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| Chevrolet Trailblazer |
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| 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
| Highlights |
Pros |
Cons |
| • Exterior styling is impressive. |
• Plush, versatile interiors for optimum comfort. |
• Non-availability of manual transmission. |
| • Option of three models. |
• Performance with the V-8 engines is extraordinary. |
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| • Choice of a 4WD configuration. |
• Smooth ride quality. |
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| Overview |
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| Rugged and refined SUV |
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| The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Introduced in 1999, the TrailBlazer was built on a truck platform and based on the GM GMT360 platform.
The 2007 TrailBlazer is available in three models: LS, LT, and SS. The SS model is offered in two trim levels: 1SS and 3SS. All models are available in 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.
The TrailBlazer is covered by a new vehicle limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It competes with the likes of the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Toyota 4Runner.
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| Engine and Performance |
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| Three engines that deliver more than enough power |
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| With three models, the TrailBlazer offers a choice of three robust engines. The LS and LT are powered by a Vortec 4.2-liter Inline-six cylinder (I-6) engine, which generates 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 277 pound-feet (lb-ft.) of torque @ 4,800 rpm. The LS and LT are also available with the option of a Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 engine with active fuel management technology. This engine delivers 300 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 330 lb-ft. @ 4,000 rpm.
The 1SS and 3SS get power from an LS2 6.0-liter V-8 engine with a Cold Air Induction Package. This 6.0-liter V-8 engine churns out 395 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 400 lb-ft. @ 4,000 rpm.
The LS and LT are linked to a standard Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 1SS and 3SS team up with a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.
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| Walk-around |
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| Sturdy, graceful and functional |
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| With smooth and confident lines, the TrailBlazer looks stylish and sturdy from outside. It measures 191.8 inches in length and rides on a wheelbase of 113.0 inches.
Its front fascia gives it an aggressive look with body-color bumper, bold headlamps and a split grille. The horizontal bar, which splits the grille, is chrome finished on the LS, body-colored on the LT, and black on the SS models. The front bumper also features a large air-inlet with two vertical slats. The TrailBlazer features standard headlamps including daytime running lamps (DRL) with an automatic exterior lamp control. All models, excluding the LS, come standard with front halogen fog lamps.
The TrailBlazer hosts large fender flares, which give a distinct appearance to its profile. It also features two-sided galvanized steel body panels to resist corrosion. Body-color body-side moldings are standard on LT and optional on LS. The LT is also available with the option of a two-tone exterior appearance. Front and rear intermittent wipers are a standard feature of all models. The 4WD models of LS and LT are available with two optional frame-mounted recovery hooks.
The LS comes with fold-away mirrors, while the LT comes with power-adjustable mirrors. The 1SS has heated, dual power-adjustable mirrors, whereas the 3SS comes with body-color, heated, dual power-adjustable mirrors with memory, and integral turn-signal indicators. All models come standard with a lift-gate with integral lift-glass, which opens wide and helps provide easy access to the rear cargo area. The lift-glass makes it convenient to toss in small items. A roof-mounted luggage rack with side rails, which has a loading capacity of up to 200 pounds, is standard on LS and LT models.
The LS wears standard 17-inch sport-aluminum wheels and rolls on 17-inch all-season Blackwall tires. The LT comes standard with 17-inch bright-aluminum wheels and rides on 17-inch on-road/off-road white outline-lettered tires. The LT is also available with optional 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels and 18-inch all-season Blackwall tires. The 1SS and 3SS stand propped on standard 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels and cruise on 20-inch Goodyear Eagle Performance tires.
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| Comfort, Controls & Convenience |
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| Plush and versatile interiors |
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| With roomy and well-appointed interiors, the TrailBlazer offers comfortable seating. The LS comes standard with premium cloth-trimmed front bucket seats, including adjustable head restraints, driver manual lumbar support, and manual recline. The LT features standard premium cloth-trimmed front bucket seats, including a eight-way power driver seat with power recliner, adjustable head restraints, and driver manual lumbar support. These seats are optional on the LS. The 1SS comes with premium cloth-trimmed front bucket seats with the SS insignia, performance-wrap bolsters, an eight-way power driver seat with power recliner, adjustable head restraints, and driver manual lumbar support. The 3SS comes with exclusive premium leather-appointed front bucket seats with the SS insignia, performance-wrap bolsters, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats with power recliners, power lumbar support, and adjustable head restraints. All models have a standard
split-folding three-passenger bench seat in the second-row.
The LS comes standard with a vinyl steering wheel, while the LT features a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, including mounted audio controls and DIC access. The SS models have a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. All models come standard with an adjustable, tilt-wheel steering column with brake/transmission shift interlock.
The LS features a manual, day/night rear-view mirror, whereas the LT and 3SS models have a standard auto-dimming rear-view mirror with eight-point compass. The 1SS comes standard with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with eight-point compass and outside temperature display. All models feature a floor console with storage and cup holders. Standard on LT and 3SS and optional on LS and 1SS is an overhead console. Front and rear cup holders, cargo tie-downs, and auxiliary power outlets are standard on all models.
The TrailBlazer comes equipped with standard cruise control. An electric defogger on the rear window is standard on all models except the LS, on which it is optional. Power-adjustable pedals are standard on 3SS and optional on LT. The TrailBlazer is also available with an optional tilt-sliding, power sunroof, with Express-Open and wind deflector.
The TrailBlazer comes with a maximum cargo capacity of 80.1 cubic-feet with the rear seat folded down. It can handle a maximum payload of 1,505 pounds and can tow up to 6,800 pounds of cargo.
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| Driving Impressions |
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| It’s fun-to-drive and to be driven in |
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| The TrailBlazer is offered in 2WD and 4WD versions. Both the 2WD and 4WD TrailBlazers deliver a smooth ride quality and handling. The 4WD system delivers power to the front wheels during normal driving on dry road surfaces, but on slippery terrains, power is automatically delivered to the rear wheels as well. It provides for balanced driving power across all four wheels, helping to maintain the vehicle’s agility when it is most needed.
The TrailBlazer offers a choice of 4.2L I-6, 5.3L V-8, and 6.0L V-8 engines, which knock out 291 hp, 300 hp, and 395 hp, in that order. All engines are refined and provide ample power for driving in all kinds of road conditions. The TrailBlazer’s V-8 engines provide more than enough torque that comes in handy while hauling heavy cargo. The 4-speed AT mates well with the engines and offers seamless shifts. The TrailBlazer is steered by a power steering, which offers crisp, prompt responses to the driver’s inputs.
The TrailBlazer rides on an independent front suspension and a five-link rear suspension with coil springs. The front suspension incorporates a coil-over-shock modular design with upper and lower control arms, which contribute to the overall stability of TrailBlazer, while the five-link rear suspension is designed to enhance load-carrying capability. The LS and LT also come standard with Premium Smooth Ride suspension, while the SS models feature ZQ8 Sport suspension. These suspension systems neutralize all bumps and road irregularities and offer a smooth ride.
The TrailBlazer comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes, which help the driver maintain steering control while braking hard on most slippery surfaces. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models. Locking rear differential is optional on LS and LT, while limited slip differential is standard on the SS models. The TrailBlazer also comes standard with StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system that helps improve stability, particularly on slick surfaces and in emergency maneuvers.
With a turning diameter of 36.4 feet, the TrailBlazer can be parked as well as steered in and out of tight spots quite easily.
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| Safety |
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| The TrailBlazer earned five stars, the highest possible rating, from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for protection of front and rear occupants in the government’s side-impact crash tests. It rated three stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.
The TrailBlazer comes standard with dual-stage, frontal airbags for the driver and right-front passenger, with a passenger sensing system, which automatically switches the right-front passenger airbag on or off on the basis of the passenger's weight and the type of pressure on the seat. However, head-curtain side-impact airbags are optional on all models. Remote keyless entry is standard on all models except the LS, on which it is optional.
The TrailBlazer also comes standard with safety features such as child security rear door locks, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats, a PASSlock theft-deterrent system, and an OnStar system with one-year safe & sound plan. OnStar is an in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect the vehicle’s occupants in an emergency situation on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers 24-hour access to expertly trained and caring advisors, a connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar hands-free calling.
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