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2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review
TrailBlazer loses standard front side airbags for 2003, but gains a V8 option for its largest model and available DVD video. The regular-length TrailBlazer seats five and comes in LS, LT, and LTZ trim. The longer-wheelbase EXT adds a 3rd row for 7-passenger seating and has extended rear doors and a raised rear roofline. It initially came only in LT trim; an LS model was added midyear. Standard on both TrailBlazers is a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 275-hp inline 6-cyl engine. Optional on the EXT is a 290-hp V8 borrowed from Chevy's full-size SUVs. TrailBlazers offer rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Front side airbags are a $350 option for '03; the driver's bag covers head and torso. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. A new option for all but LS models is a rear-seat DVD video entertainment system. LTZ and EXT come with 17-inch wheels vs. 16s, and offer a new North Face Edition trim-and-features package designed with the outdoor apparel maker. Finally, 5-seat models get a 22-gal fuel tank (up from 18.7) during the model year. GMC's Envoy and Envoy XL dress the same basic design with different styling and available features. So do the Oldsmobile Bravada, which comes only in regular length, and Isuzu Ascender, which comes only in extended length.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Assuming the gossip proves out, the 2004 TrailBlazers will boast a minor restyle and a few features. But don't expect the EXT's V8 option to spread to 5-passenger models. That's been reserved for the 2004 Buick Rainier, a reincarnation of the soon-to-die Oldsmobile Bravada. Rainier starts sale later this year, but won't offer a 7-seat version. You're also out of luck if you want a TrailBlazer EXT with a sliding roof panel above the cargo area. That's exclusive to GMC's new 2004 Envoy XUV, which also boasts a midgate separating cargo bay from passenger compartment a la Chevy's Avalanche SUV/pickup.

Though no threat to the top-selling Ford Explorer, TrailBlazer has been doing very good business since its mid-2001 debut. In 2002, its first full calendar year, it racked up nearly a quarter-million sales.

GM has announced that the 2005 GMC Envoy XL, Envoy XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT will be the first vehicles to showcase its innovative Displacement on Demand fuel-saving technology. Displacement on Demand will be a standard feature of the vehicles' optional Vortec 5300 V-8 engine. The more efficient engine will boost the fuel efficiency of these vehicles by about 8 percent (based on an EPA testing procedure).
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Steering/handling
Towing ability Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
6 5 6 4.9

In regular-length versions of TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Bravada, the 6 cyl offers plenty of power for everyday driving, including highway merging and passing. Extended versions weigh about 350 lb more, and though the 6 cyl is still adequate, the V8 engine adds some useful muscle when towing or hauling heavy loads. But the V8 doesn't feel substantially stronger than the 6 cyl in everyday driving and costs $1500, several hundred more than the V8 option in such rivals as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Fuel Economy

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
4 3 3 3.7

Test regular-length models with 4WD averaged 14.9-17.9 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD Envoy XL averaging 14.6 mpg over its first 9810 miles. Test V8 versions averaged 15.2-15.7 mpg.
Ride Quality

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
5 6 6 4.4

Base-suspension versions absorb bumps quite well for SUVs, but they suffer float and wander at highway speeds. Optional on Envoy and Bravada, but unavailable on TrailBlazer, is a rear load-leveling air suspension that's more composed on rough roads than the base coil-spring setup. Longer wheelbase of 7-passenger versions helps smooth out bumps, but without the air suspension offered only on Envoy, these models also porpoise through dips and swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
3 3 3 3.5

Disappointing overall. Lots of body lean in sharp turns. Steering has vague feel and demands lots of correcting at highway speed. Note that rear load-leveling air suspension gives Envoy and Bravada flatter cornering, more-precise steering. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Traction control optional on 2WD models works well in the snow.
Quietness

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
4 4 4 4.1

Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush can be considerable at highway speeds; there's roar even around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The V8 is quieter overall.
Controls

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
6 6 6 6.1

Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road. Envoy, Bravada, and Ascender have more-upscale dashboard design than TrailBlazer, but interiors on all these SUVs suffer GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics, which don't match the look and feel of most competitors' materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.3

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good to front and sides, though headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines--especially on 7-seat models.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
6 7 7 5.4

Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On 7-seat models, the 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
Cargo Room

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
8 9 9 7.8

Generous in regular-length versions, almost cavernous in longer 7-passenger models. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above the cargo floor when folded, denying the convenience of a flat load surface. Liftgate's opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to use as a loading or unloading portal. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
Value within Class

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
6 6 6 5

Lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market, and making front side airbags optional just to lower the base price seems ill-advised. Otherwise, these GM-built midsizers match most rivals for pace and space. TrailBlazer is the price and sales leader among the GM trio, but we pick Envoy as the best overall value. It tops TrailBlazer in interior decor, and its optional rear load-leveling air suspension delivers needed improvements in ride and handling. Bravada's resale and lease-residual values are harmed by the phaseout of Oldsmobile, and Ascender sells in very low volume.
Total Score

LT/LTZ 4WD EXT 4WD, 6 cyl EXT 4WD, V8 Class Average
55 56 57 51.2
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
35
Average Score
51
High Score
66
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/30/2003
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LS regular-length 4-door wagon, 2WD $26,895 $24,340 $650
LS regular-length 4-door wagon, 4WD $29,145 $26,376 $650
LS EXT extended-length 4-door wagon, 2WD $29,995 $27,145 $650
LS EXT extended-length 4-door wagon, 4WD $32,245 $29,182 $650
LT regular-length 4-door wagon, 2WD $29,445 $26,648 $650
LT EXT extended-length 4-door wagon, 2WD $31,395 $28,412 $650
LT regular-length 4-door wagon, 4WD $31,695 $28,684 $650
LT EXT extended-length 4-door wagon, 4WD $33,645 $30,449 $650
LTZ regular-length 4-door wagon, 2WD $33,295 $30,132 $650
LTZ regular-length 4-door wagon, 4WD $35,545 $32,168 $650
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
4.2-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, power rear-window release, rear intermittent wiper/washer, visor mirrors, map lights, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case.
LS EXT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, 8-way power driver seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, universal garage-door opener, digital memo recorder.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer platform, 245/65R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case.
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available) (EXT), rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls (EXT), leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 8-way power driver seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (EXT), heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, digital memo recorder, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Hitch platform, 7-lead trailer harness, 245/65R17 on/off-road tires (EXT), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
LTZ adds to LT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear climate controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, outside-mirror-mounted turn-signal lights, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 on-off road tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
2WD LS regular
$937
$806
4WD LS regular
$975
$839
2WD LS EXT
$660
$568
4WD LS EXT
$700
$602
Cruise control, heated power mirrors, rear defogger, floormats, rear privacy glass, roof rack, bodyside moldings, front tow hooks (4WD), 7-lead trailer harness.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
2WD LS regular
$1,237
$1,064
4WD LS regular
$1,275
$1,097
2WD LS EXT
$890
$765
4WD LS EXT
$930
$800
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, cargo cover, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SE
LT regular
$2,730
$2,348
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear climate controls, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, trip computer, driver message center, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SJ w/leather upholstery
LT EXT
$2,730
$2,347
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear climate controls, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, trip computer, driver message center, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SJ w/Leather Plus Pkg. YE5
LT EXT
$3,065
$2,636
Preferred Equipment Group 1SJ w/leather upholstery plus driver-seat and mirror memory, outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, color-keyed exterior trim.
Driver Convenience Pkg.
LT
$585
$503
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear climate controls, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, trip computer, driver message center. Requires OnStar System.
The North Face Edition Pkg.
LT EXT
$1,725
$1,484
LTZ
$1,525
$1,312
Two-tone leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, overhead console, two duffel bags, blanket, cargo shelf w/table (LT EXT), front seatback mesh pockets, heavy-duty floormats and cargo mat, unique interior and exterior trim, 2-tone paint, roof rack w/clearance lights, headlight washers. Requires heated front seats, locking rear differential. LT requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SJ w/Leather Plus Pkg. 4WD requires skid plates.
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine
LS EXT, LT EXT
$1,500
$1,290
Traction control
2WD LT, 2WD LTZ
$195
$168
Requires locking rear differential.
Locking rear differential
LS, LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$270
$232
Optional axle ratio
LS, LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$50
$43
Safety
Front side airbags
LS, LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$350
$301
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
LS regular
$1,235
$1,062
LS EXT, LT regular
$870
$748
Includes one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), overhead console universal garage-door opener (LS), digital memo recorder (LS), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator. LS regular requires power sunroof.
Rear-seat entertainment system
LT, LTZ
$1,000
$860
DVD player, screen, headphones. NA w/power sunroof. LT requires OnStar System.
Power sunroof
LS w/1SC, LT w/Group 1SE, LT EXT, LTZ
$800
$688
LS, LT regular
$550
$473
LS, LT include automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass. LS, LT regular length require OnStar System or Pkg. including OnStar.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS, LT
$150
$129
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT
$395
$340
LTZ
$295
$254
Bose sound system
LT, LTZ
$495
$426
LT requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Rear defogger
LS
$197
$169
Rain-sensing wipers
LT EXT, LTZ
$70
$60
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SJ w/Leather Plus Pkg.
Heated front seats
LT EXT, LTZ
$250
$215
LT EXT requires Preferred Group 1SJ w/Leather Plus Pkg.
Third-row floormats
LS EXT, LT EXT
$30
$26
Cargo-management system
LS, LT, LTZ
$165
$142
NA EXT.
Cargo cover
LS, LT, LTZ
$70
$60
NA EXT.
Cargo net
LT regular, LTZ
$30
$26
Cargo mat
LT regular, LTZ
$40
$34
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$375
$323
Roof rack
LS
$45
$39
Special paint
LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$95
$82
Engine-block heater
4WD
$35
$30
Skid plates
4WD
$130
$112
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks
4WD LS
$38
$33
Trailer-wiring harness
LS
$10
$9
N74 alloy wheels
LS/LT regular
$150
$129
Includes 245/65R17 tires.
245/70R16 white-letter tires
LS regular, LT regular
$140
$120
245/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
LS, LS EXT, LT, LTZ
$140
$120
LS/LT regular require N74 alloy wheels.
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4-door wagon Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 113.0 129.0
Overall Length, in. 191.8 207.8
Overall Width, in. 74.6 74.7
Overall Height, in. 71.9 75.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 4616 4968
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 80.1 100.2
Standard Payload, lbs. 1134 --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0 25.0
Seating Capacity 5 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.2 40.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.1 43.1
Rear Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.1 37.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.2 /256 5.3 /325
Horsepower @ rpm. 275 @ 6000 290 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 275 @ 3600 325 @ 4000
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 15/21 14/18
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4-door wagon Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 3 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 3 NA
Rollover Resistance 3 NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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