The Chevrolet TrailBlazer (also known as Trailblazer) is a mid-sizeSUV produced by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors. The nameplate was first used in North America from 2001 to 2008; in 2009, it was replaced by the Traverse, as a crossover 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 1999 model year as an upscale trim level of the compact 4-door Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. It offered additional features on top of the previously top-of-the-line Chevrolet 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 a Bose 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.
2002–2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, with modification to meet Japanese standards.
The first-generation TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform officially known as GMT360, with all models having four-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 an all-wheel-drive system. The TrailBlazer features an independent 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 detachable towing hitch.
2006–2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT2006–2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (rear view)
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.
Engines
The TrailBlazer came standard with an all-aluminum 4.2L Atlas LL8inline-six engine that produced up to 203.5kW (273hp; 277PS) and 376N⋅m (277lb⋅ft) of torque, or an optional aluminum small-block 5.3L V8 engine producing up to 225kW (302hp; 306PS) and 447N⋅m (330lb⋅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 (12L/100km; 24mpg‑imp) on the highway, according to United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
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 4.2L Vortec 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), and OnStar.
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 a Bose 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 by Panasonic (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 by Panasonic. 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 6.0L V8 gasoline engine taken from the Chevrolet Corvette (C6).
EXT
2002–2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
The TrailBlazer was also available as a 3-row, 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle was 410mm (16in) 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 the GMC Envoy XL and Isuzu Ascender LWB; long-wheelbase versions of the Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7X were never offered.
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 do not extend into the rear wheel arches.
SS
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore the Super Sport badge, which was first introduced with the 1961 Impala.[6] The TrailBlazer SS came standard with a 6.0L LS2 V8 engine which produced up to 395bhp and 400lb-ft (540nm) of torque, the same standard engine as the 2005–2007 C6 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 20in (510mm) wheels wearing 255mm (10.0in) 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 both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. About 1.7% of total TrailBlazer production had the SS package (Regular Production Option code B4U).[7]
Calendar Year
Total TrailBlazer SS Sales
2006
9,361
2007
10,726
2008
5,744
2009
610
Total
26,441
Safety
IIHS tests in early 2009 gave early TrailBlazers an Acceptable[8] overall rating in the frontal offset test, while 2005–2009 models received an Acceptable rating. For 2008 models, side-curtain airbags became standard. At that time, the TrailBlazer received a Marginal overall side impact rating, tested with optional side airbags present. Torso-type side airbags were not available then.[9][needs update]
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).
The TrailBlazer was replaced by the Traverse in 2009. GM had closed the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products.[15] 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 documentary The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant.[16]
Recall
In 2012, General Motors and Isuzu 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.[17]
Second generation (RG; 2011)
"Holden Colorado 7" redirects here. For the pick-up truck, see Holden Colorado.
Motor vehicle
Second generation
Overview
Alsocalled
Holden Colorado 7 (Australia and New Zealand, 2012–2016)
Holden Trailblazer (Australia and New Zealand, 2016–2020)
Production
2011–present (South America) 2012–2020 (Thailand) 2013–2015 (Russia)
The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012.[19] As is the case with the original K5 Blazer (1969–1994), Tahoe (since 1995), Suburban (since 1935), and S-10 Blazer (1983–2005), the second-generation Trailblazer is based on a truck frame, namely the second-generation Colorado. 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.[20]
The second generation Trailblazer is built in Thailand and in Brazil.[21] 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. The first-generation Isuzu MU-X also shared the platform with the second-generation Trailblazer.[22]
Engines
The second generation Trailblazer comes with three engine options, two of them are diesels, one featuring a Duramax 2.5 L that produces 110–132.5kW (148–178hp; 150–180PS) and 350–440N⋅m (260–320lb⋅ft) of torque as standard, and an optional Duramax 2.8 L that produces 132.5–147kW (178–197hp; 180–200PS) and 470–500N⋅m (350–370lb⋅ft) of torque. For the Brazilian, South African, and Middle Eastern markets, the 3.6 L V6 gasoline engine option that produces 178kW (239hp; 242PS) (in the Brazilian market, the 2015 version producing 208kW (279hp; 283PS)) and 360N⋅m (270lb⋅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).[23]
Holden Colorado 7/Trailblazer
Holden Colorado 7
Holden Trailblazer (facelift)
The Trailblazer was sold in Australia since 2012 as the Holden 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.[20] The Colorado 7 is powered by the same VM Motori 2.8 L turbo-diesel engine as the Colorado.
At its first model update in 2016, the Colorado 7 was renamed to Trailblazer.[24]
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passenger pickup truck that was manufactured by General Motors. The Avalanche was a hybrid between the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by their luxury division Cadillac. It was the luxury brand's first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and (especially) Ford's 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The term "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means "to climb or scale".
The Chevrolet Lumina is a mid-size car that was produced and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1989 until 2001.
The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone". The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two- and four-wheel-drive models respectively despite all versions being badged with "S" nomenclature.
The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV manufactured and marketed by General Motors for the 1998 to 2009 model years over two generations. Adopting a nameplate used by GM Canada, the Envoy was a rebadged variant of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Oldsmobile Bravada is a mid-size luxury SUV that was sold by Oldsmobile from 1991 to 2004. The only SUV ever marketed by Oldsmobile, the Bravada was the first light truck offered by General Motors outside of the Chevrolet and GMC divisions since 1924. The flagship of the GM midsize SUV line, the Bravada served as the most luxurious GM SUV prior to the introduction of the GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
The Chevrolet Tahoe, and its badge-engineered GMC Yukon counterpart, are full-size SUVs and other trucks from General Motors, offered since 1994 and 1991, respectively. Since 1982, Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their "Blazer" and "Jimmy" nameplates, by introducing the smaller S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy for the 1983 model year, below the full-size Blazer and Jimmy models. This situation lasted into the early 1990s. GMC first rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the "Yukon" in 1991. Chevrolet however waited until 1994, when they rebadged the redesigned mid-size S-10 Blazer the "new Blazer," while renaming the full-size Blazer as the "Tahoe." The name Tahoe refers to the rugged and scenic area surrounding Lake Tahoe in the western United States, and was originally used as a trim level on S-10 models. The name Yukon refers to the Yukon territory of northern Canada.
The Chevrolet Colorado, is a series of compact pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. The Colorado is named after the U.S. state of Colorado, while the Canyon took its name from the deep chasm between cliffs.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover SUV introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was intended to replace the North American Chevrolet Tracker and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. The third-generation Equinox also replaced the first-generation Chevrolet Captiva.
The Saab 9-7X is a mid-size luxury SUV that was built by General Motors for the American market and sold under the Saab marque. The 9-7X was first revealed at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, and was available starting with the 2005 model year, as a replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravada.
The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its badge engineered GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s alongside these brands' full-size SUVs with near identical nameplates, but lacking removable hardtops. From the 1992 model year, GMC's full-size Jimmy had become the "Yukon", and so, the S-15 prefix was dropped on the smaller GMC Jimmy. Starting with the 1995 second generation, the large Blazer was rebranded as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and these mid-size SUVs were simply launched as the "all-new Chevrolet Blazer".
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GMT 360 is a vehicle platform that was manufactured by General Motors from the 2002 and 2009 model years. Designed primarily for SUVs, the GMT360 architecture served as the third generation of mid-size SUVs produced by GM. Directly succeeding its GMT330 predecessor in the United States, GMT360 vehicles based on the platform were sold with their predecessor in Canada and export markets through 2005.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV with three-row seating built by General Motors. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, known as the Lambda platform for the first generation, and the C1XX for the second generation. It also shares the C1XX platform with the Cadillac XT6. It is the successor to the TrailBlazer body-on-frame SUV and the Uplander minivan.
The Buick Rainier is a mid-size luxury SUV that was manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Buick for the 2004 to 2007 model years. It was named after Mount Rainier, and — along with the Saab 9-7X — served as the replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravada.
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The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque. The vehicle went into production in December 2018 and sales began in January 2019 as a 2019 model. In China, a version with longer rear section and optional three-row seating is offered, which debuted in 2019 and went on sale in April 2020.
↑ "Archived copy"(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on June 23, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) GM Heritage Center Trailblazer 2006 product information
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