2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review
The Trailblazer is Chevrolet’s midsize SUV. Debuting in 2002 as a replacement for the Blazer, it was declared the “North American Truck of the Year.” An SS edition, featuring a Corvette V8 was released in 2006. 2006 also marked the final year of the seven-passenger EXT trim.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Chevrolet Trailblazer offers unsurpassed horsepower and top-notch side impact crash test scores. Unfortunately, it’s starting to show its age, and its vast number of recalls makes us hesitant to recommend it. However, it should be fairly trouble-free, considering its maturity.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Trailblazer earned three stars in J.D. Power’s initial reliability survey. The Trailblazer had some minor issues in its first couple of years, including stuck transmissions, preset mixups, electrical issues, cracking engine mounts, and inaccurate 4WD indicators. The Trailblazer has been recalled a whopping 18 times from 2002-2005. Expect average to below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Trailblazer earned 3.5 out of 5 stars in government frontal crash tests, and 5 stars in side tests. IIHS data is not available. Anti-lock brakes and stability control come standard. Side airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Beefy engines
+ Standard stability control
+ Roomy
Cons
- Aging design
- Numerous recalls
- Cheap interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Trailblazer competes directly with the Ford Edge. The Edge comes with standard traction control, a six-speed automatic, and side airbags. The Trailblazer has a larger engine, more payload capacity, and 26 more hp. The Hyundai Santa Fe also has traction control and side airbags, along with standard AWD. The Trailblazer costs $800 less, and has a larger engine with 49 more hp. The Toyota RAV4 Limited has traction control, a CD changer, side airbags, and gets about seven more miles to the gallon. The Trailblazer has more payload capacity, a larger engine, and 20 more hp.
What Others Are Saying:
“GM’s mid-size SUV is spread across lots of brands but regardless of the name, the truck is basically the same. It comes in only a short-wheelbase edition with rear- or four-wheel drive. Stability control is standard but otherwise, this SUV is showing its age.” – Car and Driver
“It’s good on the track,” he says of the Bimmer, “but it’s abominable on the road.” On another standing start, we punch it again and the tires spin, the rear fishtailing, until the standard-equipment (for the SS) StabiliTrak kicks in. Even with the button off, some of its control remains, Heinricy says. Steering appears as described, quick and precise, with good feedback and heavier feel than normal. Bottom line is that the TB SS isn’t as edgy as most sports cars or sport sedans, but it seems like it could take a decent run at the title of best-handling performance sport/utility.” – Motor Trend
“A Corvette V-8 under the hood makes Chevy’s first SS sport-ute a real muscle machine, but its 395 hp can’t mask the crudeness of even this specially primped TrailBlazer.” – Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
