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| Chevrolet Trailblazer/TrailBlazer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Production |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-sizeSUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet S-10 Blazer |
TheChevrolet TrailBlazer (also known asTrailblazer) is amid-sizeSUV produced byChevrolet, a division ofGeneral Motors. The nameplate was first used in North America from 2001 to 2008; in 2009, it was replaced by theTraverse, as acrossover SUV. In 2011, production of a newly redesigned version of the Trailblazer for the Asian and Brazilian markets began.
The TrailBlazer name was first introduced for the 1999model year as an upscale trim level of the compact 4-doorChevrolet S-10 Blazer. It offered additional features on top of the previously top-of-the-lineChevrolet S-10 BlazerLT trim level, including an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and optional remote cassette player,OnStar, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, side cladding, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded alloy wheels, a full-size spare tire and wheel, and upgraded cloth seating surfaces with power front bucket seats. Options such as aBose premium sound system, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, power sunroof, and gold accents for the exterior emblems were all available for the original TrailBlazer trim package. The TrailBlazer trim was discontinued after 2001, when an all-new TrailBlazer model was introduced as a mid-size SUV. Production of the S-10 Blazer overlapped until the 2005 model year.
| First generation (KC) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2008 |
| Model years | 2002–2009 (U.S. and Canada only) |
| Assembly |
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| Designer | Bill Davis (1997, 1998)[4] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT360/GMT370 (EXT) |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output |
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| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length |
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| Width | 1,897 mm (74.7 in) |
| Height |
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| Chronology | |
| Successor | Chevrolet Equinox (North America) Chevrolet Traverse (TrailBlazer EXT) (North America) |
The first-generation TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform officially known asGMT360, with all models havingfour-wheel-drive layout as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "Auto," "2-High," "4-High," and "4-Low" gearings, except the SS model which features anall-wheel-drive system. The TrailBlazer features anindependent front suspension, and a five-link rear suspension. A G80 locking rear differential is available as an option on all models except for the SS, which has a G86 LSD as standard. An LTZ trim level had upgraded interior features (leather), upgraded sound system (Bose), and alloy wheels. All TrailBlazers came factory-equipped with a detachabletowing hitch.
The TrailBlazer was updated in 2005 for the 2006 model year. An updated front fascia on all models (except for the base version) and new interior trim were included with the refresh. The SS received trim-specific front and rear fascias plus color-matched side skirts.
The TrailBlazer came standard with an all-aluminum 4.2LAtlas LL8inline-six engine that produced up to 203.5 kW (273 hp; 277 PS) and 376 N⋅m (277 lb⋅ft) of torque, or an optional aluminumLM4 5.3LV8 engine producing up to 225 kW (302 hp; 306 PS) and 447 N⋅m (330 lb⋅ft) of torque. The inline-six engine option made the TrailBlazer the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in its class at the time of production.[citation needed] The Active Fuel Management system on the LH6 5.3L V8 engine shuts off four of the eight cylinders during highway travel and idle to conserve fuel. The inline-six versions of the TrailBlazer produce up to 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp) on the highway, according toUnited States Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
The TrailBlazer won theNorth American Truck of the Year award in 2002. The 4.2L engine appeared on theWard's 10 Best Engines list from 2002 to 2005 with innovative features such asDOHC,variable valve timing on the exhaust camshaft, and GM's patentedlost-foam casting process.
Throughout its production run, the TrailBlazer was available in several different trim levels.
The LS was the base trim level of the TrailBlazer, and included a plentiful amount of standard equipment, including aluminum-alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, the 4.2LVortec inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, cloth seating surfaces, a full-size, matching spare tire with black-painted steel spare wheel, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, a six-speaker audio system, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, keyless entry, a 65/35 split-folding rear bench seat, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and a Driver's Information Center. Optional features included a combination cassette and single-disc CD player or a six-disc CD player, a power front driver's seat, a security system, satellite radio (later models), andOnStar.
The LT was the mid-level trim of the TrailBlazer, and added further convenience items to the base LS trim, including upgraded aluminum-alloy wheels, a power front driver's seat, a security system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional features included aBose six-speaker premium amplified audio system, a combination cassette and single-disc CD player or a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual heated front bucket seats, a power front passenger's seat, a driver's memory system for front driver's seat, mirrors, and radio pre-set settings, a power moonroof, a rear DVD entertainment system byPanasonic (newer models), polished aluminum-alloy wheels,OnStar, a touch-screen radio with a GPS navigation system (later models), and a universal garage door opener system with travel note recorder.
The LTZ was the top-of-the-line trim level of the TrailBlazer, and added further luxury features to the already well-equipped LT trim, including a Bose six-speaker premium amplified audio system, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual heated front bucket seats,OnStar, a universal garage door opener system with travel note recorder, a power moonroof, and upgraded interior trim. Additional options included polished aluminum-alloy wheels, a touch-screen radio with a GPS navigation system (later models), and a rear DVD entertainment system byPanasonic. This trim was only offered for the 2002 and 2003 model years.
The SS, introduced for the 2006 model year, was the performance-oriented model of the TrailBlazer, and was based on either the LS or LT trim, depending on the equipment package selected (see the specific models above for standard and optional equipment, which is identical to those trim levels). The differences included unique interior trim, unique polished aluminum-alloy wheels, a unique leather-wrapped steering wheel with an "SS" center emblem, "SS" emblems on the polished wheel center caps, "SS" embroidery for both front bucket seats, unique premium cloth or luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and a 6.0LLS2 V8 gasoline engine.
The TrailBlazer was also available as a 3-row, 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle was 410 mm (16 in) longer and had a higher roofline in the rear to allow easier access to the third row of seats. Chevrolet disguised the higher roofline using roof racks. The TrailBlazer EXT platform was given the internal designation GMT370, which was shared with theGMC Envoy XL andIsuzu Ascender LWB; long-wheelbase versions of theOldsmobile Bravada,Buick Rainier, andSaab 9-7X were never offered.
Production of the EXT model was handled by theOklahoma City Assembly plant inOklahoma City, Oklahoma. The last TrailBlazer EXT rolled off the assembly line on February 20, 2006, because GM had reportedly closed that plant, making 2006 the final year for the TrailBlazer EXT.[6]
The EXT could be identified by its much straighter rear doors, which do not extend into the rear wheel arches.
An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore theSuper Sport badge, which was first introduced with the 1961 Impala.[7] The TrailBlazer SS came standard with a 6.0LLS2 V8 engine which produced up to 395 bhp and 400 lb-ft (540 nm) of torque, the same standard engine as the 2005–2007C6 Corvette, except with different exhaust (more restrictive) and a taller intake manifold to better use the engine's torque characteristics in the much heavier body. The suspension was stiffened and lowered from the factory, with an air-leveling system in the rear, and rode on 20 in (510 mm) wheels wearing 255 mm (10.0 in) wide tires—all which contributed to much improved handling. The TrailBlazer SS also came with a 4.10 rear axle ratio, improving off-the-line acceleration, and was available in bothrear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. About 1.7% of total TrailBlazer production had the SS package (Regular Production Option code B4U).[8]
| Calendar Year | Total TrailBlazer SS Sales |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 9,361 |
| 2007 | 10,726 |
| 2008 | 5,744 |
| 2009 | 610 |
| Total | 26,441 |
IIHS tests in early 2009 gave early TrailBlazers anAcceptable[9] overall rating in the frontal offset test, while 2005–2009 models received anAcceptable rating. For 2008 models, side-curtain airbags became standard. At that time, the TrailBlazer received aMarginal overall side impact rating, tested with optional side airbags present. Torso-type side airbags were not available then.[10][needs update]
2007National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings:[11]
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2001[12] | 115,103 |
| 2002 | 249,568 |
| 2003 | 261,334 |
| 2004[13] | 283,484 |
| 2005 | 244,150 |
| 2006[14] | 178,493 |
| 2007 | 151,985 |
| 2008[15] | 119,905 |
| 2009 | 22,287 |
| Total | 1,626,309 |
The next-generation TrailBlazer was to be built on an upgraded version of the current GMT360 platform called the GMT361. It was scheduled to be launched in spring 2007, but in January 2006, GM decided to refresh the current platform under the code GMT360NG. However, in June 2006, GM announced that the GMT360NG platform had been cancelled because of high development costs. GM decided to keep the current TrailBlazer until the 2009 model year (2008 in Mexico).
Buick instead had theEnclave, aGM Lambda platform–basedcrossover SUV to replace theRainier (along with theRendezvous and theTerrazaminivan), whileGMC had theGM Theta platform–based crossover SUVTerrain to replace theEnvoy.Saab replaced the9-7X with theCadillac SRX–based9-4X, which was discontinued only nine months after its introduction as a result of Saab's bankruptcy.
The TrailBlazer was replaced by theTraverse in 2009. GM had closed the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products.[16] The last TrailBlazer rolled off the Moraine line on December 16, 2008, a week before the plant's closure. The closing of the last factory that manufactured the SUVs was the subject of a 2009 HBO documentaryThe Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant.[17]
In 2012,General Motors andIsuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to fix short-circuits in power window and door lock switches that could cause fires. The recall covered TrailBlazer, Envoy, Rainier, Ascender, and 9-7X SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years. The SUVs were sold or registered in 20 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, where salt and other chemicals are used to clear roads in the winter.[18]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called |
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| Production | 2011–present (South America) 2012–2020 (Thailand) 2013–2015 (Russia) |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT31XX |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output |
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| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm (112.0 in) |
| Length | 4,887–4,952 mm (192.4–195.0 in) |
| Width | 2,132 mm (83.9 in) |
| Height | 1,848–1,852 mm (72.8–72.9 in) |
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The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at theBangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012.[20] As is the case with the originalK5 Blazer (1969–1994),Tahoe (since 1995),Suburban (since 1935), andS-10 Blazer (1983–2005), the second-generation Trailblazer is based on a truck frame, namely the second-generationColorado. The bodywork from the A-pillar back is entirely different as it takes the form of an SUV with an enclosed roof, tailgate and three rows of seats. Unlike the Colorado, the rear suspension is a five-link system connected to coil springs but retains the live axle.[21]
The second generation Trailblazer is built in Thailand and in Brazil.[22] It was also sold in some of the Southeast Asian countries, India, South Africa, and the Middle East, and also sold in Australia as the Holden Colorado 7 from 2012 to 2016, and being rebadged as the Trailblazer in 2017. Thefirst-generation Isuzu MU-X also shared the platform with the second-generation Trailblazer.[23]
The third-facelift was unveiled on 17 April 2024.[24]
The second generation Trailblazer comes with three engine options, two of them arediesels, one featuring a Duramax 2.5 L that produces 110–132.5 kW (148–178 hp; 150–180 PS) and 350–440 N⋅m (260–320 lb⋅ft) of torque as standard, and an optional Duramax 2.8 L that produces 132.5–147 kW (178–197 hp; 180–200 PS) and 470–500 N⋅m (350–370 lb⋅ft) of torque. For the Brazilian, South African, and Middle Eastern markets, the 3.6 LV6 gasoline engine option that produces 178 kW (239 hp; 242 PS) (in the Brazilian market, the 2015 version producing 208 kW (279 hp; 283 PS)) and 360 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) of torque is also available.
The 2.8 L diesel engine have several new parts, namely a water-cooled variable-geometry turbocharger, high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system,exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, intake manifold, cylinder head, cylinder block, balance shaft unit, and Engine Control Module (ECM).[25]
_LT_4x4_wagon_(2018-11-02).jpg)
The Trailblazer was sold in Australia since 2012 as theHolden Colorado 7. The range consists of two trim levels; LT and LTZ. Standard equipment for all Colorado 7s includes cruise control, body-colored bumpers, side steps, front fog lights, aluminum roof rails, rear parking sensors (in addition to the rear camera), Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB input, roof mounted climate control vents for second and third rows, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls. The LTZ adds 18-inch wheels, projector headlights, exterior chrome highlights, leather seats, a premium sounds system, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, higher grade interior trim elements, and LED tail-lights.[21] The Colorado 7 is powered by the sameVM Motori 2.8 Lturbo-diesel engine as the Colorado.
At its first model update in 2016, the Colorado 7 was renamed toTrailblazer.[26]
| Year | Brazil | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 283[27] | |
| 2013 | 3,285[28] | |
| 2014 | 2,285[29] | 2,855[30] |
| 2015 | 1,790[31] | 1,592[32] |
| 2016 | 1,943[33] | 1,185[34] |
| 2017 | 3,281[35] | 1,150[36] |
| 2018 | 3,854[37] | 2,196 |
| 2019 | 3,363[38] | 3,091 |
| 2020 | 2,823[39] | 672[40] |
| 2021 | 3,324[41] | |
| 2022 | 3,210[42] | |
| 2023 | 1,659[43] | |
| 2024 | 2,061[44] |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) GM Heritage Center Trailblazer 2006 product information
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