2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review: A Reliable, Roomy, and Affordable Family Vehicle

Mike666 on January 20, 2020

I bought my 03 Trailblazer used for $2,200 about 6 years ago. I have been in love with this truck ever since. Other than it being difficult to fuel, there is obviously a issue in the fuel inlet line (that I have never had checked but recently bought a 6ft. long inspection camera with LED lights on the tip to check into it) I haven't had to do anything buy but tires, a battery and change the oil in the first 5 years. I have had to put a significant amount of money into it in the last year, but only after my daughter took it off roading several times work her idiot friends that don't know a 4×4 from a passanger vehicle. So I did but front hubs, upper and lower ball joints on both sides, inner and outer tie rods on both sides, front lower control arm mounting brackets on both sides, both tail light assemblies, transmission safety interlock switch, brake light switch, cam shaft positioning sensor, Cam shaft actuator, alternator and starter. I have been chasing electrical issues and replaced the cigarette lighter and auxillary power port in the dash to resolve the OBDII port not having power. And am currently working on the brake lights not working. I know this sounds like a lot, and if you can't work on it yourself and have to pay a mechanic I'm sure it is. But all this was after 5 years of turn key driving. As well as after letting my 18 year old daughter drive it unchecked for over a month. And my wife drive it the first 5 years and absolutely refused to do any kind of maintenance on it to prevent future issues and catch the little ones before they became big ones. So if she had treated it properly and my daughter has kept the wheels on the pavement the vast majority of the work I have had to do would have never been a problem. All in all this is a strong engine in a very well designed 5 passanger midsized SUV that has 250,000 miles on it and the engine has not missed a beat. The standard issues with parts failing when they are not cared for or simply get old is about all the issues you can expect. And if you're doing it yourself working on this truck is easy. Just do yourself a favor and get a good heavy impact wrench, DeWalt has a good one with 700ft lb of torque. It will help with any suspension parts and taking off tires. Or you can get a 1/2" torque wrench and breaker bar and your set. My experience with this truck has been great. I wouldn't sell this truck for any amount of money even work the work I'm doing to it. It's a great vehicle that has been mistreated by people who don't know better and won't listen so they can learn. Remove them from the equation and this vehicle is an owner wet dream!

Trailblazer dude 417 on December 31, 2019

Easy to drive, easy to maintain. Entering an on ramp at 40mph, if you step the accelerator to the floor mine goes from 40 to 90 plus mph in 2 and a half seconds. 4.2 vortex v6. Scary fast. Mine is 4wd, currently won't engage will repair and pass truck to my daughter

MikeSC on June 28, 2019

Bought this 2003 in July 2018 for $600. Did some basic maintenance (fuel pump, coils, brakes, u-joint) and have been driving it with no issues. In early June of this year, I took it on an 1,100 mile trip from NH to SC. No problems and the 4.2 averaged 19-21 MPG.

aeowens on March 8, 2019

These vehicles are known as tanks. They run forever. They have a comfortable ride. A perfect SUV for anyone who has has a need for a vehicle that can be used for just about anything.

Papaw on March 8, 2019

I have nothing else but good to say about her, she is a great vehicle. I am so glad I bought her. I believe I shall keep her till the end. I purchased this 03 trailblazer in 12/16. I bought her some new shoes(Goodyear Forteras). she has put over 39,000 miles on them. and I am getting her some new ones in about a month. I have put some new parts on her but she deserved them. as you can see I love this car. she has a little over 184,000 miles and she is still running strong.

SpadesBeast on March 5, 2019

This is my 3rd car over the last 5 yrs. I love my vehicles to be able to work on. My first was a '00 V6 Merc C280. It was my 2nd best car to the Trailblazer. The 2nd was a 99 SR20DE G20T with electric problems and was a gift. The Trailblazer was a gift to my Irish twin when we both turned 18. After my car became unuseable and i sold it i bought this off my brother to use as a work/daily. No other vehicle that i have ever owned has made to much torque to the wheel. I can step on it and go during the worst time of traffic and still bet the best MPG to my dollar. People keep telling me to get a real truck and all i have to say (most are Ford guys, but no hate) shush, you have a Ford, I have an LS...which one will break down first? I work on my own vehicles and have basically rebuilt my truck and still am. They however bring it to a dealer and don't listen. I know who will win this race. Lol.

Lovemytrailblazer on February 17, 2019

250,000 miles today 2/16/2019. I love my 2003 trailblazer. We Bought it in October 2002. Basic up keep. Replaced transmission once. I hope it lasts another 250,000

Sailingsoon on January 1, 2019

Overall this has been a good car. The engine is strong and relaible. However there have been isues with the fan clutch, electric windows, and emmisions sensors. Over 15 years and 200,000 miles I have probably spent over $6000 on repairs other than normal maintenance and wear and tear. I like the way the car drives and the size- not to big and not too small. It tows well and has a good turning radius.

Swabby Robbie on October 30, 2018

Great everything! Leg room! Don,t want to sell, I would buy another. I go everywhere with confidence. Still looks great I pass X-5's trying to go up I-70 from Denver and Enjoy that

ams2103 on July 17, 2018

This is the first SUV I've owned and I've really enjoyed having it. The Trailblazers have good functionality, nice visibility, smooth driving experience, multipurpose uses, are easy to repair/maintain, and did not give me any major issues. I acquired it as a "fixer upper" with lots of little things needing attention. With the care I gave it, I definitely got out of it what I put into it! This is a great vehicle for nearly any driver.