Overview
Is this the car for you?
The Good
- Six-cylinder performance
- Quiet running
- Ride quality
- Handling
The Bad
- Difficult entry and exit
- Fuel economy
- Short rear-seat bottoms
What to Know
about the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
-
Inline-six-cylinder
-
Available side-curtain airbags
-
Car-compatible bumpers
-
Available Autotrac 4WD
-
Tight turning circle
Our Take
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
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 wit...
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 wit...
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.
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.
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Have owned one for 13yrs
The car overall is an o.k. car. It isn't good on gas, so don't even think that because when it comes to SUVs this is almost like a Hummer. The reliability is the best I have ever seen in a SUV. ... Read full review
Most reliable car I have ever owned
This car meets all of my needs. It has plenty of room for my children and their car seats. Plenty of trunk room for toys, stroller, ect. Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer currently has 2 recalls
