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2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review
A revised V8 and available head-protecting curtain side airbags mark 2005 changes for Chevrolet's midsize SUVs. TrailBlazer is the top-selling version of a basic GM design shared with Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Ascender offer 5-passenger and extended-length 7-seat models; Rainier and 9-7X are 5-seaters only.

TrailBlazers come in LS and uplevel LT trim with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-speed automatic transmission, and inline 6-cyl engine. A V8 is optional for the extended EXTs and now has GM's Displacement on Demand feature, which automatically shuts down four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel and reactivates them for acceleration. All models offer rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's all-surface Autotrac 4WD with low-range gearing. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on all but the regular-length LS, which has 16s.

The newly optional curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows--and replace last year's available seat-mounted front side airbags. Also optional are rear DVD entertainment and a radio/navigation system with control touch screen in the audio faceplate.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
Confirming earlier rumors, Chevrolet has announced an SS version of the TrailBlazer for 2006. The first SUV to wear the hallowed SS badge, it packs the same 6.0-liter V8 as regular Corvette sports cars, though slightly detuned from 400 to 391 hp. Even so, 0-60 mph performance is projected at just 5.7 seconds. The SS TrailBlazer will also sport a tuned suspension, 20-inch standard wheels, and specific styling touches inside and out. will add a sporty performance-focused SS option or model for 2006. No word yet on other specifics, price included, but we should know all well before the fall 2005 introduction, so keep checking back with us.

Further out, we hear TrailBlazer will get a heavy makeover or a full redesign for 2008. Again, we'll keep you posted.
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Steering/handling
Towing ability Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

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

Regular-length 6-cyl models have good power for most situations. Heavier EXTs do OK with the six but should have the optional V8 for routine towing or heavy hauling, though it feels little stronger in everyday use. V8's cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation.
Fuel Economy

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
4 3 3 3.9

Test 4WD 6-cyl regulars averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A 2003 6-cyl 4WD Envoy XL did 15.8 mpg in a 21,677-mi. extended-use test. Test V8 TrailBlazer EXTs logged 15.2-15.7 mpg. GM claims DoD improves mpg by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
Ride Quality

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
5 6 6 5.1

Base suspension absorbs bumps well enough for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick and GMC offer rear load-leveling air springs that make rough-road ride more composed than TrailBlazer's mandatory coil springs. Longer wheelbase helps EXTs (and Envoy XLs) smooth out bumps, but they, too, porpoise over dips and swells without air suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
3 3 3 3.8

Disappoints with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. Relatively tight turning radius eases parking, though. Brakes have adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. Traction control, optional on 2WDs, helps in snow.
Quietness

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
4 4 4 4.8

Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply with speed. The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is quieter overall.
Controls

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
6 6 6 6.3

Clear and handy, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls requires a long look from road. Touch screen navigation/audio system fairly easy to use, but complicates some stereo adjustments. Envoy, Rainier, and Ascender have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer from GM-generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.7

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good except astern and to right-rear, impeded by headrests and thick rear-roof pillars, especially on 7-seaters.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
6 7 7 6.2

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-place 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

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

Generous in regulars, even better in extendeds. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above cargo deck, so no flat-floor utility. Liftgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
Value within Class

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
6 6 6 5.6

TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. The new curtain side airbags correct a competitive deficit, but the Displacement on Demand V8, though a nice idea, doesn't work economy wonders. We favor Envoy as offering the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value in this GM clan.
Total Score

4WD LT 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl 4WD LT EXT, V8 Class Average
55 56 57 55.1
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
37
Average Score
55
High Score
67
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/11/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD LS regular length 4-door wagon $26,465 $23,951 $685
4WD LS regular length 4-door wagon $28,715 $25,987 $685
2WD LS EXT extended length 4-door wagon $28,085 $25,417 $685
4WD LS EXT extended length 4-door wagon $30,335 $27,453 $685
2WD LT regular length 4-door wagon $29,115 $26,349 $685
4WD LT regular length 4-door wagon $31,365 $28,385 $685
2WD LT EXT extended length 4-door wagon $30,265 $27,390 $685
4WD LT EXT extended length 4-door wagon $32,515 $29,426 $685
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 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, rear climate controls (EXT), OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (EXT), 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 privacy glass (EXT), fog lights (EXT), rear liftgate, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer-hitch platform, full-size spare tire, 235/75R16 tires (regular), 245/65R17 on/off-road tires (EXT), alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks (EXT).
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power rear quarter windows (EXT), remote keyless entry, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 on/off-road tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
2WD LS regular
$1,185
$1,019
4WD LS regular
$1,225
$1,054
2WD LS EXT
$1,035
$890
4WD LS EXT
$1,075
$925
Heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, floormats, rear privacy glass (regular length), roof rack, alarm, bodyside moldings, front tow hooks (4WD), 7-lead trailer harness.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SE
LT
$1,180
$1,014
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
LT Pkg. 1 PDF
LT regular
$680
$585
LT EXT
$640
$550
LT regular w/1SE
$625
$538
LT EXT w/1SE
$585
$503
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, steering-wheel w/radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, trip computer, driver information center, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo mat (regular).
Luxury Pkg.
LT EXT
$1,765
$1,532
LT regular
$1,805
$1,553
Includes Preferred Equipment Group 1SE and LT Pkg. 1.
LT Pkg. 2 YC6
LT
$915
$786
Heated front seats, driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Requires Luxury Pkg. or Preferred Equipment Group 1SE and LT Pkg. 1.
V8 Power Play Pkg.
EXT
$1,770
$1,522
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, limited-slip differential.
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
LS
$2,165
$1,862
LT
$2,015
$1,733
LT w/LT Pkg. 2
$1,865
$1,604
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
LS/LT EXT
$1,500
$1,290
Traction control
2WD
$195
$168
Requires limited-slip rear differential.
Limited-slip rear differential
LS, LT
$270
$232
Optional axle ratio
LS, LT
$50
$43
Safety
Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
LS, LT
$495
$426
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LT
$1,995
$1,716
LT w/ Sun, Sound, Entertainment Pkg.
$1,600
$1,376
Requires Bose sound system or Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
LS, LT
$1,295
$1,114
ordered w/Sun, Sound, Entertainment Pkg.
$495
$426
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA w/power sunroof. Deletes power sunroof when ordered w/Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
Power sunroof
LS
$950
$817
LT
$800
$688
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
LS, LT
$135
$116
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS, LT
$150
$129
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT
$395
$340
LT w/LT Pkg. 2
$245
$211
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Bose sound system
LS, LT
$495
$426
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Satellite radio
LS, LT
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Rear defogger
LS
$200
$172
Rain-sensing wipers
LT
$70
$60
Requires LT Pkg. 2.
8-way power driver seat
LS
$300
$258
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Power-adjustable pedals
LT
$150
$129
Power rear quarter windows
LS EXT
$280
$241
LS EXT w/sunroof
$130
$112
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Cruise control
LS, LT
$275
$236
Third-row floormats
LS/LT EXT
$30
$26
Cargo-management system
LS/LT regular
$165
$142
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Cargo cover
LS/LT regular
$70
$60
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Cargo net
regular
$30
$26
Cargo mat
LS regular
$40
$34
Smoker's Pkg.
LS, LT
$30
$26
Ashtray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps
LS, LT
$375
$323
Roof rack
LS
$45
$39
2-tone paint
LT
$150
$129
RequiresPreferred Equipment Group 1SE, LT Pkg. 2.
Special paint
LS, LT
$165
$142
Engine-block heater
4WD
$35
$30
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD
$130
$112
Front tow hooks
4WD LS
$40
$34
Trailer-wiring harness
LS
$10
$9
Trailer hitch cover
LS, LT
$30
$26
245/70R16 white-letter tires
LS regular
$140
$120
Bright alloy wheels
LS EXT, LT
$150
$129
2005 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. 74.5 77.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4594 4954
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 80.1 107.0
Standard Payload, lbs. 1156 1446
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0 25.0
Seating Capacity 5 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.2 40.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.9 42.9
Rear Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.0 37.0
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 300 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 275 @ 3600 330 @ 4000
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 15/20 14/19
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 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 3
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 5/60,000 Aveo and Cobalt only.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000100,000 --
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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