2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Car and Driver considers the TrailBlazer’s cabin to be "one of the cheapest-looking interiors in the automotive world." ConsumerGuide reports that the interior "suffers [from] generic fabrics and unappealing hard, molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor." Edmunds continues on the "aging design" theme: "another major drawback is the [2008 Chevrolet] TrailBlazer's cabin design...it looked out of date soon after this midsize SUV's debut." The interior “places it at the bottom of the class,” Car and Driver believes.

The smaller inline-six is standard, according to Kelley Blue Book, which states "this amazing engine has the power of a small V8, delivering ample passing power at all speeds." Edmunds reports "most buyers will find the [2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer's] standard inline-6 engine adequate," but points out "it's definitely lacking in low-end torque." Both of these sources recommend the larger 5.3-liter V-8 for towing chores, although Edmunds suggests "it feels like a bit too much engine for the softly tuned chassis."

According to Cars.com, both engines "team with a four-speed automatic transmission." ConsumerGuide reports that all of these 2008 Chevrolet models "use a 4-speed automatic transmission and are available with rear-wheel drive...LT offers 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading."

A third version is almost an entirely different beast. The TrailBlazer SS offers musclecar-like performance from a 6.0-liter, 395-horsepower V-8 engine and other functional and cosmetic upgrades, including a powerful transmission, a lowered suspension, 20-inch wheels, and heavy-duty brakes with larger 12.8-inch front discs. Like the other models, the 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Edmunds says the SS is capable of “hauling itself to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds -- about as fast as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model's modified chassis is fully capable of handling all that power.”

A large vehicle, the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer is, as one might suppose, thirsty--and one would be correct. Cars.com points out "although it's called mid-size, this is still a big SUV that has an affinity for the gas pump." ConsumerGuide reports EPA estimates at 14/20 mpg for the inline-six, and 13/19 mpg for the smaller V-8.

Car and Driver finds that the TrailBlazer’s handling is substandard: "loose, imprecise feel doesn't inspire sporty driving...passengers won't like the ride quality...Structural rigidity is poor, so the chassis is upset by road imperfections, and the steering requires constant corrections." Edmunds confirms this impression: "unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering don't inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway," but acknowledges that "its soft tuning results in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway." Cars.com also agrees on this point: "On smooth surfaces, the four-wheel-drive [2008 Chevrolet] TrailBlazer's ride is comparable to a car's. Its handling is a bit on the slow side, but the driver benefits from a satisfying steering feel."

Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, heaps praise upon this Chevrolet 2008 for its handling: "the TrailBlazer's steering wheel has a solid, firm feel to it, devoid of the floating disconnect inherent in so many power steering systems," adding that "the firm brake pedal brings the TrailBlazer to a quick stop every time, and the brakes show little fade after repeated use."

TheCarConnection.com notes little to complain about cargo space in the 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Cars.com reports that "interior space is ample...the backseat folds for additional storage. With the rear seat down, maximum cargo volume measures 80 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide describes the interior as "generous," noting that the "60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests," and "cabin has a good array of pockets and compartments for small items." However, "the tailgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading" in the 2008 Chevrolet.

This Chevrolet 2008 model's interior materials leave something to be desired, according to Cars.com, which says that "cabin lacks a quality feel...the interior...place(s) it at the bottom of its class." Edmunds adds that the "quality of the materials and construction has always been suspect." Car and Driver says it has “one of the cheapest-looking interiors in the automotive world.”

Noise levels aboard the Chevrolet 2008 TrailBlazer are acceptable; "engine sound [is] barely discernible (except when pushed really hard), but road noise is also virtually absent," according to Cars.com. ConsumerGuide notes that "tire noise is pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds."

Car and Driver reports a plethora of safety equipment for this 2008 Chevrolet: "dual front and curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, stability control, ABS, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the TrailBlazer lineup." In addition, "OnStar emergency service is standard on all TrailBlazers." Cars.com indicates that "side curtain airbags are now standard on all models," and that "dual-stage front airbags deploy with varying force depending on crash severity."

ConsumerGuide reports that visibility in the Chevrolet 2008 "is good to the front and sides, but the headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, says the Chevrolet 2008 model has "enough glass to give the driver a nearly-uninterrupted view through 360 degrees."

Car and Driver, nonetheless, dismisses this gear: "this SUV is showing its age."

More expensive Chevrolet 2008 TrailBlazer trims (LS and SS versions) offer extras such as dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat air conditioning and heat, a rear cargo mat, an overhead console, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated power side-view mirrors, leather seats, and a top-of-the-line Bose sound system. Kelley Blue Book also mentions that "limited-slip rear differential, touch-screen navigation radio and power-adjustable foot pedals" are available options on the Chevrolet 2008.

For a few dollars more, 2008 Chevrolet "options include a backseat entertainment system with a DVD player, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating surfaces," according to Cars.com. Edmunds avers, "The LS comes decently equipped, while the LT allows access to some higher-level features."