2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Road Test
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2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ▼
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- MSRP: $27,520 -$34,220
- Invoice: $24,906 -$30,969
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Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer help you decide if a 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
In regular-length TrailBlazers, 6 cyl provides plenty of power for everyday driving, including highway merging and passing. Extended versions weigh about 350 lb more, and though 6 cyl is still adequate, the V8 adds useful muscle for towing or hauling heavy loads. Otherwise, V8 extendeds don't feel substantially stronger than sixes in everyday driving, and the V8 costs a hefty $1500.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Test 6-cyl regular-length 4WD TrailBlazers averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD 2003 Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over its 21,677-mi. test. Test V8 TrailBlazer EXTs averaged 15.2-15.7 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
TrailBlazers with base suspension absorb bumps quite well for SUVs, but suffer float and wander at highway speeds. Unavailable on the Chevy (or Isuzu) version of these SUVs is GM's rear load-leveling air-spring suspension, which furnishes a ride more composed on rough roads than TrailBlazer's coil-spring setup. Longer wheelbase of TrailBlazer EXT helps smooth out bumps, but without air suspension, these models also porpoise through dips and swells.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Disappointing overall. Lots of body lean in sharp turns. Steering has vague feel and demands lots of correcting at highway speed. 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 LT models, helps in snow.
QUIETNESS
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
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. V8 is quieter overall.
CONTROLS
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from road. New navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. Envoy, Bravada, Rainier, Ascender have a 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 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
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--particularly on 7-seat models. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
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 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
Generous in regular-length versions, even better 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 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market, and making front side airbags optional seems ill-advised. Otherwise, TrailBlazer matches most rivals for pace and space. It's the price and sales leader among this GM-built family, too. But we pick Envoy as the better overall value. It tops TrailBlazer in interior decor and its optional rear load-leveling air suspension delivers needed improvements in ride and handling.
Total Score
| LT 4WD | LT EXT 4WD, 6 cyl | LT EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 56 | 57 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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