The Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and similar Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, and the upcoming Saab 9-7X) is a SUV from General Motors. Introduced in 2002, the TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award.
The name is taken from the concept of "blazing" a trail, meaning to disfigure trees along it by slashing their bark, so that they act as guideposts.
The TrailBlazer is an interesting vehicle in that it retains many traits people would consider "car like", such as a tight turning radius, relatively easy ride (as compared to a Chevrolet Avalanche), and lots of amenities like cupholders and rear-seat climate controls. While retaining all these traits, it is also a capable truck, with all models having four-wheel drive, both All-time and the more traditional "4 High" and "4 Low" gearings. The V8-equipped model also has outstanding towing capacity for a car platform. Combined with adequate ground clearance, the four-wheel drive makes it capable offroading vehicle. Its main disadvantage is increased width (as compared to a Suzuki Samurai or a Jeep Wrangler) and lack of suspension travel, causing it to high side when it encounters high-camber-variance terrain or large rocks. Additionally, it lacks either locking hubs or a limited slip differential.
Engines:
- 2002-2005 LL8 4.2 L (256 in³) I6
- 2003-2005 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8
SS
An SS model will be introduced for 2006 with the Chevrolet Corvette's LS2 V8.
