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2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review:
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Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
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9.
2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review
The 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer gains curtain side airbags as standard equipment this year. This five-passenger midsize SUV has a traditional truck-type design that's shared with the GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. LT and sporty SS trims are offered. Standard on LT is a 285-hp 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. A 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 that includes GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation is optional. SS models have a 390-hp 6.0-liter V8 without Active Fuel Management. Maximum towing capacity is 6800 lb. All TrailBlazers use a 4-speed automatic transmission and are available with rear-wheel drive. LT offers 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. TrailBlazer SS models offer all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system and DVD entertainment are optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
TrailBlazer is now on death row, as are its stablemates. Factors include sluggish sales, uncertainty over future gas prices, and the market's general shift away from truck-type designs in the midsize SUV class. We understand TrailBlazer and company are to be phased out fairly soon, perhaps by 2009.
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2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Towing ability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Six-cylinder TrailBlazers have good power for most situations. The 5.3-liter V8 is stronger still, and its cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. SS models are muscular from any speed, lending credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 5.5 |
Six-cylinder TrailBlazers have good power for most situations. The 5.3-liter V8 is stronger still, and its cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. SS models are muscular from any speed, lending credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD 6-cylinder versions averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A test 2WD SS averaged 13.6 mpg. We've not had an opportunity to measure with the 5.3-liter V8. Six-cylinder and 5.3 V8 TrailBlazers use regular-grade gas. Chevrolet recommends premium for the SS.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD 6-cylinder versions averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A test 2WD SS averaged 13.6 mpg. We've not had an opportunity to measure with the 5.3-liter V8. Six-cylinder and 5.3 V8 TrailBlazers use regular-grade gas. Chevrolet recommends premium for the SS.
Ride Quality
For a traditional, truck-type SUV, TrailBlazer absorbs most bumps well but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. GMC and Saab offer load-leveling suspensions that make the ride over rough roads more composed. SS's sport suspension and 20-inch tires give a stiffer, but not uncomfortable, ride.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.5 |
For a traditional, truck-type SUV, TrailBlazer absorbs most bumps well but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. GMC and Saab offer load-leveling suspensions that make the ride over rough roads more composed. SS's sport suspension and 20-inch tires give a 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. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. The brakes have adequate stopping control but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS models have sharper moves all-around but are still plagued by body lean in turns.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4.4 |
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. The brakes have adequate stopping control but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS models have sharper moves all-around but are still plagued by body lean in turns.
Quietness
Tire noise is pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds. The 4.2-liter engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The 5.3 V8 is quieter overall. The SS's V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration but is relatively subdued at cruise.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Tire noise is pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds. The 4.2-liter engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The 5.3 V8 is quieter overall. The SS's V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration but is relatively subdued at cruise.
Controls
Clear and handy. Most switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look from road. The available touch screen navigation/audio system is fairly easy to use and doesn't complicate stereo adjustments.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Clear and handy. Most switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look from road. The available touch screen navigation/audio system is fairly easy to use and doesn't complicate stereo adjustments.
Details
The similar Envoy and 9-7X have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer generic fabrics and unappealing hard, molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
The similar Envoy and 9-7X have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer generic fabrics and unappealing hard, molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but the headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but the headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Six-footers have ample head and knee space, plus adequate underseat foot clearance despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Six-footers have ample head and knee space, plus adequate underseat foot clearance despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing.
Cargo Room
Generous. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. The tailgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. The cabin has a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Generous. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. The tailgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. The cabin has a 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 the best blend of performance, interior design, and dollar value.
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
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 the best blend of performance, interior design, and dollar value.
Total Score
| 4WD LT, 6-cylinder | 2WD SS | Class Average |
| 57 | 57 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD LT 4-door wagon | $27,745 | $25,942 | $745 |
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| 4WD LT 4-door wagon | $29,880 | $27,938 | $745 |
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| 2WD SS 4-door wagon | $32,155 | $30,065 | $745 |
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| AWD SS 4-door wagon | $34,290 | $32,061 | $745 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| TrailBlazer | Up to $2000 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
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
LT
Powertrain
4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer-hitch platform, wiring harness, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SS adds to LT:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 255/50VR20 tires, polished alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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2LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$2,035
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$1,903
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, rear radio controls, trip computer, driver information center, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo mat, 245/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires, bright alloy wheels.
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3LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$4,065
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$3,801
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2LT Option Pkg. plus heated front seats, driver-seat memory, 8-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, Bose sound system, side steps, 245/60R18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
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3SS Option Pkg.
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SS
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$3,435
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$3,212
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, 8-way power passenger seat, mirror-mounted turn signals, Bose sound system, steering wheel and rear radio controls, trip computer, driver information center, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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LT, SS
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$1,445
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$1,289
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LT w/2LT Pkg.
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$1,295
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$1,075
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Power sunroof, Bose sound system. NA w/3LT Option Pkg., 3SS Option Pkg.
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Sun and Navigation Pkg.
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LT, SS
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$2,945
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$2,444
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Navigation system, power sunroof. LT requires 3LT Option Pkg. SS requires 3SS Option Pkg.
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Sun and 6-Disc Pkg.
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LT, SS
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$1,195
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$992
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Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. LT requires 3LT Option Pkg. SS requires 3SS Option Pkg.
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Powertrain |
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5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
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LT
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$1,250
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$1,038
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Limited-slip rear differential
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LT
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$270
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$224
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Optional axle ratio
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LT
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$50
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$42
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SS
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$0
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$0
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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LT, SS
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$2,145
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$1,780
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w/Sun and 6-Disc Pkg.
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$1,750
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$1,453
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LT requires 3LT Option Pkg. SS requires 3SS Option Pkg. Replaces Sun and 6-Disc Pkg. 6-disc CD changer w/single-disc player.
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DVD entertainment system
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LT, SS
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$1,295
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$1,075
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LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg. SS requires 3SS Option Pkg.
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Power sunroof
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LT, SS
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$950
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$789
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LT w/2LT or 3LT Pkg., SS w/3SS Pkg.
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$800
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$664
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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LT, SS
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$395
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$328
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Bose sound system
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LT
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$495
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$411
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LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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8-way power passenger seat
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LT
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$275
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$228
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Power-adjustable pedals
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LT
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$150
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$125
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Requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Cargo cover
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LT, SS
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$100
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$83
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Includes cargo net. LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Smoker's Pkg.
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LT, SS
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$30
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$25
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Ashtray, lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Side steps
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LT
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$375
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$311
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2-tone paint
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LT
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$150
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$125
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Special paint
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LT, SS
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$95
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$79
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Premium paint
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LT, SS
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$295
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$245
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Engine-block heater
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4WD, AWD
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$75
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$62
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Skid plates
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4WD LT
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$170
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$141
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Polished alloy wheels
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LT
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$695
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$577
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Includes 245/60R18 tires. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4523 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 46.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 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. | 285 @ 6000 | 300 @ 5300 | 390 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 276 @ 4800 | 321 @ 4000 | 395 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 14/20 | 13/19 | 12/16 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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