2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Review

The 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer features a sleek exterior design with generous power under the hood and a wealth of interior options. As a carryover from the prior model year, the Trailblazer maintains the same interior additions like OnStar for one year, a three-month trial subscription to XM Satellite Radio, and dual-zone manual climate control. Buyers can add a number of accessories and truly customize the SUV to meet their unique driving needs as well. With two trim levels and several drivetrain selections, consumers will have the ability to put their personal touch on their 2009 Trailblazer.

This Chevrolet can be fitted with either a 285 horsepower Vortec 4.2L I6 or an even more impressive 390 horsepower 6.0L SL2 Small Block V8 engine. Both engine selections have more than enough power for this five-passenger model. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the I6 version, while the V8 gets a heavy-duty electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The only problem that might come into play for some consumers is the Trailblazer's fuel economy; with the I6 coming in at 15 city MPG and 21 highway MPG, comparable to the Mitsubishi Endeavor, and the V8 estimated at 12 city MPG and 16 highway MPG. With more buyers looking to go green, the Trailblazer could do with, at least, flex-fuel capabilities. Also, the base trim with 2WD can haul a trailer with a max weight of around 5,900-lbs, which surpasses most of the competition. For those that require extra towing capability, the SS trim with 2WD can get about 6,800-lbs.

Inside, the 2009 Trailblazer comes with some convenient additions. An oil life monitor is located in the instrument cluster. This features a digital readout of the percentage of life left on the oil and filter in the SUV. While this is a handy reminder, it also avoids the issue of changing the oil too often. Power windows and locks with remote keyless entry are included, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat and a rear window wiper with washer. The rear wiper comes in handy for those that equip their Trailblazer with AWD and take it offroading on occasion. Buyers can upgrade to features like automatic climate control, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system.

Security is a high priority for Chevrolet on this year's Trailblazer. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Stabilitrak Electronic Stability Control, and head-curtain side-impact airbags are included. Buyers will also get Chevrolet's most advanced passenger airbag system yet. A sensing program automatically monitors the position of the front passenger and his or her mass and height to better determine the force and angle with which to deploy the airbag.

In general, the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a solid pick for those that want superior power in their SUV. Those that are looking for environmentally-friendly additions will need to look elsewhere though. Priced at around $29,155, the Trailblazer is certainly worth the money, but it still could be out of some buyers' budgets. Families will be pleased with the attention to safety in this year's model as well.