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Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2006 SS gave a family SUV a 395-hp Corvette LS2 and Nürburgring-tuned suspension.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • TBSSShorthand for the LS2-powered Trailblazer SS.3

At a glance

0200400
137–395 hpPower
0510
5.4–9.4 s0–60 mph
0125250
209 km/hTop speed
0300600
220–542 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,359–2,196 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.269111213

Engine
Original: 4.2L Atlas I6/V8s; global: 2.5/2.8L diesel, 3.6L V6; CUV: 1.2/1.3L I3T19
Layout
Front-engine; SUVs: RWD/4WD/AWD; crossover: FWD/AWD19
Gearbox
Original: 4-speed auto; global: 6MT/6AT/8AT; crossover: FWD CVT or AWD 9AT1910
Built at
Original: Moraine, US; global: Rayong, Thailand; crossover: Incheon, South Korea19
Units built
2006–2009 SS only: 25,5713

The story

An upscale S-10 Blazer trim became a hydroformed-frame SUV. The TrailBlazer family also includes a Colorado-based global truck and a small crossover created to sell alongside the Trax.1456

1999: TrailBlazer starts as upscale Blazer trim19992002: Standalone SUV on hydroformed rails20022003: EXT gets a 5.3 L V820032006: Corvette LS2 meets Nürburgring tuning20062008: Last original TrailBlazer leaves Moraine20082012: Colorado-based revival in Bangkok20122019: A crossover debuts in Shanghai20192024: Crossover gains an 11-inch touchscreen2024 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (first generation) (GMT330): 1983–1994GMT330Chevrolet Blazer (second generation) (GMT330): 1995–2005 (North America)GMT330Chevrolet TrailBlazer (North American SUV) (GMT360/GMT370): 2002–2009GMT360/GMT370Chevrolet Traverse: 2009–Chevrolet TraverseChevrolet Trailblazer (global SUV) (RG / GMT31XX): 2011–presentRG / GMT31XXChevrolet Trailblazer (crossover) (9BYC): 2020–present9BYC 198519901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones158920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1983–1994Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (first generation) (GMT330)
1995–2005 (North America)Chevrolet Blazer (second generation) (GMT330)
2002–2009Chevrolet TrailBlazer (North American SUV) (GMT360/GMT370)
2009–Chevrolet Traverse
2011–presentChevrolet Trailblazer (global SUV) (RG / GMT31XX)
2020–presentChevrolet Trailblazer (crossover) (9BYC)
1999TrailBlazer starts as upscale Blazer trim
2002Standalone SUV on hydroformed rails
2003EXT gets a 5.3 L V8
2006Corvette LS2 meets Nürburgring tuning
2008Last original TrailBlazer leaves Moraine
2012Colorado-based revival in Bangkok
2019A crossover debuts in Shanghai
2024Crossover gains an 11-inch touchscreen
  1. 1999

    TrailBlazer starts as upscale Blazer trim

    The name first appeared above LT on the four-door S-10 Blazer, adding equipment including OnStar, upgraded wheels and power front bucket seats.1

  2. 2002

    Standalone SUV on hydroformed rails

    The standalone SUV arrived with fully hydroformed frame rails and won North American Truck of the Year.147

  3. 2003

    EXT gets a 5.3 L V8

    The three-row EXT gained a 294-hp 5.3 L V8; its 2005 update added Displacement on Demand.78

  4. 2006

    Corvette LS2 meets Nürburgring tuning

    Chevrolet's first Super Sport SUV used a 395-hp 6.0 L LS2 V8; GM's Performance Division tuned its suspension on the Nürburgring's North Loop.12

  5. 2008

    Last original TrailBlazer leaves Moraine

    The last first-generation TrailBlazer left Moraine on December 16; the Traverse took over in 2009.1

  6. 2012

    Colorado-based revival in Bangkok

    The production SUV debuted in Bangkok on March 21, based on the Colorado truck frame, with Brazilian design and Thai assembly.15

  7. 2019

    A crossover debuts in Shanghai

    The crossover debuted in Shanghai on April 16. Developed by GM Korea and assembled in Incheon, it reached North America for model year 2021.9

  8. 2024

    Crossover gains an 11-inch touchscreen

    The model-year refresh revised the crossover's looks and colors and enlarged its infotainment touchscreen to 11 inches.9

Every generation

  • Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (first generation)
    GMT3301983–1994
  • Chevrolet Blazer (second generation)
    GMT3301995–2005 (North America)
  • Chevrolet TrailBlazer (North American SUV)
    GMT360/GMT3702002–2009
  • Chevrolet Traverse
    Chevrolet Traverse
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer (global SUV)
    RG / GMT31XX2011–present
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer (crossover)
    9BYC2020–present

Power over the years

From 270 hp to 395 hp in 4 years.

0100200300400 2005201020152020 hp 2002 · 270 hp · 4.2 L inline-six2003 · 275 hp · Inline-six, 2003 update2003 · 294 hp · EXT 5.3 L V82006 · 291 hp · 4.2 L inline-six update2006 · 300 hp · 5.3 L V8, standard-body option2006 · 395 hp · SS 6.0 L LS2 V82008 · 285 hp · 4.2 L inline-six2008 · 390 hp · SS 6.0 L V82015 · 279 hp · Brazil 3.6 L V62021 · 137 hp · Crossover 1.2 L turbo I32021 · 155 hp · Crossover 1.3 L turbo I3 395 hp SS 6.0 L LS2 V8 270 hp 4.2 L inline-six
16814
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20022704.2 L inline-six
2003275Inline-six, 2003 update
2003294EXT 5.3 L V8
20062914.2 L inline-six update
20063005.3 L V8, standard-body option
2006395SS 6.0 L LS2 V8
20082854.2 L inline-six
2008390SS 6.0 L V8
2015279Brazil 3.6 L V6
2021137Crossover 1.2 L turbo I3
2021155Crossover 1.3 L turbo I3

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    TrailBlazer LS

    2002

    270 hp
  • TrailBlazer LT (1LT / 2LT / 3LT)

    Standard

    TrailBlazer LT (1LT / 2LT / 3LT)

    2008

    285 hp

  • Standard

    TrailBlazer LTZ

    2002–2003

  • TrailBlazer EXT

    Standard

    TrailBlazer EXT

    2002–2006

  • Standard

    Global LT / LTZ

  • Crossover L / LS / LT

    Standard

    Crossover L / LS / LT

  • High Country (Brazil)

    Standard

    High Country (Brazil)

    2025

  • Activ crossover

    Standard

    Activ crossover

    155 hp

  • Standard

    RS crossover

    155 hp

  • Special

    The North Face Edition

    2003

  • TrailBlazer SS

    Performance

    TrailBlazer SS

    2006–2009

    25,571 built

  • Performance

    TrailBlazer SS 1SS / 3SS

    2008

    390 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original SUV: split-level headlights and grille, with a broad, square body.45
  • EXT: straight rear doors do not intrude into the wheel arches; look for the taller rear roof.1
  • Early global SUV: split grille, rising side windows and a sharp crease low on the doors.15
  • Crossover: thin running lights beside the hood and an upright, bold grille.6
  • Crossover Activ and RS offer a contrasting two-tone roof.9

Year by year

  1. 2004

    The North Face Edition gains its own 17-inch alloy wheel design.8

  2. 2006

    LT adopts a revised nose while base LS keeps the old fascia; SS gets distinct front/rear fascias and body-color side skirts.1

  3. 2008

    Original SUV adds Dark Cherry Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Desert Brown Metallic paint choices.14

  4. 2024

    Crossover gains a curvier front, new running lights, LED taillights and wheel designs; the center screen grows to 11 inches.9

  5. 2025

    Brazilian SUV gets a new chrome-trimmed front, revised hood, fenders and wheels, plus 8-inch gauges and an 11-inch MyLink screen.10

  6. 2025

    Crossover adds Marina Blue Metallic paint.16

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Trailblazer
    Photo of a GMC Envoy
    GMC Envoy

    GMC Envoy

    Envoy has an angular nose and stacked headlamps; the original TrailBlazer wears a square, broad truck face.4

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Trailblazer
    Photo of a Toyota Fortuner
    Toyota Fortuner

    Toyota Fortuner

    Early global Trailblazer shares the wraparound rear-glass look; spot its split grille and sharp low door crease.15

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Trailblazer
    Photo of a Chevrolet Trax
    Chevrolet Trax

    Chevrolet Trax

    With the redesigned 2024 Trax beside it, the crossover Trailblazer has a taller, more upright silhouette.12

Against its rivals

  • Ford Explorer (2002)

    Trailblazer vs Ford Explorer (2002)

    Maximum towing

    Trailblazer2,903 kg
    Ford Explorer (2002)3,311 kg
    4

  • Trailblazer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2006)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    Trailblazer14.1 s
    Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2006)13.2 s
    13

  • Trailblazer vs Toyota Fortuner 3.0 2WD AT

    Ex-showroom Delhi lower is better

    Trailblazer26.4 Rs lakh
    Toyota Fortuner 3.0 2WD AT25.2 Rs lakh
    15

  • Trailblazer vs Chevrolet Trax (2024)

    Carry-ons, seats folded

    Trailblazer19 suitcases
    Chevrolet Trax (2024)21 suitcases
    12

Prices

Value today $4.0K–$22.5K7

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $4,000–$22,500 2002 · $25,500 · US estimated base2006 · $33,600 · US base, SS LS 2WD2008 · $28,150 · US base, LT 1LT 2WD2008 · $32,560 · US base, 1SS 2WD2008 · $35,995 · US base, 3SS 2WD2021 · $19,995 · US base, L2024 · $29,995 · US base, RS AWD2026 · $23,300 · US LS FWD; destination extra2027 · $23,600 · US Limited LS FWD; dest. extra2027 · $31,400 · US Limited ACTIV AWD; dest. extra 2002 · $25,500 · US estimated base price, 2002 model year 2012 · $13,750 · 2007 SS AWD, Spring Carlisle2024 · $27,000 · 2006 SS, 39k miles, BaT2024 · $13,017 · 2007 LT 4x4, 28k miles, BaT2024 · $10,500 · 2003 4.2-liter, 35k miles, BaT2025 · $8,800 · 2006 SS, 166,381 miles, Chadwell Auction Service2025 · $14,250 · 2008 SS AWD, 143k miles, BaT2026 · $24,000 · 2007 SS, 45k miles, BaT $27.0K BaT, 2024
14691112141725262728293031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2002Launch price$25,500US estimated base price, 2002 model year
2002Price when new$25,500US estimated base
2006Price when new$33,600US base, SS LS 2WD
2008Price when new$28,150US base, LT 1LT 2WD
2008Price when new$32,560US base, 1SS 2WD
2008Price when new$35,995US base, 3SS 2WD
2021Price when new$19,995US base, L
2024Price when new$29,995US base, RS AWD
2026Price when new$23,300US LS FWD; destination extra
2027Price when new$23,600US Limited LS FWD; dest. extra
2027Price when new$31,400US Limited ACTIV AWD; dest. extra
2012Auction sale$13,7502007 SS AWD, Spring Carlisle
2024Auction sale$27,0002006 SS, 39k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$13,0172007 LT 4x4, 28k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,5002003 4.2-liter, 35k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,8002006 SS, 166,381 miles, Chadwell Auction Service
2025Auction sale$14,2502008 SS AWD, 143k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0002007 SS, 45k miles, BaT
2026Value today$4,000–$22,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Baja 500 winner on its racing debut”
    • “The last truck became an HBO documentary”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Chevrolet TrailBlazer (SUV) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS: Super Sport/Ute: Chevrolet Rolls Out its Eighth SS Model autoweek.com
  3. The 2006-'09 Chevy trailblazer SS"S"ECRET "S"ERVICE: The 2006-09 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS - LSX Magazine lsxmag.com
  4. 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada caranddriver.com
  5. Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8L 4x4 LTZ: review, specs, price topgear.com.ph
  6. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer First Drive | And then there were two - Autoblog autoblog.com
  7. 2002-09 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  8. Chevrolet Trailblazer Used SUV Buyers Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  9. Chevrolet Trailblazer (crossover) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Chevrolet Trailblazer High Country 2025: guia completo do SUV | CNN Brasil cnnbrasil.com.br
  11. 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Is Outshined by Its Little Sibling caranddriver.com
  13. 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 vs. Chevy TrailBlazer SS caranddriver.com
  14. 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer caranddriver.com
  15. Chevrolet Trailblazer review, test drive | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  16. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review, Pricing, and Specs caranddriver.com
  17. Chevrolet Trailblazer’s Name Change Comes With a Price Hike - Autoblog autoblog.com
  18. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ Off-Road Test motortrend.com
  19. GMEFI Magazine gm-efi.com
  20. Chevrolet S-10 Blazer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Off Road: Vortec-Powered Chevy Trailblazer wins in debut at Baja 500 theautochannel.com
  22. NACTOY Winners & Finalists - North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year northamericancaroftheyear.org
  23. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  24. 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Defects & Complaints carcomplaints.com
  25. 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS AWD | Spring Carlisle 2012 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  26. 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS | Live and Online Auctions on HiBid.com hibid.com
  27. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on January 28, 2026 (Lot #228,010) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,250 on June 23, 2025 (Lot #197,420) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 39k-Mile 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,000 on August 19, 2024 (Lot #159,097) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 28k-Mile 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,017 on August 27, 2024 (Lot #160,293) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 35k-Mile 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,500 on January 6, 2024 (Lot #132,621) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoweek.com
  • lsxmag.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • topgear.com.ph
  • autoblog.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • autoweb.com
  • cnnbrasil.com.br
  • autocarindia.com
  • motortrend.com
  • gm-efi.com
  • theautochannel.com
  • northamericancaroftheyear.org

Photo credits

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