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Chevrolet TrailBlazer
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The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV produced by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors. It was introduced in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, the TrailBlazer was upgraded to a new platform (GMT360 for 5 passenger models, GMT370 for 7 passenger, and GMT305 for the Envoy XUV). Production of the Blazer overlapped with the TrailBlazer until 2005, when the 2-door was sold at dealers while the 4-door was fleet only (until the 2004 model year).
The TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award in 2002.
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Encyclopedia
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV produced by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors. It was introduced in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, the TrailBlazer was upgraded to a new platform (GMT360 for 5 passenger models, GMT370 for 7 passenger, and GMT305 for the Envoy XUV). Production of the Blazer overlapped with the TrailBlazer until 2005, when the 2-door was sold at dealers while the 4-door was fleet only (until the 2004 model year).
The TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award in 2002. The 4.2 L I6 Atlas LL8 won Ward's Best Engine from 2002-2004 with innovative features such as DOHC, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the exhaust camshaft, and GM's Patented "Lost-Foam" casting process.
The TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform, with all models having four-wheel drive as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "4 High" and "4 Low" gearings. Its main disadvantage is its increased width (as compared to a Jeep Wrangler) and lack of suspension travel, causing it to high side when it encounters high-camber-variance terrain or large rocks. Additionally, it lacks either locking hubs or a limited slip differential. Instead a G80 locking rear differential is available as an option on all models except for the SS which has a G86 LSD standard.
The TrailBlazer was facelifted for 2006. A new front fascia and interior trim were included with the refresh, but only apply to the upper-level LT models. The LS trim still has the 02-05 front and rear fascias. The SS gets trim-specific front and rear fascias plus colormatched side skirts.
The TrailBlazer comes with a all-aluminum 4.2 L "Atlas" LL8 inline-six engine standard and an optional aluminum small-block 5.3 L V8 with Active Fuel Management. The inline-six makes the TrailBlazer the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in its class. The Active Fuel Management system on the V8 engine shuts off 4 of the 8 cylinders during highway travel and idle to save fuel. The 6-cylinder versions of the TrailBlazer get up to highway, according to refreshed United States Environmental Protection Agency? estimates.
Engines
* 2002-present LL8 4.2 L I6
- 2003-2004 LM4 5.3 L V8
- 2005-present LH6 5.3 L V8
- 2006-present LS2 6.0 L V8
EXT
One unique element of the TrailBlazer line was the availability of a 3-row, 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle was 16 in (406 mm) longer and had a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof was disguised by standard roof racks.
Production of the EXT model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma 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.
The EXT could be identified by its much straighter rear doors (which were not in-line with the rear wheel arches), as well as by the circular, metal cap on each of the quarter windows where the opening mechanism attaches.
SS
An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore the Super Sport badge. This new TrailBlazer comes standard with a 6.0 L LS2 V8 based on the same engine that comes standard in the 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO. The LS2 is rated at with of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds with quarter mile times around 13.5 seconds at . Other differences entail the use of a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission, a cold air intake package, a 4.10 ratio limited slip rear differential, a ZQ8 sport suspension, specially designed front brakes with brake pads similar to those found on the Corvette, and optional all-wheel drive (via a Torsen T-3 center differential).
Safety
IIHS tests give early Trailblazer's a Marginal overall rating in the frontal offset test while 2005-2009 models get an Acceptable rating. For 2008 models side curtain airbags became standard but the Trailblazer gets a Marginal overall side impact rating regardless of airbag configuration. Torso type side airbags were unavailable.
2007 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover 2wd:
Rollover 4wd:
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|
| 2001 | 115,103 | | 2002 | 249,568 | | 2003 | 261,334 | | 2004 | 283,484 | | 2005 | 244,150 | | 2006 | 174,797 | | 2007 | 134,626 | | 2008 | 74,878 |
Discontinuation
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 just refresh the current platform and call the vehicle a GMT360NG. However, in June 2006, GM announced that the GMT360NG program was also canceled due to the large investment. GM decided to keep the current TrailBlazer until the 2009 model year. Buick instead got the Enclave, a GM Lambda platform-based crossover SUV to replace the Rainier (along with the Rendezvous and the Terraza minivan), while GMC will get the Theta-based Terrain to replace the Envoy. Also, Saab will replace the 9-7X with the 9-4X. The Trailblazer, along with the Chevrolet Uplander, will be replaced by the Chevrolet Traverse. GM had closed the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products. The last Chevrolet TrailBlazer rolled off the Moraine line on December 16, 2008, a week before the plant's closure.
External links
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