2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4WD

Intense competition continues to be a hallmark of the sport-utility realm in 2002. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the midsize segment, the motorized battleground of Chevrolet's all-new TrailBlazer. Although sharing platform basics with the equally new GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada, this Chevy-badged variant is destined to be the largest-selling—and hence, most critically important—member of the General's new power trio.

GM's 4.2-liter straight-six heralds a new family of Vortec inline engines. Output is an impressive 270 horsepower.

Bristling with unprecedented levels of sophisticated design and technology, the TrailBlazer sits head and shoulders above the existing Blazer, which remains in Chevy's SUV lineup as a smaller, lower-cost alternative for buyers on tighter budgets. Choices abound in the TrailBlazer mix. The current menu includes three different trim levels—LS, LT, LTZ—a choice of rear- or 4-wheel drive, and standard-wheelbase 5-passenger or extended-wheelbase 7-passenger LT EXT configurations. We opted for a premium-grade experience this time around, and slipped behind the wheel of a top-line LTZ 4WD standard-wheelbase model.


All TrailBlazer variants are based on a new, extremely rigid frame that ties hydroformed siderails with no fewer than eight crossmembers. One of the prime goals for this vehicle was to provide exceptional ride characteristics. To that end, the chassis team complemented the TrialBlazer's super-strong core element with a coil-spring/hydraulic shock suspension that consisted of double A-arms up front and a live rear axle located by five links. Directional control is provided by a rack-and-pinion power-steering unit while body roll is attenuated by both front and rear stabilizer bars. Alloy wheels are used across the entire line, but where the LS and LT carry 245/70SR16 rubber, the LTZ comes with 245/65SR17 tires on 17-inch rims.

More meat-and-potatoes than its GMC Envoy and Olds Bravada brethren, the TrailBlazer leapfrogs the existing Blazer in both style and performance.

Another element common to all TrailBlazers is the power team, which consists of GM's new 4.2-liter Vortec DOHC I-6 backed by an electronically controlled 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission. This sophisticated 24-valve engine is part of a new modular family and features an electronically controlled throttle as well as variable phasing on its exhaust cam. Best of all, it cranks out a heady 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 revs—with 90 percent of that twist available as low as 1,500 rpm.


Paired with an autoshifter that excels in delivering smooth yet positive cog changes, this straight-six gives even the 4,600-pound 4WD version of the TrailBlazer surprising snap off the line and equal prowess when it comes to freeway passing duties. Speaking of 4WD, the TrailBlazer's AutoTrac system offers a choice of basic rear-drive or a fully transparent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive for on-road operation as well as traditional 4-Hi/4-Lo settings to handle more challenging conditions when the pavement ends. Braking chores are handled by ABS-abetted 4-wheel ABS discs on all TrailBlazer models. Despite a noticeably soft pedal, these binders delivered straight, drama-free stops.