TRAILBLAZER

Jan 09, 2004 11 Replies

Thinking of buying one, any clues to how it handles or negative reviews?


I've got a 2003 LS, opt pkg #3.

Happy with engine, trans, brakes, & suspension.

Quality of fit & finish is very poor, super-cheesy dashboard, worst radio ever, steering ratio too slow.

Windshields have major distortion at L & R edges (last 6-7" or so, they're all like that), bad wind noise, and heater blower is obnoxiously loud.

Wouldn't buy another. In fact, I'm probably going to sell it to buy an Explorer XLT.

Hi, I own a TB 2002 LT, built in August, bought in December. At present 27000 kms. Positive: powerful engine, rides great and smooth (even at very high speeds - I live in Germany), plenty of room for 4 passengers, overall good build-quality, reliable car. Great for towing. Negative: poor fuel economy at high speeds or tank too small (just as one sees it), loud wind noises of different intensity and frequencies. Troubles: blocked front wiper motor (exchanged at no costs) Recommandation: Yes, but don't pay too much.

Andreas

I've got an 03 TrailBlazer LS. Strange proportions. Steering wheel too far away/ peddles too close. Can't rest arm on door sill, don't have enough legroom (And I have long arms and only a 32" inseam!) As others have mentioned, bad wind noise. You'd think GM put the TrailBlazer/Envoy in production without anyone driving them.

Repairs: Properly set wipers, replace rear carpet, intermintent A/C, door window gaskets don't fit doorframe, (unfixable).

I'd suggest you look at the new Durango or Explorer.

Holy crap,

Thats what I HATED about by '96 Blazer. That's one of the reason's I finally sold it. It was hard to put into words but something was not right with the wheel/seat/pedal placement.

db

Can't rest arm on door sill, don't have enough legroom

????? IMHO there's nothing wrong with the pedals / steering wheel position Fits both my wife and me perfectly. What kind of feet and arms have you got? Andreas

Regular size AFIK.

I also agree with the point about "no place to rest your elbow/arms". To reach the wheel, your arms are hanging in mid air.

db

I have an 04 LT. It's got an adjustable driver-side seat. I must say, it took me a while to get comfortable but I did find the comfort zone. You can also get adjustable pedals on some models.

Having said that, maybe someone can help me:

Last night my driver side window-washer spray valve stopped working (passenger side works). It was great timing as I was driving home from NH in a dry, dirty snow storm.

Shouldn't happen on a new car. There was no blockage at the spount and opening the hood is useless as it is buried under plastic.

Also, although my engine performance is great, hear a distinct, yet subtle, engine rattle when I accelerate.

Is this just a Trailblazer quirk or might something be wrong?

Finally, to the person that's thinking about buying one, I live in NYC (one of the reasons I got a TB was for the weather, potholes and growing family--but the real benefit is the turning ration, which is excellent). To the point: Although I have 1500 miles on it since purchasing it new in November, I am getting about 12-mpg (split mileage city and highway-predominantly in 2WD).

Might be something to consider.

Best to all.

A

First, I don't hear any rattle (or any other strange noises) when I accelerate ('03 TrailBlazer w/ 13,500 miles)

Second, 12 mpg would be kinda poor in the city, it's especially bad in mixed driving. I get in the low 15s in pure city driving and on my Christmas trip to FL, (from Det.), I averaged 21.1 mpg for the round trip.

Thanks for your comments.

Any advice re: my mileage and how to raise it?

I wish I did. All I can think of is perhaps your city is a lot more congested than mine. Since you mentioned you only had 1500 miles on your TB, I would expect (or hope) your mileage will improve as your engine breaks in.

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