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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

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Overview

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2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need something bigger than an Equinox but not as massive as a Suburban, the 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will probably fit well into your life (as well as your garage). It has good front- and rear-seat legroom, a fair amount of cargo space and the ability to tow up to 6,800 pounds (SS model).

You May Not Like This Car If...

You may not like the TrailBlazer if you're looking for car-like handling or need the convenience of a third-row seat.

What's New for 2009

For 2009, OnStar 8.0 now offers Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. The 5.3-liter V8 option has been dropped.

Driving the TrailBlazer

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Details

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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.

Optional Equipment

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.

Under the Hood

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)

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2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.3

Out of 5

Based on 1598 Ratings for the 2002 - 2012 Chevrolet TrailBlazer models.

Review this car

Value

4.1/5

Quality

4.1/5
Reliability

4.3/5

Performance

4.3/5
Comfort

4.4/5

Styling

4.3/5

Chevy all the way

By granny (OH) on Sunday, February 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "great gas milage, dependable"

Cons: "sunroof not an option for tall people"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Roomy, dependable, great gas milage, my complaint is the seals on the windows are somewhat warn which you hear more outside noise and if you have a tall husband do not get the sunroof option. It takes off about two inches of headroom."

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Nice vehicle but not dependable. Too many recalls.

By Tom Tom (IL) on Saturday, February 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

5 2.0

overall rating 2 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/5
Value: 1/5
Reliability: 1/5
Quality: 1/5
Performance: 1/5
Styling: 2/5
Comfort: 2/5

Pros: "Not bad gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive"

Cons: "too many electronic problems"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought it new in 2006. It was fine until my 36000 mile warranty was up. First the drivers side door quit working(window power locks and power mirrors). Then the ignition went out twice. Also the idler pulley for the belt tensioner broke. It would idle down and die out of nowhere. The altenater will suck the battery dead. and now the starter is out of it."

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