Used 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The midsize 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV may be one of the older designs on the market, but its combination of size, power, interior room and price make it a force with which to be reckoned. The five-passenger TrailBlazer comes with a potent yet fuel-friendly in-line six-cylinder engine that’s perfectly suited for towing moderate loads. The TrailBlazer is also available as a high-performance version wearing the famous SS logo and packing a 390-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 under its hood. Still, the TrailBlazer is beginning to show its age and faces tough competition from within its own family. For about the same price, the new eight-passenger Chevrolet Traverse offers more interior room, better handling and safety features and superior fuel economy.

The standard engine is the powerhouse 4.2-liter in-line six. This amazing engine has the power of a small V8, delivering ample passing power at all speeds. If, however, more torque is required for towing, the 6.0-liter V8 found in the SS model is available. The TrailBlazer’s steering wheel has a solid, firm feel to it, devoid of the floating disconnect inherent in so many power steering systems. You always have a good idea where the TrailBlazer is going, and its tight steering and double A-arm front suspension frees you from constantly making corrections to keep the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. A firm brake pedal brings the TrailBlazer to a quick stop every time, and the brakes show little fade after repeated use.

The TrailBlazer’s interior is typically Chevrolet: Simple and clean. However, the design is definitely 90s-era Chevy and lacks the sophistication found on newer models such as the Tahoe and Traverse. The seating is firm and the dash and controls are adorned in wood trim and sturdy black plastic. Backlighting on the power window buttons and steering wheel-mounted controls are two excellent features that aid while driving at night. Chevrolet offers a number of sophisticated electronic toys, including rear-seat DVD entertainment and OnStar telematics.

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer’s rugged yet refined pose seems as comfortable off-road as in the valet parking lot. Tall doors make it easy to get in without bumping your head, and there’s enough glass to give the driver a nearly-uninterrupted view through 360 degrees. The Trailblazer SS trim gets jet black paint, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and a lowered ride height. Due to its age, popular features such as a power liftgate and HID headlamps are not part of the TrailBlazer’s option list.

The standard 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine offers more power than some V8s and commendably good fuel economy, as well.

SS Package
The words "fun to drive" and "SUV" rarely go hand in hand, but they do when talking about the SS package’s sport tuned suspension, big tire and wheel package and 390-horsepower V8.

The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT features dual-zone manual air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), StabiliTrak electronic stability control, illuminated entry, power liftgate release, AM/FM stereo with CD, rear window wiper/washer, aluminum wheels, keyless entry, garage door opener, eight-way power driver’s seat and a Driver Information Center. The SS trim adds a 6.0-liter V8, larger brakes, performance suspension, 20-inch wheels and SS logo badging.

Options for the TrailBlazer include four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (SS), power sunroof, rear DVD entertainment system, limited-slip rear differential, touch-screen navigation radio and power-adjustable foot pedals.

The 4.2-liter in-line six is terrific, unless you’re towing something really big. It provides plenty of power, decent highway fuel economy and quiet operation. The 6.0-liter V8 is an excellent option for those who need more power, but it carries a high price tag and consumes fuel like there’s no tomorrow.

4.2-liter in-line 6
285 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
276 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 14/20 (4WD)

6.0-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
400 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/16 (2WD), 12/16 (AWD)