miles. We have had only one minor issue, which was a coil pack. Everything else about this vehicle has been perfect. Ours is our daily driver and is garage kept. I tend to do around 100 miles of driving on it each day. It is an amazing truck.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Best SUV I've ever owned!!!
metalbourne, 12/10/2012
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I've had around 28 cars and suv's and this one is my favorite (the only one that comes close was my 2002 Tahoe LT). I purchased my TB with 72,000 miles on it 3 years ago and now have 115,000 on it and have only done normal things (tune up, tires, brakes, fluids, belts, lights). The only major thing that I had to do was the flex plate on the transmission was cracked.
My TB is used every … day for work and I do a lot of city driving and it turns better then most sub-compact cars do and can fit in most if not all parking garages in Philly, New York, Washington DC, and so on. The ride is great, the truck is easy to work on and tows my pop up with ease couldn't be happier with this pack-mule.
4.63 out of 5 stars
It did it's job - and I'm okay
mbs2, 06/12/2011
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I'm just sick over the fact that I wrecked my '02 Trailblazer a week and a half ago. I LOVED that car. In fact, most comments I got from people, after making sure that I was okay, were to express their sympathy over me losing my car - everyone knew how much I loved that thing. As a real estate broker specializing in mountain properties, I used my TB for all it was worth. At 159,000 … miles, it ran perfectly, looked nearly perfect, nobody could tell it was as old as it was. I bought it in '04 with 42k miles on it, and only repair was a 4WD switch computer chip. While I was spinning out in the rain on the freeway about to hit a tree, I was calm because I knew it would keep me safe, and it did.
2002 Trailblazer Highlights
LS
Base MSRP | $25,885 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $233/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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