- • New Cars
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
Date Published: 9/13/08
Also in the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review
A sporty SS version tops 2006 additions to these SUVs. TrailBlazer is the best-selling version of a GM design that also includes the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Ascender offer five-passenger and extended-length seven-seat models; Rainier and 9-7X are five-seaters only. Extended TrailBlazers are called EXTs and, like regular-length models, come in LS and uplevel LT trim. All include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 291-hp inline 6-cyl engine. An optional 300-hp V8 includes GM's Active Fuel Management that automatically deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. LS and LT offer rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD, which can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system with rollover sensors is standard on all models. Newly available for five-passenger models, the SS package includes a 395-hp V8, sport suspension, and unique trim. It comes with 2WD or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Optional on all TrailBlazers are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows. A DVD entertainment system and a navigation system are also optional.
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 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
TrailBlazer and its cousins will lose extended-length models for 2007, due to lackluster sales. Other models are rumored to get a heavy makeover or full redesign for 2008, but we've also heard that GM may bail out of truck-based midsize SUVs as being out of step with current and projected market trends. Stay tuned.
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Towing ability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Six-cyl regular-length models have good power for most situations. Seven-passenger models weigh about 350 lb more, and are OK with the 6-cyl. With the V8, they feel little stronger in everyday use, though should have it for towing, heavy hauling. The 5.3-liter V8's Active Fuel Management feature is seamless in operation. TrailBlazer SS muscular from any speed, lends credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
Six-cyl regular-length models have good power for most situations. Seven-passenger models weigh about 350 lb more, and are OK with the 6-cyl. With the V8, they feel little stronger in everyday use, though should have it for towing, heavy hauling. The 5.3-liter V8's Active Fuel Management feature is seamless in operation. TrailBlazer SS muscular from any speed, lends credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.
Fuel Economy
Test 4WD 6-cyl regular-length TrailBlazers averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A 6-cyl 4WD 2003 Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over a 21,677-mi. extended-use test. Test TrailBlazer SS averaged 13.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with Active Fuel Management. GM claims Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to eight percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD 6-cyl regular-length TrailBlazers averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A 6-cyl 4WD 2003 Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over a 21,677-mi. extended-use test. Test TrailBlazer SS averaged 13.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with Active Fuel Management. GM claims Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to eight percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
Ride Quality
Base suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick, Saab, and GMC offer load-leveling suspension that makes rough-road ride more composed. Longer wheelbase helps EXTs smooth out bumps, but they, too, porpoise over dips and swells. SS's sport suspension, 20-inch tires give stiffer but not-uncomfortable ride.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.4 |
Base suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick, Saab, and GMC offer load-leveling suspension that makes rough-road ride more composed. Longer wheelbase helps EXTs smooth out bumps, but they, too, porpoise over dips and swells. SS's sport suspension, 20-inch tires give stiffer but not-uncomfortable ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. Relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS has sharper moves all-around, but is still plagued by body lean in turns.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. Relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS has sharper moves all-around, but is still plagued by body lean in turns.
Quietness
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds, audible even from around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is quieter overall. SS V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration, is relatively subdued at cruise.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds, audible even from around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is quieter overall. SS V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration, is relatively subdued at cruise.
Controls
Clear, handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls forces 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 GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Clear, handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls forces 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 GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good to front and sides, but headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines, especially on seven-seaters.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 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 to front and sides, but headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines, especially on seven-seaters.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate underseat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On seven-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.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate underseat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On seven-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
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 the cargo deck, so no flat-floor convenience. Liftgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.3 |
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 the cargo deck, so no flat-floor convenience. 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
TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. Overall, however, we prefer the GMC Envoy among this GM family as providing the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value.
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. Overall, however, we prefer the GMC Envoy among this GM family as providing the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value.
Total Score
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
| 55 | 56 | 57 | 54 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LS regular length 4-door wagon | $24,430 | $22,842 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD LS regular length 4-door wagon | $26,680 | $24,946 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LS EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $25,880 | $24,198 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD LS EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $28,130 | $26,302 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LT regular length 4-door wagon | $26,715 | $24,979 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD LT regular length 4-door wagon | $28,965 | $27,082 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LT EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $27,980 | $26,161 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD LT EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $30,230 | $28,265 | $710 |
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, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, 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.
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, power rear-quarter windows (EXT), remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, 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.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
SS Pkg.
|
||
|
LS/LT regular
|
$5,195
|
$4,312
|
|
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel-drive transfer case (4WD), limited-slip differential, tire-pressure monitor, leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, rear air suspension, 255/50R20 tires, polished alloy wheels. Deletes roof rack. All-wheel drive deletes 2-speed transfer case. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. LT requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SE, LT Pkg. 2. NA w/side steps.
|
||
|
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
|
||
|
LS regular
|
$995
|
$826
|
|
LS EXT
|
$915
|
$759
|
|
Power mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, floormats, rear privacy glass (regular length), roof rack, alarm, bodyside moldings, 7-lead trailer harness.
|
||
|
Preferred Equipment Group 1SE
|
||
|
LT regular
|
$1,075
|
$892
|
|
LT EXT
|
$1,115
|
$925
|
|
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls w/rear controls, driver information center, trip computer, steering wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, heated power mirrors, cargo mat (regular), adjustable cargo panel (EXT).
|
||
|
LT Pkg. 1 PDF
|
||
|
LT regular
|
$625
|
$519
|
|
LT EXT
|
$665
|
$552
|
|
Dual-zone automatic climate controls w/rear controls, steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, trip computer, driver information center, cargo mat (regular), adjustable cargo panel (EXT).
|
||
|
LT Pkg. 2 YC6
|
||
|
LT
|
$895
|
$743
|
|
Heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SE.
|
||
|
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$2,015
|
$1,672
|
|
LT w/LT Pkg. 2
|
$1,865
|
$1,548
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Spring Edition Pkg.
|
||
|
LS
|
$1,710
|
$1,419
|
|
LT
|
$2,290
|
$1,901
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose sound system (LT), satellite radio (requires monthly fee), side steps (LT), special paint, 245/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires, bright alloy wheels. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group1SB. NA w/Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$1,000
|
$830
|
|
LS regular includes 245/65R17 on/off-road tires. LS regular available only in Calif., Colo., Hawaii, Utah.
|
||
|
Limited-slip rear differential
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$270
|
$224
|
|
Optional axle ratio
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$50
|
$42
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
LT
|
$1,995
|
$1,656
|
|
LT w/ Sun, Sound, Entertainment Pkg.
|
$1,600
|
$1,328
|
|
Requires Bose sound system or Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
ordered w/Sun, Sound, Entertainment Pkg.
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
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
|
$789
|
|
LT
|
$800
|
$688
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$135
|
$112
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
LT
|
$395
|
$328
|
|
LT w/LT Pkg. 2
|
$245
|
$203
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Bose sound system
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$325
|
$270
|
|
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
|
||
|
Rear defogger
|
||
|
LS
|
$200
|
$166
|
|
Rain-sensing wipers
|
||
|
LT
|
$70
|
$58
|
|
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SE, LT Pkg. 2.
|
||
|
8-way power driver seat
|
||
|
LS
|
$300
|
$249
|
|
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Power-adjustable pedals
|
||
|
LT
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
Power rear-quarter windows
|
||
|
LS EXT
|
$280
|
$232
|
|
LS EXT w/sunroof
|
$130
|
$108
|
|
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Heated power mirrors
|
||
|
LT
|
$35
|
$29
|
|
Third-row floormats
|
||
|
LS/LT EXT
|
$30
|
$25
|
|
Cargo-management system
|
||
|
LS/LT regular
|
$165
|
$137
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Cargo cover
|
||
|
LS/LT regular
|
$70
|
$58
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Adjustable cargo panel
|
||
|
EXT
|
$80
|
$66
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
regular
|
$30
|
$25
|
|
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Cargo mat
|
||
|
LS regular
|
$40
|
$33
|
|
Smoker's Pkg.
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$30
|
$25
|
|
Ashtray, lighter.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Side steps
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$375
|
$311
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
LS
|
$45
|
$37
|
|
2-tone paint
|
||
|
LT regular
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SE, LT Pkg. 2.
|
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$295
|
$245
|
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
4WD
|
$50
|
$41
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Skid plates
|
||
|
4WD
|
$130
|
$108
|
|
Front tow hooks
|
||
|
4WD
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
NA w/SS Pkg.
|
||
|
Trailer-wiring harness
|
||
|
LS
|
$10
|
$8
|
|
Trailer hitch cover
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$30
|
$25
|
|
Polished alloy wheels
|
||
|
LS, LT
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
LS requires 5.3-liter V8 engine.
|
||
|
245/70R16 white-letter tires
|
||
|
LS regular
|
$140
|
$116
|
|
245/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
|
||
|
LS regular
|
$140
|
$116
|
|
Requires 5.3-liter V8 engine. Available only in Calif., Colo., Hawaii, Utah.
|
||
|
|
||
2006 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. | 46.9 | 46.9 |
| 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 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 | 5.3 /325 | 6.0 /366 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 291 @ 6000 | 300 @ 5200 | 395 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 277 @ 4800 | 330 @ 4000 | 400 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 15/21 | 15/18 | 14/17 |
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 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| 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, Cobalt and Uplander only. |
| 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
|
Tester's Comments
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: LS Preferred Equipment Group 2 (Power OSRV mirrors, front and rear floor mats, rear window defogger, deep tinted glass, body side moldings, luggage rack cross bars, trailer wiring connector, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system.) Trailblazer SS Package (LS 2WD): (6.0L V8 engine, 4 speed HD auto transmission, V rated tires, 20" spoke polished cast aluminum wheels, tire pressure monitor, road course tuned suspension, 9.5" LIM slip axle, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, SS performance seat, cluster, exterior appearance, chromed stainless steel exhaust tip, 8-way power driver seat.) XM Satellite Radio -1st 3 months incl., service fee extra. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 13.58 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell 395 horsepower makes virtually any vehicle a hoot to drive. The TrailBlazer SS's handling and interior refinement leave a bit to be desired, but few vehicles on the market offer this kind of power with this kind of room for this kind of money. Ed Piotrowski TrailBlazer SS is an interesting experiment in further examining the capabilities of this SUV's platform, dated though it may be. There aren't too many vehicles that can go like this one, yet are capable to carry a lot of cargo or tow 5,000 lb. This is what to buy when your significant other won't let you have a GTO. |
|||
|
|
Also in the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review: