Chevrolet TrailBlazer (SUV) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chevrolet Trailblazer/TrailBlazer |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet S-10 Blazer |
The Chevrolet Trailblazer (sometimes spelled TrailBlazer) is a cool mid-size SUV made by Chevrolet. Chevrolet is a big car company that's part of General Motors.
The name "Trailblazer" was first used in North America from 2001 to 2008. After that, a different type of SUV called the Traverse took its place. But don't worry, the Trailblazer came back! In 2011, a brand-new version started being made for places like Asia and Brazil.
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What was the Trailblazer's first appearance?
The Trailblazer name first showed up in 1999. It wasn't a separate car yet, but a fancy version of the 4-door Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. Think of it as an "upgrade package" for the Blazer.
This special Trailblazer version had extra features. It came with a radio that played CDs, OnStar (a safety and communication system), and cool matching bumpers. It also had a leather steering wheel, better wheels, and comfy seats.
You could even add more cool stuff like a premium sound system from Bose, heated leather seats, or a sunroof. This special Blazer Trailblazer was made until 2001. After that, the Trailblazer became its own separate, bigger SUV model.
Discover the first generation Trailblazer (2001-2008)
| First generation (KC) | |
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2008 |
| Model years | 2002–2009 (US and Canada only) |
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| Designer | Bill Davis (1997, 1998) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT360/GMT370 (EXT) |
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| Powertrain | |
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| Dimensions | |
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| Width | 1,897 mm (74.7 in) |
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| Chronology | |
| Successor | Chevrolet Traverse (North America) |
The first real Chevrolet Trailblazer came out for the 2002 model year. It was built on a strong "truck platform" called GMT360. This means it was designed to be tough, like a truck. Most models offered four-wheel-drive (4WD), which helps you drive on tricky roads or off-road.
The Trailblazer had a special front suspension that helped it ride smoothly. It also had a strong rear suspension. Many models came with a locking rear differential, which helps the wheels get better grip. The fancier LTZ version had a nicer interior with leather seats and a premium Bose sound system. All Trailblazers came ready to tow things, which is super handy!
The Trailblazer got a small update in 2005 for the 2006 model year. It had a slightly new look on the front and updated interior parts. The super sporty SS model got its own unique front and back designs.
What engines powered the first generation?
The standard engine in the Trailblazer was a 4.2-liter, six-cylinder engine. This engine was very powerful for its size at the time. It made the Trailblazer one of the strongest six-cylinder SUVs around.
You could also get an optional 5.3-liter V8 engine. Some of these V8 engines had a cool feature called "Active Fuel Management." This system could turn off 4 of the 8 cylinders when you were cruising on the highway or stopped. This helped save fuel!
The 4.2-liter engine was so good that it won awards from Ward's 10 Best Engines for several years.
- 2002–2009: 4.2 L six-cylinder engine
- 2003–2009: 5.3 L V8 engine (two versions)
- 2006–2009: 6.0 L V8 engine (for the SS model)
What were the different versions (trim levels)?
The Trailblazer came in a few different versions, called "trim levels," each with different features.
- LS: This was the basic model, but it still had lots of great stuff. It came with alloy wheels, good brakes, the 4.2L six-cylinder engine, and an automatic transmission. It also had cloth seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, plus keyless entry. You could add a CD changer or satellite radio.
- LT: This was the middle-level version. It added more convenience features like better alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You could choose a premium sound system, leather seats, heated front seats, or a power sunroof. Later models even offered a touchscreen navigation system and a rear DVD entertainment system.
- LTZ: This was the most luxurious version, offered in 2002 and 2003. It included all the fancy features from the LT, like the Bose sound system, leather seats, and heated front seats, as standard. It was truly top-of-the-line!
- SS: Introduced in 2006, the SS was the performance model. It looked unique with special wheels and "SS" badges. Inside, it had special seats and an "SS" emblem on the steering wheel. The biggest difference was its powerful 6.0L V8 engine, which came from the Chevrolet Corvette (C6) sports car!
What was the Trailblazer EXT?
There was also a longer version of the Trailblazer called the EXT. This model had three rows of seats, so it could carry seven passengers! It was about 16 inches longer than the regular Trailblazer and had a taller roof in the back to make it easier to get into the third row. Chevrolet cleverly hid the taller roof with roof racks.
The Trailblazer EXT was made in Oklahoma City. Production of this longer version stopped in 2006. You could tell an EXT apart by its straighter rear doors and a round metal cap on the rear quarter windows (on 2003 models).
What made the SS model special?
The SS model, launched in 2006, was the first time a Chevrolet SUV had the "Super Sport" badge. This meant it was built for speed and performance! It came with a powerful 6.0L V8 engine, similar to the one in the Chevrolet Corvette (C6). This engine made 395 horsepower.
The SS also had a special suspension that was stiffer and lower to the ground. This helped it handle much better. It also had bigger 20-inch wheels and wider tires. All these features made the Trailblazer SS a really exciting SUV to drive! It was available with either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
How safe was the first generation Trailblazer?
Safety is super important! The IIHS tested the Trailblazer. Early models got an "Acceptable" rating in a frontal crash test. Models from 2005-2009 also got an "Acceptable" rating.
For 2008 models, side curtain airbags became standard, which is great for protecting passengers in a side crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also did crash tests. Here's how the 2007 Trailblazer scored (out of 5 stars):
- Frontal Driver: 3 stars
- Frontal Passenger: 4 stars
- Side Driver: 5 stars
- Side Rear Passenger: 5 stars
- Rollover (2-wheel drive): 3 stars
- Rollover (4-wheel drive): 4 stars
Why was the first generation discontinued?
Chevrolet decided to stop making the first-generation Trailblazer. They had plans for a new version, but those plans changed. Instead, other Chevrolet vehicles like the Traverse took its place in 2009.
The factory that made the Trailblazer in Moraine, Ohio, closed down on December 23, 2008. The very last Trailblazer from that factory was made on December 16, 2008. The story of this factory closing was even made into a documentary film!
Was there a recall for the first generation?
Yes, in 2012, General Motors (Chevrolet's parent company) and Isuzu recalled over 258,000 SUVs, including the Trailblazer. This was to fix a problem with the power window and door lock switches. In some cases, these switches could short-circuit and cause a fire. The recall mostly affected SUVs sold in areas where salt is used on roads in winter.
Explore the second generation Trailblazer (2011-present)
| Second generation | |
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| Overview | |
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| Production | 2011–present (South America) 2012–2020 (Thailand) 2013-2015 (Russia) |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT31XX |
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| Powertrain | |
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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 Trailblazer (now usually spelled without the capital "B") was first shown as a concept car in 2011. The actual production model was revealed in 2012.
Just like the first generation, this Trailblazer is also built on a strong truck frame. It shares its base with the second generation Colorado pickup truck. However, from the middle of the car back, it's completely different. It's a full SUV with a closed roof, a tailgate, and three rows of seats. This means it can carry lots of people!
This second generation Trailblazer is made in places like Thailand and Brazil. It's sold in many countries, including parts of Asia, India, South Africa, and the Middle East. In Australia, it was first sold as the Holden Colorado 7, but then it was renamed to Holden Trailblazer in 2017.
What engines are in the second generation?
The second generation Trailblazer offers a few engine choices. Most versions come with diesel engines. There's a 2.5-liter Duramax diesel and a more powerful 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. These engines are known for being strong and good for towing.
In some markets, like Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East, you can also get a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine. This engine is quite powerful, making up to 208 horsepower in some versions.
The 2.8-liter diesel engine has many new parts to make it even better. It has a new turbocharger, a new fuel system, and other improvements to make it more efficient and powerful.
What was the Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer?
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In Australia and New Zealand, the Trailblazer was sold under the Holden brand. From 2012 to 2016, it was called the Holden Colorado 7. It came in two main versions: LT and LTZ.
All Colorado 7s had useful features like cruise control, fog lights, roof rails, and rear parking sensors. They also had Bluetooth for your phone and USB ports for music. The fancier LTZ model added bigger wheels, leather seats, and a better sound system. It used the same 2.8-liter diesel engine as other Trailblazers.
In 2016, when the car got an update, the Holden Colorado 7 was renamed to Holden Trailblazer. This made its name match the global Chevrolet version.
Images for kids
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The Chevrolet Trailblazer
See also
In Spanish: Chevrolet TrailBlazer para niños
