First-time SUV buyer looking for some advice on Trailblazer
Question:
Hi , >> The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in the >> quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t. >>[more snippage] >> Spike
What happened? I drive a 2002 Trailblazer (bought in Germany) and it is of excellent quality. Not a single flaw (besides windnoise from the side mirrors). What have been your problems so far? Do I have to expect trouble? Andreas
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks for reading my post. >My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles for their extra >cargo capacity and the ability to carry our two dogs. We currently >drive a Toyota RAV4, but its a little tight with all our camping gear >and the two dogs. I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple >things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the >2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. I’m concerned >about fishtailing as my wife will be the main driver and we live in >the wintry northeast. I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ >to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on >the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with >that?? Does it prevent fishtailing? >I am also concerned with "real-world" fuel economy (not those >theoretical EPA figures). Please let me know what kind of average >mpgs your getting and if you’ve got 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive. >I appreciate any advice you all can offer. Hopefully, I’ll be able to >return the favor some day after we’ve made an intelligent decision on >an SUV. >J&S
Why not just get a 2wd Isuzu Asender. It’s basically a trailblazer rebadged under the Isuzu name. It’s cheaper than a Trailblazer. During winter months just put 3 or 4 60 lbs bags of sand in the back . Hell thats what I do with my s10 4×2 pickup and that bitch goes through anything during winter.
Response:
Of course, if I had a few more Gs to throw at my truck, I’d have gone with a Tahoe, hands down. I just saw a Black 2002 Yukon SLT go for 26,500 on eBay, 14,000 miles on it. Give up a few more G’s for what now? Bush – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> >[John's original Q snipped] >> I just sold my 2000 Grand Cherokee and bought a ‘03 TrailBlazer (4×4) a >month >> ago. My daughter-in-law has an ‘02 2WD TrailBlazer. >> First, [snipped] >> Secondly, my comparison between the TB and JGC might interest you. The >> TrailBlazer has a much more powerful engine, a better shifting trans, a >real >> frame, a better on-road ride, and is more comfortable than the JGC. (The >Jeep’s >> excessively wide trans tunnel makes for a small and offset footbox, and is >a >> major problem for my feet and legs.) >> However, the Jeep has far better steering, far better stereo, and, >(believe it >> or not), far better quality. The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in >the >> quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t. >>[more snippage] >> Spike >It sounds like you made some good points, but if you had to do it again, of >all the SUV’s which would you be happier with? >Craig >Tough call. Despite the TrailBlazer’s poor quality, I do appreciate the >driveline and best-in-class frame. The Jeep GC was out, the Ford Exp is too >’soft’… Some days I think I should have looked harder at the Durango SLT. >Of course, if I had a few more Gs to throw at my truck, I’d have gone with a >Tahoe, hands down.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >[John's original Q snipped] > I just sold my 2000 Grand Cherokee and bought a ‘03 TrailBlazer (4×4) a >month > ago. My daughter-in-law has an ‘02 2WD TrailBlazer. > First, [snipped] > Secondly, my comparison between the TB and JGC might interest you. The > TrailBlazer has a much more powerful engine, a better shifting trans, a >real > frame, a better on-road ride, and is more comfortable than the JGC. (The >Jeep’s > excessively wide trans tunnel makes for a small and offset footbox, and is >a > major problem for my feet and legs.) > However, the Jeep has far better steering, far better stereo, and, >(believe it > or not), far better quality. The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in >the > quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t. >[more snippage] > Spike >It sounds like you made some good points, but if you had to do it again, of >all the SUV’s which would you be happier with? >Craig
Tough call. Despite the TrailBlazer’s poor quality, I do appreciate the driveline and best-in-class frame. The Jeep GC was out, the Ford Exp is too ’soft’… Some days I think I should have looked harder at the Durango SLT. Of course, if I had a few more Gs to throw at my truck, I’d have gone with a Tahoe, hands down.
Response:
> However, the Jeep has far better steering, far better stereo, and, (believe it > or not), far better quality. The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in the > quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t.
It sounds like you made some good points, but if you had to do it again, off all the SUV’s which would you be happier with? Craig
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> [snippage] >My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles >I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple >things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the >2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. >I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ >to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on >the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with >that?? Does it prevent fishtailing? > John, > I just sold my 2000 Grand Cherokee and bought a ‘03 TrailBlazer (4×4) a month > ago. My daughter-in-law has an ‘02 2WD TrailBlazer. > First, as an earlier poster already mentioned, the 2WD will be a major > liability at resale. (I too learned this the hard way with a ‘75 C5.) Assuming > you’re going to finance it, you might find the additional cost for 4×4 isn’t as > hard on the monthly payment as you think, especially with 0% financing. (Around > $35/mo more?) > Secondly, my comparison between the TB and JGC might interest you. The > TrailBlazer has a much more powerful engine, a better shifting trans, a real > frame, a better on-road ride, and is more comfortable than the JGC. (The Jeep’s > excessively wide trans tunnel makes for a small and offset footbox, and is a > major problem for my feet and legs.) > However, the Jeep has far better steering, far better stereo, and, (believe it > or not), far better quality. The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in the > quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t. > Since the earlier poster also made mention of axle ratios: I have the std 3.42 > gears, and since I do a lot of x-way driving, I’m happy with them. If you’re > interested in installing oversize tires or need to do some meaningful towing, I > would drop down to a 3.73 > If you still decide on a 2wd TrailBlazer, I’d give you the same advise I gave > my daughter-in-law… Get the optional limited slip differential. Here in my > area, (1 hr N of Detroit), at least 1/2 the 2WDs on my local dealer lots are so > equipped. > Spike
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for reading my post. > My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles for their extra > cargo capacity and the ability to carry our two dogs. We currently > drive a Toyota RAV4, but its a little tight with all our camping gear > and the two dogs. I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple > things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the > 2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. I’m concerned > about fishtailing as my wife will be the main driver and we live in > the wintry northeast. I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ > to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on > the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with > that?? Does it prevent fishtailing? > I am also concerned with "real-world" fuel economy (not those > theoretical EPA figures). Please let me know what kind of average > mpgs your getting and if you’ve got 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive. > I appreciate any advice you all can offer. Hopefully, I’ll be able to > return the favor some day after we’ve made an intelligent decision on > an SUV. > J&S
If economy and cost are primary concern an SUV is a waste of money. A minivan would better suit your needs. Most are also in either FWD or AWD configuration and will handle far better in New England winter weather than a RWD vehicle. Vans also have far more cargo capacity than your typical SUV; the downfall will be having to limit the stuff you bring on trips to what you can carry, not what you can pack into the gaping maw of a minivan. Do not buy a 2WD SUV; the depreciation will soak you badly. -TW In the land where you buy your vehicle for your needs, not to be cool.
Response:
[snippage] >My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles >I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple >things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the >2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. >I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ >to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on >the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with >that?? Does it prevent fishtailing?
John, I just sold my 2000 Grand Cherokee and bought a ‘03 TrailBlazer (4×4) a month ago. My daughter-in-law has an ‘02 2WD TrailBlazer. First, as an earlier poster already mentioned, the 2WD will be a major liability at resale. (I too learned this the hard way with a ‘75 C5.) Assuming you’re going to finance it, you might find the additional cost for 4×4 isn’t as hard on the monthly payment as you think, especially with 0% financing. (Around $35/mo more?) Secondly, my comparison between the TB and JGC might interest you. The TrailBlazer has a much more powerful engine, a better shifting trans, a real frame, a better on-road ride, and is more comfortable than the JGC. (The Jeep’s excessively wide trans tunnel makes for a small and offset footbox, and is a major problem for my feet and legs.) However, the Jeep has far better steering, far better stereo, and, (believe it or not), far better quality. The Trailblazer is a major disappointment in the quality dept. Frankly, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t. Since the earlier poster also made mention of axle ratios: I have the std 3.42 gears, and since I do a lot of x-way driving, I’m happy with them. If you’re interested in installing oversize tires or need to do some meaningful towing, I would drop down to a 3.73 If you still decide on a 2wd TrailBlazer, I’d give you the same advise I gave my daughter-in-law… Get the optional limited slip differential. Here in my area, (1 hr N of Detroit), at least 1/2 the 2WDs on my local dealer lots are so equipped. Spike
Response:
I drive an Envoy, same chassis but a GMC. Some observations: 1) I’ve read good posts about the traction control. The feature works by braking a spinning wheel. If you get into deep snow, I doubt it will work. 2) Consider your resale value. I once owned a 2wd Blazer in snow country. Never Again. Nobody wanted it. I took a bath on trade-in 3) The triplets (Bravada, TrailBlazer, Envoy) are not known for gas mileage. I have gotten as high as 21 but average about 19 on highway at 70MPH. Around town sucks. 4) I bought the 3.42 rear-end to improve my mileage. That was a mistake. I have my foot so far into the throttle to get it moving I lose any gain the gear provides on highway speeds. 3.73 is a better choice. 5) Depending on the options you buy, consider one of the other brands also. I compared TrailBlazer and Envoy. The GMC was less expensive with more features. Hope this helps. They’re great cars but not perfect Paul P
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for reading my post. > My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles for their extra > cargo capacity and the ability to carry our two dogs. We currently > drive a Toyota RAV4, but its a little tight with all our camping gear > and the two dogs. I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple > things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the > 2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. I’m concerned > about fishtailing as my wife will be the main driver and we live in > the wintry northeast. I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ > to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on > the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with > that?? Does it prevent fishtailing? > I am also concerned with "real-world" fuel economy (not those > theoretical EPA figures). Please let me know what kind of average > mpgs your getting and if you’ve got 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive. > I appreciate any advice you all can offer. Hopefully, I’ll be able to > return the favor some day after we’ve made an intelligent decision on > an SUV. > J&S
Response:
Thanks for reading my post. My wife and I are looking at mid-size SUV vehicles for their extra cargo capacity and the ability to carry our two dogs. We currently drive a Toyota RAV4, but its a little tight with all our camping gear and the two dogs. I’m looking for some info and advice on a couple things. First, I’d like some input on the handling/traction of the 2-wheel drive Trailblazer in snow or slick conditions. I’m concerned about fishtailing as my wife will be the main driver and we live in the wintry northeast. I’m not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ to go for the 4-wheel drive. Also, Chevy offers traction control on the 2-wheel drive model for 2003. Does anyone have experience with that?? Does it prevent fishtailing? I am also concerned with "real-world" fuel economy (not those theoretical EPA figures). Please let me know what kind of average mpgs your getting and if you’ve got 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive. I appreciate any advice you all can offer. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return the favor some day after we’ve made an intelligent decision on an SUV. J&S
