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2008
Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starts at:
$27,745
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD 4dr LT w/1LT
    Starts at
    $27,745
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr LT w/2LT
    Starts at
    $29,780
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr LT w/1LT
    Starts at
    $29,880
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr LT w/3LT
    Starts at
    $31,810
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr LT w/2LT
    Starts at
    $31,910
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr SS w/1SS
    Starts at
    $32,155
    12 City / 16 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr LT w/3LT
    Starts at
    $33,945
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr SS w/1SS
    Starts at
    $34,290
    12 City / 16 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr SS w/3SS
    Starts at
    $35,590
    12 City / 16 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr SS w/3SS
    Starts at
    $37,725
    12 City / 16 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Notable features

Inline-six-cylinder engine
Active Fuel Management V-8
390-hp TrailBlazer SS
Available Autotrac 4WD
Tight turning circle
Electronic stability system

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Side curtain airbags
Automatic-transmission operation
Quiet running
Ride comfort

The bad

Fuel economy
Short rear-seat bottoms
Visibility
Abundant, though tolerable, size
EXT model discontinued

Expert 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer review

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

Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet’s midsize TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle debuted early in 2002 as a five-passenger vehicle. A seven-passenger, extended-length TrailBlazer EXT joined the lineup later, but was discontinued after 2006. Changes for 2008 are few, but include newly standard side curtain airbags and changes to option packages. The midsize TrailBlazer SUV competes with the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2008 TrailBlazer offers a standard 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and an optional 5.3-liter V-8. The latter engine includes General Motors’ Active Fuel Management technology (formerly called Displacement on Demand), which deactivates four cylinders under light loads, such as highway cruising.

TrailBlazers come in LT and SS trim levels. A high-performance SS model packs a sport-tuned suspension and a 6.0-liter V-8 from Chevrolet’s Corvette sports car.

The TrailBlazer is closely related to the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X.

Exterior
The TrailBlazer rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long. The headlights, grille and other elements share similarities with Chevrolet’s larger Tahoe and Suburban. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, while 18-inch wheels are available. The SS has 20-inch wheels. Three new colors are available, including Dark Cherry Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Desert Brown Metallic.

Ground clearance is 7.8 inches. The TrailBlazer SS rides an inch lower than other TrailBlazers, but ground clearance remains the same. Other changes for the TrailBlazer SS include stiffer suspension springs, bigger brakes and a larger front stabilizer bar.

Interior
A plastic-heavy dashboard incorporates a four-spoke steering wheel and large instrument gauges. Two-row seating is standard, and the backseat folds for additional storage. With the rear seat down, maximum cargo volume measures 80 cubic feet.

XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models, as is GM’s OnStar communication system. Options include a backseat entertainment system with a DVD player, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating surfaces.

Under the Hood
Rated at 285 horsepower and 276 pounds-feet of torque, the TrailBlazer’s 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder teams with a four-speed automatic transmission. The optional 5.3-liter V-8, operating with Active Fuel Management, produces 300 hp and 321 pounds-feet of torque. It also works with a four-speed automatic.

The TrailBlazer SS holds a 6.0-liter V-8 sourced from the Corvette. It’s rated at 390 hp and 395 pounds-feet of torque, and it runs through a heavy-duty four-speed automatic.

Rear- or four-wheel drive is available. When properly equipped, the TrailBlazer can tow up to 6,800 pounds.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard, as is an electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags are now standard on all models. 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 TrailBlazer 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, but it’s not a dramatic difference.

On smooth surfaces, the four-wheel-drive TrailBlazer’s ride is comparable to a car’s. 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.

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet’s midsize TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle debuted early in 2002 as a five-passenger vehicle. A seven-passenger, extended-length TrailBlazer EXT joined the lineup later, but was discontinued after 2006. Changes for 2008 are few, but include newly standard side curtain airbags and changes to option packages. The midsize TrailBlazer SUV competes with the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2008 TrailBlazer offers a standard 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and an optional 5.3-liter V-8. The latter engine includes General Motors’ Active Fuel Management technology (formerly called Displacement on Demand), which deactivates four cylinders under light loads, such as highway cruising.

TrailBlazers come in LT and SS trim levels. A high-performance SS model packs a sport-tuned suspension and a 6.0-liter V-8 from Chevrolet’s Corvette sports car.

The TrailBlazer is closely related to the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X.

Exterior
The TrailBlazer rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long. The headlights, grille and other elements share similarities with Chevrolet’s larger Tahoe and Suburban. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, while 18-inch wheels are available. The SS has 20-inch wheels. Three new colors are available, including Dark Cherry Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Desert Brown Metallic.

Ground clearance is 7.8 inches. The TrailBlazer SS rides an inch lower than other TrailBlazers, but ground clearance remains the same. Other changes for the TrailBlazer SS include stiffer suspension springs, bigger brakes and a larger front stabilizer bar.

Interior
A plastic-heavy dashboard incorporates a four-spoke steering wheel and large instrument gauges. Two-row seating is standard, and the backseat folds for additional storage. With the rear seat down, maximum cargo volume measures 80 cubic feet.

XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models, as is GM’s OnStar communication system. Options include a backseat entertainment system with a DVD player, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating surfaces.

Under the Hood
Rated at 285 horsepower and 276 pounds-feet of torque, the TrailBlazer’s 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder teams with a four-speed automatic transmission. The optional 5.3-liter V-8, operating with Active Fuel Management, produces 300 hp and 321 pounds-feet of torque. It also works with a four-speed automatic.

The TrailBlazer SS holds a 6.0-liter V-8 sourced from the Corvette. It’s rated at 390 hp and 395 pounds-feet of torque, and it runs through a heavy-duty four-speed automatic.

Rear- or four-wheel drive is available. When properly equipped, the TrailBlazer can tow up to 6,800 pounds.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard, as is an electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags are now standard on all models. 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 TrailBlazer 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, but it’s not a dramatic difference.

On smooth surfaces, the four-wheel-drive TrailBlazer’s ride is comparable to a car’s. 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.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2008 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
5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 100,000 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

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2008
    4.5
    Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Starts at
    $27,745
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2004
    4.4
    Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    Starts at
    $30,070
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2009
    4.5
    Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Starts at
    $29,155
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1998
    GMC Envoy
    Starts at
    $34,135
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
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Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 71 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • great car

    excellent car. I got it in 2009 with 13000 miles. When I traded it in it had ( for real) 354000 miles ( yes that is correct) It was still running like a top and it was all original except for two sensors and a master cylinder. You could not beat this care for a better value.
    • Purchased a Used 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
    10 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love it!

    I purchased my Trailblazer new in 2008 and I'm still loving it! It consistently gets me where I'm going in any type of weather. I haven't had any major problems and keep up with regular maintenance. To be fair I drive a company car during the week so at 14 years old it has only 58,000 miles on it. I will keep it until it won't go anymore.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good midsize SUV

    This SUV was good enough with many options I was looking for in a used SUV for comfort, the manufacturer options LT LT3, and interior design. I bought this mainly for comfort riding, ability to put a couple of dog crates in the back section and being it is a 4x4.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    29 people out of 32 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great American Made Truck!

    Many space for a family of four great for road trips! Always chose Chevrolet for my SUV selections. Easy to maintain, fun to drive with your family.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • 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
  • Trailblazer

    This vehicle was in great condition. It was exactly what my wife was looking for. It had more options than we were looking for, and everything worked as it should
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Exspensive engine repair!

    I bought one used and it stalled on me on the way home from the dealer. $8000-$10,000 for an engine. Camshaft issue. Buyer beware if sold as is.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great little rig

    I drove the tires off my 08 Saturn Aura, little over 200,000, and wanted an inexpensive little SUV with 4WD. Found a used 08 Trailblazer local for around 7k with 107,000 on it and bought it. It’s the LT with cloth interior and the inline six. I drove 114 miles round trip to work four days per week and play on the logging roads of western Oregon on the weekends, it does both just fine. Because I use the 4WD drive, I did throw some 10 ply AT’s on it at one size up from stock, seems to handle them well enough. I stand at 6’3” and don’t have a leg room issue, but headroom is pretty much on the cusp. My one xxxxx is that the passenger side front seat is hard as xxxx. All around great little truck(I say truck because it’s on a full frame, not unibody).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I’ve owned

    This car has met all my needs. Very roomy and nice looking. Very reliable and has all the bells and whistles. Drives very smooth, like brand new.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • very nice

    even though it is 11 years old it drove like a new one. a few minor flaws can be expected for a vehicle this age, but nothing that affected performance or ride
    • Purchased a Used 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great vehicle

    this is a great vehicle for a family or a couple lots of room and performance and looks good, handling is also good,this is a high performance vehicle,must enjoy driving a performance vehicle
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love this Trailblazer!

    I bought this after driving a full size conversion van for 11 years. Still getting used to the smaller size but it's large enough to fit my family. This one came with a lot of extras so I'm loving it!!
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT

    I'm very happy with this suv, I had to change the tires, because the dealership gave me used old tires, had to change the radio, to add a backup camera. Now its even better, adding the crash bars on the front and back for security.
    • Purchased a Used 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 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in 5 trim levels:

  • LT w/1LT (2 styles)
  • LT w/2LT (2 styles)
  • LT w/3LT (2 styles)
  • SS w/1SS (2 styles)
  • SS w/3SS (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers up to 14 MPG in city driving and 20 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 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners.

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 90.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 71 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.4

Chevrolet Trailblazer history

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