2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ▼
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- MSRP: $25,885 -$34,395
- Invoice: $23,425 -$31,127
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Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.7 |
GM says the new inline-6 gives its midsize SUVs V8 power and 6-cyl fuel economy. In practice, the engine is moving over two tons of SUV, so it doesn't feel as potent as its 270-hp rating might imply. But it does provide strong acceleration off the line and from all speeds. In our tests, it felt quicker than the Ford Explorer's 210-hp V6, if not quite as strong as Explorer's 240-hp V8. We have not tested extended-length TrailBlazer EXT or Envoy XL, but they add some 400 lb to curb weight, so acceleration and fuel economy could suffer.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD TrailBlazers and Envoys averaged 16.2-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. By comparison, test 4WD Explorers averaged 17.1 mpg with V6, and 14.1-15.4 with V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4 |
TrailBlazer is notably absorbent, providing better-than-average comfort for a truck-based SUV. However, the rear air suspension optional on Envoy and standard on Bravada stays more composed over bumps than the coil-spring setup. The coil-spring design, mandatory on TrailBlazer, generates sloppy ride motions on undulating pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 |
Trucky, despite the new platform. TrailBlazer exhibits lots of body lean in sharp turns, and its steering feels vague. It has a relatively tight turning radius that makes for fairly easy maneuvering in close quarters. Brake pedal feel is numb and mushy, and hard stops trigger severe nose dive and some wander.
QUIETNESS
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Tire noise is pleasingly low, but wind rush can be considerable at highway speeds--even roaring around the closed sunroof. The new engine cruises quietly, but is gruff when cold and a touch ragged in full acceleration.
CONTROLS
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6 |
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road. Visibility good overall, though headrests and thick pillars can block aft sightlines. GM's grade of plastics doesn't measure up to most competitors', including the '02 Explorer.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.2 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.1 |
Ample head and knee room in the 2nd row for 6-footers, with adequate foot clearance beneath front seats despite uneven floorboard. Seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. Static displays of extended models show 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up to allow easier entry to 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more-comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
CARGO ROOM
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.7 |
Generous in regular-length models, even larger in extended versions, and the 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, the hatch's separate-opening glass has a high sill, making it difficult to load most items. Cabins have a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.5 |
Absence of curtain side airbags is a shortfall in today's midsize SUV environment, but otherwise, GM's newest match most any rival for power, and both regular- and extended-length bodies are roomy relative to the competition. Similarly equipped, there isn't much difference in cost between TrailBlazer and Envoy. But we prefer Envoy for its better interior design details, and more important, for its available rear air suspension, which firms up road manners and avoids the sloppy ride and handling you're stuck with on the TrailBlazer. The demise of the Olds brand makes the Bravada a less-than-sound investment.
Total Score
| LT/LTZ 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 55 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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