Used 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The midsize 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV may be one of the older designs on the market, but its winning combination of size, power, interior room and price make it a force with which to be reckoned. The five-passenger TrailBlazer comes with a standard potent yet fuel-friendly in-line six-cylinder engine, and there’s an optionally available 5.3-liter V8 that’s perfectly suited for towing heavy 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. A long list of optional equipment makes it easy to personalize the TrailBlazer, creating a rolling recreation room for the kids in a safe and stylish package both mom and dad can feel good about.

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 5.3-liter V8 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. The seating is firm and the dash and controls are handsomely adorned in wood trim and sturdy black plastic. Backlighting on the power window buttons and steering wheel-mounted controls are two excellent features often overlooked by many other manufacturers. Chevrolet offers some of the most sophisticated electronic toys on the market, including rear-seat DVD entertainment and OnStar telematics.

The 2008 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.

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

Fuel-Saving V8
With Active Fuel Management, the 5.3-liter V8 runs on four cylinders when not under load. All eight cylinders come on-line nearly instantaneously once the accelerator is depressed.

The 2008 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), a 5.3-liter V8, 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. The 5.3-liter V8 is an excellent option for those who need more power. Its Active Fuel Management technology helps out with highway fuel economy. For those eager for a high-performance SUV, the SS version, complete with 6.0-liter V8, is the clear choice.

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, automatic), 14/20 (4WD, automatic)

5.3-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5300 rpm
321 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD, automatic), 13/19 (4WD, automatic),

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