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2005
Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starts at:
$26,465
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 2WD LS
    Starts at
    $26,465
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD LS
    Starts at
    $28,715
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD LT
    Starts at
    $29,115
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD LT
    Starts at
    $31,365
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Notable features

Inline-six-cylinder
Available side-curtain airbags
Car-compatible bumpers
Available Autotrac 4WD
Tight turning circle

The good & the bad

The good

Six-cylinder performance
Quiet running
Ride quality
Handling

The bad

Difficult entry and exit
Fuel economy
Short rear-seat bottoms

Expert 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle debuted early in 2002 and was intended to be a midsize replacement for the compact Blazer, which never did find its way out of the lineup.

Rather than a V-6 or V-8 engine, the TrailBlazer draws power from a 275-horsepower, 4.2-liter, all-aluminum inline-six-cylinder. An extended-length TrailBlazer EXT that offers seven-passenger capacity and an optional 5.3-liter V-8 soon joined the original, five-passenger model. Both come in LS and LT trim levels.

Side curtain-type airbags are available for 2005 models. General Motors’ OnStar communication system, when installed, gains upgraded hands-free capability. An occupant-sensing system for the front passenger has been added, and an MP3 player is available for the LS model. The available navigation radio gets touchscreen upgrades.

Exterior
The TrailBlazer stands 74.5 inches tall, rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long overall. Ground clearance totals 7.8 inches. Wedge-shaped fender flares help give the TrailBlazer a different appearance than its GM companions, the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier. Running boards are available and badging has been revised for 2005.

Interior
Seating for five people is standard in the TrailBlazer. The seats have been revised and augmented by new chrome interior accents for 2005. A backseat entertainment system with a DVD player and leather seating surfaces are optional. OnStar is standard. Cargo capacity is 80.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are optional. A monochromatic instrument panel is installed and XM Satellite Radio and rain-sensing wipers are available.

Under the Hood
A 275-hp, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. A 5.3-liter V-8 is available only in the EXT version. TrailBlazers are available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and the latter includes a two-speed transfer case. The Autotrac system’s Auto 4WD setting transfers power to all four wheels automatically as conditions change.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard, and side-curtain airbags are optional. Dual-stage front airbags deploy with varying force depending on crash severity.

Driving Impressions
Performance is a strong point. When tromping on the gas, few drivers are likely to realize the source of power is an inline-six-cylinder rather than a V-8. Not only is engine sound barely discernible (except when pushed really hard), but road noise is also virtually absent. Acceleration is undeniably stronger with the V-8 in the EXT, but it’s not a dramatic difference.

On smooth surfaces, the four-wheel-drive TrailBlazer rides similar to a car. Its handling is a bit on the slow side, but the driver benefits from a satisfying steering feel.

Interior space is ample, and the seats are somewhat firm. The hard-working TrailBlazer competes enthusiastically against the Ford Explorer and other midsize rivals in passing power, ride comfort and handling prowess.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle debuted early in 2002 and was intended to be a midsize replacement for the compact Blazer, which never did find its way out of the lineup.

Rather than a V-6 or V-8 engine, the TrailBlazer draws power from a 275-horsepower, 4.2-liter, all-aluminum inline-six-cylinder. An extended-length TrailBlazer EXT that offers seven-passenger capacity and an optional 5.3-liter V-8 soon joined the original, five-passenger model. Both come in LS and LT trim levels.

Side curtain-type airbags are available for 2005 models. General Motors’ OnStar communication system, when installed, gains upgraded hands-free capability. An occupant-sensing system for the front passenger has been added, and an MP3 player is available for the LS model. The available navigation radio gets touchscreen upgrades.

Exterior
The TrailBlazer stands 74.5 inches tall, rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long overall. Ground clearance totals 7.8 inches. Wedge-shaped fender flares help give the TrailBlazer a different appearance than its GM companions, the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier. Running boards are available and badging has been revised for 2005.

Interior
Seating for five people is standard in the TrailBlazer. The seats have been revised and augmented by new chrome interior accents for 2005. A backseat entertainment system with a DVD player and leather seating surfaces are optional. OnStar is standard. Cargo capacity is 80.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are optional. A monochromatic instrument panel is installed and XM Satellite Radio and rain-sensing wipers are available.

Under the Hood
A 275-hp, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. A 5.3-liter V-8 is available only in the EXT version. TrailBlazers are available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and the latter includes a two-speed transfer case. The Autotrac system’s Auto 4WD setting transfers power to all four wheels automatically as conditions change.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard, and side-curtain airbags are optional. Dual-stage front airbags deploy with varying force depending on crash severity.

Driving Impressions
Performance is a strong point. When tromping on the gas, few drivers are likely to realize the source of power is an inline-six-cylinder rather than a V-8. Not only is engine sound barely discernible (except when pushed really hard), but road noise is also virtually absent. Acceleration is undeniably stronger with the V-8 in the EXT, but it’s not a dramatic difference.

On smooth surfaces, the four-wheel-drive TrailBlazer rides similar to a car. Its handling is a bit on the slow side, but the driver benefits from a satisfying steering feel.

Interior space is ample, and the seats are somewhat firm. The hard-working TrailBlazer competes enthusiastically against the Ford Explorer and other midsize rivals in passing power, ride comfort and handling prowess.

Safety review

Based on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2005
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    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2004
    4.4
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    Starts at
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    MPG
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  • 2008
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Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 74 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.1

Most recent

  • 2005 Chevy Trailblazer 4X4

    Purchased as a program car from dealer in 2005 with 9k on it yes we’ve had issues Transmission went out at 110,000 k minor issues since then currently has 217,000 miles runs like a dream no oil consumption at all changed oil every 3k bad is fuel 18 best mpg 15 about average love the old inline 6 like a truck and yes it is slow on acceleration but all in all love the ole girl !!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It's a chevy!

    They should have never even made a 6 cly model.. A bicycle in the wrong gear has more power. I live in the mountains it's not very great in the snow. Actually it can't corner fur shyt. Unless you like leaky tires. Chevrolet has too many arrows and little writing, on everything on the dash. Again it was a gift and I'm not a chevy person. Other than that Chevys are dependable I Just don't like They're designes interior
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • " Like A ROCK " 200,000 miles and rolling like new

    Very comfortable, smooth ride plenty of room rides 6 in complete comfort, the L6 4.2 provides plenty of power still looks sharp for 2005 model and the most dependable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it used and it feels like new. the only problem I've had is the rear ac system other than that it has exceeded my expectations,200,000 miles, and runs better than the day I bought it used with 125,000 miles, like any piece of equipment you have to take care of it. Preventive maintenance and quality products used on it, treat it like a family member This vehicle is worth the time and money no doubts.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    34 people out of 34 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Quietst & most reliable car ever owned

    This car was bought in 2005 as a repo with only 5,000 miles. This car has been very reliable it has had some minor common issues all the speakers stopped working due to cheap factory speakers, the speedometer stopped working but got a discount beacuse there was a recall on the speedometer, the ac had to be reharged. That is it this car has been great for road trips and family outings it has proven to be very spill restint a shake got spilled and a bottle of grape juice exploded and didn't leave a stain. This car is very well balanced too I climbed a 40 degree gravel hill with 4wd on and it went right up the hill. Now it has 170,000 miles and needs a tune up and fluids replaced.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This straight 6 trailblazer won't quit!

    Our 2004 trailblazer has 250000 miles we had to vet the transmission rebuilt at 205000 replaced power steering cooler both front hub assembly dash cluster alternator and water pump and new coils and plugs after misfire started with all that being said I love it for its dependability toughness And reliability it just keeps rolling great daily driver for work gonna drive it to the wheels fall off!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not a safe vehicle!! My daughter was killed

    A 2005 chevy avalanche going 40 mph horrifically killed my daughter who was 8 mo pregnant with my granddaughter! The 2005 chevy trail blazer did not protect her at speeds of only 38mph. Her almost 6 year old daughter witnessed the death and dismemberment of her mother on feb 4th 2019. And there doing nothing about it!!!!! IT IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE PLEASE DONT DRIVE ONE IF YOU CARE FOR YOUR LOVRD ONES SHARE THIS MESSAGE
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 44 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Extremely reliable vehicle

    This vehicle is the best Chevy ever made in my opinion. Mine currently has 225 thousand mines. Have replaced tires, battery and ac compressor only in 16 years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The most unreliable car I own

    This sub sucks it is really bad I have more problems with this car then any other there is nothing like land rover Disco 2
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I've owned

    I've own my 2005 Trailblazer since 2006 when it had 1300 miles on it. My Trailblazer has almost 300,000 miles on it now. I have had to replace many parts but, it still runs great. I love the interior, exterior design which makes it easy for me, 4'10", to access rear. Also has plenty of room. I won't own another vehicle, I'll just keep replacing parts as needed. It had the best engine made with the inline 6. I used it to travel 200 miles to work and back, towing camper, moving, hauling family, 4 wheeling, and leisure for my retirement now.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I have had my 2002 Chevy trailblazer LS

    I have had my SUV for 5 years it had 88,000 miles on it and he drives like brand new. Inside perfect. Outside perfect I have always one and I got my dream truck
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most Reliable Luxurious Vehicle I've Ever Owned

    This car exceeded everything I was looking for. Despite the dismal MPG of 14/City, I loved this car until it's death at about 140,000 miles. It lasted 10 years! Favorite thing was the incredibly smooth ride! It sailed over bumps like butter melting on a warm english muffin. Completely comfy ride. 2nd favorite thing was the velour seats never faded. Enjoyed the fanny warmer on occasion. It had a good amount of leg room front and back, but I would have liked more foot room near the gas pedal. It was very reliable with nothing more than oil changes, replacing the back brakes and two minor repairs. I bought it new and within 6 months, the engine failed. The manufacturers warranty covered the replacement in full and I never had any other engine problems. Apparently, many people had the same engine failure at 6 months. Factory glitch, I guess. Nevertheless, this car was luxury at my fingertips. It had more gadgets than I ever used, which I like. It had separate front and back climate control as well as separate front and back radio controls. It came with an OnStar built-in voice-activated phone, remember that? The front seats had storage pouches on the back. The sound system was great but it had a limit on the volume. I always felt so good driving this vehicle and it really became a part of my image. I teared up the day it had to be towed away for good. I wish Chevrolet would make a new model but increase the City MPG. It will be hard to find another car that matches the quality, style, and performance of the 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. Best car on the planet!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Why have a 169000 miles on it

    I love going shopping in it lots of Room I carried anything I needed. Our 1st bought it to move my mother from one house to mine I packed boxes endlessly and move them in my car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Chevrolet dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LS (2 styles)
  • LT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners.

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 83.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 74 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.1

Chevrolet Trailblazer history

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