2007 / 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is the company's midsize SUV entry. Last redesigned in 2002, when it received more power, sharper styling and a roomier cabin, the current version is dated in some areas, yet modern in others. Now that the long-wheelbase EXT version has been dropped, there is no TrailBlazer with a third-row seat and hence passenger capacity is limited to five.

Luxury and performance features, such as a navigation system, DVD system and stability control are fully up to date. However, the handling dynamics are more 1987 than 2007, as the standard TrailBlazer's mushy suspension and vague steering don't inspire confidence on twisty roads. Less important gripes concern the cabin, which has a rather bland design and some subpar materials.

The high-performance SS version takes care of the handling woes via a laundry list of modifications made to the suspension and steering that give this SUV crisp, tightly controlled handling that approaches that of sporty cars. The SS also provides rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8 borrowed from the Corvette.

Although the 2007 Chevy TrailBlazer has a few strong points in its favor, a number of competitors, namely the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, handily top it in terms of cabin refinement and handling composure while also offering the option of third-row seating. The thoroughly competent and tons o' fun TrailBlazer SS is another story -- its only real competition comes from Jeep's Grand Cherokee SRT8, which costs around 20 percent more than the SS.

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, 1SS and 3SS. The LS comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone manual air-conditioning, cruise control, OnStar, a CD player and power windows and locks. LT models add foglamps, a roof rack, power mirrors, keyless entry, a rear window defogger and a temperature/compass display. Going with the LT also allows one to access additional options not found on the LS, including 18-inch wheels, leather seating with power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats and outside mirrors, memory driver seat positioning, and a trip computer. Other major options (depending on trim) include a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, a navigation system, upgraded Bose audio, a power driver seat, an in-dash CD changer and satellite radio.

The base TrailBlazer SS (1SS) is equipped similarly to the LS in terms of basic features but also features a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, a monochromatic exterior and black mesh grille, high-performance brakes and a quicker steering rack. The uplevel 3SS essentially adds the LT's equipment as well as some of its extras like the leather seating, power front seats and adjustable pedals.

Standard are antilock disc brakes and stability control, while side curtain airbags are optional on all trim levels. In NHTSA side-impact crash testing, a Chevy TrailBlazer equipped with the side curtain bags scored a perfect five stars for front and rear occupants. Frontal impact testing resulted in three-star ratings for the driver and four stars for the front passenger. In frontal offset crash testing by the IIHS, the TrailBlazer received a "Marginal" score (the second-lowest ranking on a four-point scale).

The TrailBlazer's cabin offers decent comfort for five adults, and most controls are simple, but the overall ambiance is rather bland. Apart from a white-faced tach and a monogrammed "SS" on the seats, there's nothing special about the SS model's interior. Cargo capacity is generous; with the seats in use there are 44 cubic feet available, but if you fold down the 60/40-split rear seat, it nearly doubles, putting 80 cubes at your disposal.

The TrailBlazer's suspension is a mixed bag. Its soft tuning results in an extremely comfortable ride around town and on the highway. But push it hard into a corner, or take a bump too fast in the dirt, and the TrailBlazer's soft setup gets out of sorts quickly. The SS is another story -- around town and at normal freeway speeds the ride is firm but comfortable. When pressed on twisty roads, the SS' body motions are extremely well controlled, the steering feel is excellent and there's very little lean during hard cornering.

GM earlier this year killed the long-wheelbase versions of those two midsize SUVs because of slumping sales. The automaker had planned an extensive redesign of the standard TrailBlazer and Envoy for early 2008, suppliers sources told Inside Line, but more recently has shelved that overhaul and canceled requests for tooling bids.

Now, sources say, the company is likely to continue building the current models in Moraine, Ohio, until demand dwindles to the point that it is no longer feasible to keep the assembly plant running. Through May, sales of the TrailBlazer were down 18 percent and Envoy down 27 percent from the previous year.

GM also plans to kill companion models, including the Buick Rainierand the Saab 9-7X, in 2007, and replace them with car-based crossovers. The Enclave will supplant the Rainier in spring 2007, while a new model that shares its underpinnings with the next-generation Chevrolet Equinoxand Saturn Vuecould be added to Saab's portfolio in late 2007.

The Envoy will be replaced, to some extent, by the upcoming Acadia crossover, which makes its debut in late 2006; it is built on the same platform as the Buick Enclaveand the Saturn Outlook. Chevrolet is expected to get a companion crossover model in 2008 that will be positioned above the Equinox in size and price.

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