2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4WD

Top-line LTZ trim includes leather upholstery and driver message center above and beyond a long list of standard amenities.

While its mechanical brief is impressive to say the least, the TrailBlazer also brings a bounty of comfort and convenience standards in all three trim tiers. Even the most basic LS 2WD, which starts at $25,480, has dual-zone air-conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, 2-piece rear liftgate with power release, dual front/front-side airbags, three 12V power points, tilt steering column, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, roof rack, and AM/FM/CD sound system. Also included is a Class III trailer hitch with 7-wire harness that permits a standard 5,200-pound tow load (which can be maxed to 6,400 pounds on 2WD models and 6,200 pounds on 4WD TrailBlazers). The $28,840 LT adds an alarm system, cruise control, fog lights, unique wheels, keyless remote, full privacy glass, side moldings, overhead console with HomeLink and a TravelNote recorder plus upgraded interior cloth and one year of OnStar service.


Opt for a top-line LTZ 4WD like our tester and that list expands to include things like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, driver message center, redundant steering wheel controls, and an audio package with added cassette player plus front/rear controls. Our vehicle also had the DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system and Bose premium stereo along with AWD, extras that raised its price from $33,965 to $35,550, including $600 in destination fees.


With 113.0 inches of standard wheelbase—7.0 more than a 4-door Blazer—and an additional 7 inches of width, the new TrailBlazer offers more room in all seating positions. Adults will feel right at home in both fore and aft quarters, while a dozen rubber body mounts help block out all but the most severe road shocks and contribute to a commendably squeak- and rattle-free environment. Although lacking some of the elegant cosmetic touches found in several of its prime competitors, the TrailBlazer's dash treatment places all of the basic controls and switchgear within easy reach of the driver. Frankly, we'd like to see more lateral support in the front buckets—especially when they're leather-wrapped. Adjustable-rake backs on the TrailBlazer's 65/35-split rear bench also would be welcome.

GM's DVD entertainment system is one of the best factory-installed setups available. The 7-inch LCD monitor flips down from the headliner.

However, kudos are due for rear-door windows that roll all the way down, an easy-to-flip/fold rear seat that increases cargo volume from 40.0 to 80.1 cubic feet, retractable/removable cargo cover, and a separate glass element in the rear hatch that facilitates carrying longer objects. The optional DVD entertainment system also merits praise, offering crisp, clear images on the 7-inch LCD from any rear seat position as well as great sound from the slick wireless headphones.


Dynamically, the TrailBlazer embodies a mixture of pros and cons. Biggest markers on the plus side are its smooth ride and brisk acceleration, both of which are most definitely world-class for a vehicle of its kind. It also scores well in close-quarters maneuverability. Even with its longer wheelbase, the 4WD TrailBlazer's turning circle is just 36.4 feet, 3.1 feet less than an equivalent Blazer. We also found this new Chevy both capable and amenable to a light-duty off-road workout we subjected it to as part of this evaluation.