2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

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(4.2) 50 reviews
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2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Six-cylinder performance
  • Quiet running
  • Ride quality
  • Handling

The Bad

  • Difficult entry and exit
  • Fuel economy
  • Short rear-seat bottoms

Notable Features of the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

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

2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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...
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.


Latest 2005 TrailBlazer Stories

See all 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.2
50 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.2)
Performance
(4.1)
Interior Design
(3.9)
Comfort
(4.4)
Reliability
(4.1)
Value For The Money
(4.0)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Love my vehicle

by Starsha from Scottdale Pa on May 29, 2018

Bought it with 14 miles on it in 2005 still have it with 95,000 miles on it. Finally showing little rust. Most reliable, can transport lots of stuff in it including xylophone! Have 4 kids & band, ... Read full review

(4.0)

Solid truck

by Dave from Alvarado on April 17, 2018

I bought this TrailBlazer used to replace my 1995 Ford Explorer. I love that this has four wheel drive. Although my wife thought that a 4x4 was useless, I have on a number of occasions used it to make ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer currently has 2 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The TrailBlazer received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker