Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Name: 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Brand: Chevrolet

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

TrailBlazer EXT's assets include a comfortable ride, easy accessibility and a third-row seat suitable for adults. However, they are outweighed by a long list of liabilities. Despite the fairly powerful engine, TrailBlazer EXT delivered slow acceleration and poor fuel economy. We also found the handling sloppy and braking unimpressive. Further, the interior trim and controls look and feel flimsy.

2003 SUVs Reliability

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Chevrolet TrailBl...

Chevrolet TrailBlazer

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Toyota 4Runner

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

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2009

2010

2011

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2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2003 Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$3,550 - $4,050

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Explorer

$3,325 - $4,825

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Pilot

$3,525 - $4,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Sorento

$2,825 - $3,200

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Pathfinder

$3,350 - $4,450

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota 4Runner

$5,625 - $7,025

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Highlander

$5,350 - $5,775

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

Drive Wheels

4WD, Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

4-door SUV

4-speed Automatic

4.2-liter 6 (275 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (290 hp)

Model History

2021-

Current Generation

Chevrolet resurrected the Trailblazer name for the 2021 model year, positioning this subcompact SUV between the Trax and the Equinox. It also shares a platform with the Buick Encore GX. Base models get a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. All-wheel-drive as well as a larger 155-hp, 1.3-liter and a nine-speed automatic are also offered. The 1.3-liter is responsive and fuel efficient. For its small footprint, the Trailblazer provides ample room but thick roof pillars and the lack of a third side window compromise rear and side visibility. The ride is decent but handling is rather clumsy. Road noise is pronounced. Standard active safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. It also offers optional blind spot and rear cross traffic warning.

2002-2020

2002 Redesign Year

The TrailBlazer feels underpowered with its inline six-cylinder engine, but it offers a compliant--if somewhat jiggly--ride. Handling is ungainly, with excessive body lean and slow steering. We also found the brakes unimpressive in our tests. Wind noise is pronounced and the seat-mounted seat belts are awkward to use. Electronic stability-control became standard starting in 2006, which made emergency handling more secure. The EXT version, which offered seating for seven, was discontinued after 2006, and the entire model line was dropped after 2009.