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Best & Worst Years of Chevrolet Trailblazer – Graphs & Owner Surveys

The best years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer are 2005 and 2007-2009. Avoid 2002-2004 and 2006. The significant issues tend to be a high number of recalls, problems with the electrical system, and regular difficulty with the variable camshaft timing solenoid.

2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer i motion
Brandon Woyshnis - stock.adobe.com

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a mid-size SUV introduced in 2001 to replace the S10 Blazer. It quickly became popular due to its spacious interior and rugged exterior. The model years extended from 2002-2009 and was brought back in 2020 with modern style and advanced safety features.

While the Trailblazer is popular and has excellent features, there are multiple years you should avoid altogether. Using data from FIXD sensors installed in Trailblazers, we have compiled a list of the best and worst years of the SUV. We also considered the safety ratings from NHTSA.gov and the fuel efficiency (or lack of) from fueleconomy.gov. Lastly, we looked at the resale value from KBB.com and manufacturer recalls.  

Here is the rundown of the data, followed by an in-depth analysis of the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Best Years Why? Worst Years Why?
2009

Good reliability scores, low repair costs, no recalls

>> See 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2004

High repair costs, concerning DTCs, low safety score

>> See 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2008

Good safety scores, no recalls, best reliability scores

>> See 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2003

High repair costs, a large number of recalls

>> See 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2007

Great safety scores, low recalls, and two SS trims worth looking at

>> See 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2006

A large number of recalls and complaints, concerning CELs that result in expensive repairs

>> See 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2005

Lowest repair costs, low number of recalls, improved safety

>> See 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

2002

Large number or recalls, low reliability scores, a high number of DTCs

>> See 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG and Value v.s. Maintenance & Repair Costs – Year by Year

Shopping for a used car is a daunting task that takes time and research. We have collected and organized data to make the process smooth and easy. Using the data from FIXD scanners installed in Chevrolet Trailblazers, we determined which years of the SUV were reliable and which ones to avoid. Owners also submitted surveys that allowed us to create an Owner Reliability Score. 

We graphed the data from our FIXD and Owner reliability scores. The following graphs also show the safety performance and gas mileage of the Trailblazer. The last one shows market value along with annual repair and maintenance costs before we dive into each year. 

If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USAs’ most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.

Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years

Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Reliability Score

Reliability is the leading factor in determining our list of best and worst years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. We developed 2 unique scores based on proprietary data. The scores are meant to be compared. Both scores share the same scale. 1 is the lowest score, 5 is average and 10 is the highest.

The first score, is the FIXD Reliability Score (green line on graph) which was created by tallying the number of check engine lights (CEL) thrown by the vehicles registered in our app then dividing that by the number of cars and then weighting the score on an average of 12,000 miles driven per year. 

The second score, the Owner Reliability Score (gray line), came from owner surveys. Owners answered questions about their experience with their car, and their responses gave subjective  opinions on reliability. We translated this to a numbered score. The question used and the rest of our methodology on determining this score is listed at the bottom of this article under the methodology section.

You’ll also notice the graph only covers the first generation of Trailblazers. This is because we do not have enough data for the 2020-2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer to include them in our analysis.

You can see that the overall pattern of reliability scores follows the same path, but the Owner Reliability Score is higher than the FIXD Reliability Score from 2002-2006. This is usually due to the car’s reliability being worse than the owners believe or owners just being more accepting of a larger number of check engine lights on their older car. People’s cars gradually have more repairs and check engine lights year after year and we assume many people just become used to it. 

If you have owned a car for a while, that loyalty can often blind you to the fact that there are other more reliable cars out there for you to choose from. Sometimes, a new and more reliable car is just a convenience factor. But remember, it is also possible to spend more on repairs than the car is worth to you. Our reliability scores can be a good way to help determine whether the car is worth keeping alive or if things are only going to get worse. This is key to not putting money in a car that is not worth fixing.

Whether you are looking to buy a Trailblazer or you already own one, this information on reliability could save you a lot of money on repairs.

Every time your CEL goes on, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is generated. These help the mechanic determine what’s wrong with the engine. If you’re curious, we put together a cheatsheet with the Top 5 DTCs (& what they mean) for the top Chevrolet models.

NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years

Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety Score

The safety rating of the Chevrolet Trailblazer isn’t anything to write home about. The gray line shows the average safety rating for all the vehicles we have data on. Comparing it with the green line shows that the 2003-2009 Chevy Trailblazer falls below average regarding overall safety.

But, the competing SUVs aren’t that much better. 

Just for comparison, the Ford Escape scored 4 out of 5 stars in 2005-2008 but rose to 4.3 in 2009.

As you can see by the green line on the graph, the first three years of the Trailblazer were between 3.6 and 3.8, but in 2005 it scored 4 out of 5 stars. It received a 4 out of 5 stars for 5 consecutive years until it was discontinued in 2009. 

Not a big difference. 

One notable exception amongst Trailblazer competitors is the Honda CR-V which boasts a very enviable safety rating across most years, it only dipped below a 4.6 once since 2005 (in 2011). It is also the most reliable of the most popular vehicles in the US.

Safety ratings are taken into consideration by insurance companies when they determine premiums. A safer vehicle will result in cheaper car insurance than a car with low safety scores. To save money, you can find information about how to get cheap insurance in your state. 

If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours. 

What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In:
Ohio
North Carolina
Michigan
Georgia
Texas
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
California

MPG – Over The Years

Chevrolet Trailblazer MPG

The graph above shows the fuel mileage for the Chevrolet Trailblazer from 2002-2009, acquired from fueleconomy.gov. It is consistent across all eight years and fluctuates from 15-16 mpg. This gas mileage is similar to the Ford Explorer, which averages 15-16 mpg between the same years. 

Marketed as a spacious SUV with a rugged exterior, the Chevrolet Trailblazer wasn’t focused on achieving excellent fuel efficiency. If you’re shopping for a car to save money at the pumps, look away from most mid-size SUVs. 

Current Market Value of All Chevrolet Trailblazer Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each

Chevrolet Trailblazer Current Market Value vs Cost of Repairs

There are no surprises with the KBB market value of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. The older models are worth less overall than the newer ones. The one exception is in 2007, where the market value is $78 less than the older 2006. This difference is because 2007 models have a higher average mileage (170,000) than 2006 (158,333). More miles on a vehicle negatively affect its resale value.  

Repair costs are pretty steep for the Trailblazer, staying below $1,000 for most of the eight years. The highest repair and maintenance costs belong to 2008, at a whopping $1,150. The lowest cost belongs to 2005 at $533, and the average across all Trailblazers is $657.

If you’d like to learn about this vehicle’s past depreciation rate & our projected depreciation rate based on that, check out: Chevrolet Trailblazer | Depreciation Rate & Curve Graphed.

When shopping for a used Chevrolet Trailblazer, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!

Important Features Timeline

Chevrolet Trailblazer Timeline of Important Features

2002: First year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, replaced S10 Blazer

2003: Introduced North Face Edition trim, V8 available on EXT version

2004: DVD navigation, new 17-inch aluminum wheels

2005: Aesthetic upgrades for interior and exterior, new optional audio system with CD and MP3

2006: SS Trim introduced, boasting 391 horsepower V8 engine

2007: No significant changes, EXT version no longer available

2008: Side curtain airbags and satellite radio become standard equipment

2009: Bluetooth connectivity available, Trailblazer discontinued after this year

2021: Reintroduced after 12 years with latest technology and safety features

2022: Optional 1.3-liter engine, standard satellite radio

The Best Years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

Black Chevrolet TrailBlazer in the town street.
art_zzz – stock.adobe.com

We ranked the best years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer based on their FIXD and Owner Reliability Scores. However, if you’re shopping for a used Trailblazer, it’s also essential to factor in the safety ratings, fuel economy, and annual maintenance cost.

We also look at the most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and the recalls issued by the NHTSA. 

2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer

FIXD Reliability Score: 4/10

Owner Reliability Score: 4/10

KBB Value: $4,731

Fuel Economy: 15 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $583

Safety Rating: 4/5

The 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer is at the top of the list due to lower than average maintenance costs and better reliability scores than other years. Although the reliability scores are lower than in 2008, 2009 has much lower ownership costs, higher resale value, and fewer overall complaints. It was the last year of the first generation of Trailblazers before it was discontinued and returned twelve years later. 

The FIXD and Owner Reliability Scores are 4/10. This score might seem low compared to many newer vehicles, but it isn’t unusual for a vehicle nearing its 15th birthday. 

The NHTSA safety score for 2009 is 4/5, the highest the first generation ever achieves. 4 out of 5 stars is around the average for a mid-size SUV from 2009 but is lower than the average of all vehicles. 

Repair costs are an impressive $583, $74 cheaper than the average across all Trailblazers. This low ownership cost is one of the main reasons 2009 is first on the list. 25% of owners believe the car will make it over 200,000 miles. 

Another major upside for the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer is that it currently has 0 recalls and only has 27 complaints reported. 

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer in the city street.
art_zzz – stock.adobe.com

FIXD Reliability Score: 5/10

Owner Reliability Score: 5/10

KBB Value: $3,754

Fuel Economy: 15 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,150

Safety Rating: 4/5

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the best years to own due to a low number of CELs and the best Owner Reliability Score. It made side curtain airbags and satellite radio standard across all trims. The FIXD and Owner Reliability Scores agreed at 5/10. 

The 2008 Trailblazer received 4/5 stars in its NHTSA safety rating, identical to the Ford Escape from the same year. 

Repair and maintenance costs are the major drawbacks of the 2008 Trailblazer. The average repair cost for owners of this model year is $1,150, much higher than the average of $657. 67% of people with 2008 say they had to pay over $500 for a repair. 

The most common DTCs for the 2008 Trailblazer are P0453 and P0014. If P0453 was paired with P0463, owners typically replaced the fuel level sending unit, and it cost anywhere from $151-$323. DTC P0014 means “Exhaust Camshaft Timing Over Advanced Bank 1” and is a severe issue related to the car’s oil (or lack of it). 

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer has no recalls as of May 2023 and only has 193 complaints, mainly about the electrical system.

2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer

FIXD Reliability Score: 3/10

Owner Reliability Score: 3/10

KBB Value: $3,218

Fuel Economy: 16 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $713

Safety Rating: 4/5

The 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the best to consider as a used vehicle. It has higher reliability scores than most other trailblazers and a good safety score. One drawback is that Chevy quit offering the seven-passenger EXT trim in 2007.

The scores are even again at 3/10 for both FIXD and Owner Reliability. This Trailblazer got an overall safety score of 4 out of 5 stars but received a perfect 5/5 on both the driver and rear passenger crash tests.

Repair and maintenance costs are typical for the Trailblazer but a little more than the average annual cost of $713. 71% of owners surveyed also paid $500+ for a repair. 

The most common code thrown in the 2007 Trailblazer is P0455, which means “System Gross Leak Evaporative System Malfunction.” The most common reason for P0455 is a loose gas cap. The second most common code is P2138, related to the Engine Control Module or the throttle body. The third most common DTC is P2122, often resulting in a new powertrain control module ($1,021-$1,505). 

The 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer has five recalls, mainly related to the electrical system. One is a short circuit board, which could cause a fire even when garaged. 

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Black offroad car Chevrolet TrailBlazer in the city street.
art_zzz – stock.adobe.com

FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10

Owner Reliability Score: 4/10

KBB Value: $2,943

Fuel Economy: 15 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $533

Safety Rating: 4/5

A car almost 20 years old with an average of 165,000 miles, the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer certainly has its flaws. But one of the reasons it is one of the best overall Trailblazers is due to low ownership costs and a good safety rating.

27% of owners believe their Trailblazer will make it over 200,000 miles, which explains why the Owner Reliability Score (4/10) is higher than the FIXD Reliability Score (2/10). 

The 2005 Chevy Trailblazer also nets the highest overall safety score, with 4 out of 5 stars. This score is slightly lower than the 2005 Honda CR-V (4.7/5) but equal to the 2005 Ford Escape. 

The 2005 Trailblazer boasts the lowest annual repair and maintenance costs on the best and worst list, a major reason for landing on this side. Owners say it only costs them $533 a year to maintain and repair their car, over $100 less than the average. 

P0014 causes the most common CEL. This DTC is typically an oil-related issue that might result in a variable camshaft timing solenoid repair, costing $1,016-$1,531. The following code that was triggered often in 2005 is P0300, requiring ignition coils and costing $51 to $173. Lastly, the 2005 Trailblazer is known to trigger P0455, which is often just a loose or missing gas cap. 

There are only two recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, one for the leather seat covers not sensing a passenger for the airbag and the other for windshield adhesion. The manufacturer fixes recalls at no cost to the vehicle owner. 

The Worst Years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

Up-close photo of Front grille of Chevrolet Trailblazer
walterericsy – stock.adobe.com

Working our way to the years to avoid, we ranked them using the same factors we did for the best: The FIXD Reliability Score, Owner Reliability Score, owner surveys, safety ratings, and fuel efficiency. These years have higher repair costs, more DTCs, and numerous recalls.They are listed from absolute-worst to least-worst.

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10

Owner Reliability Score: 3/10

KBB Value: $2,607

Fuel Economy: 16 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $794

Safety Rating: 3.8/5

The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts our list of Trailblazers to avoid. It has low reliability, high repair costs, and a below-average safety rating. 

The FIXD Reliability Score for this vehicle is 2/10, which is caused by a large number of check engine lights. Owners thought the car was a little more reliable than that and gave it a 3/10 for the Owner Reliability Score. 

According to the NHTSA, the safety score for the 2004 Trailblazer is only 3.8 out of 5 stars, and it only received 3/5 on its front collision test. This safety score is much lower than the 2004 Honda CR-V, which scored a perfect 5/5. 

If you’re shopping for a used Trailblazer, consider the $794 yearly maintenance cost of the 2004 model. This is above the $657 average. 82% of owners paid $500 or more for a repair on their vehicle, and 21.05% of those expensive repairs occurred in the transmission. 

Since this Trailblazer is one to be avoided, it is no surprise that there are a lot of CELs. The most common is DTC P0014, which might require a variable camshaft position sensor ($1,106-$1,531). Next is the P0128, which means “Coolant Thermostat Temperature Below Regulating Temperature.” Replacing the engine coolant thermostat could run $2,049-$2,567. 

Another common code for the 2004 Trailblazer is P0420. DTC P0420 is the catalytic converter and costs between $1,538 and $2,041. You could spend more than the car’s market value in any combination of these repairs. 

A silver lining in the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer is that it only has two recalls. However, it does have 5 investigations and 1,367 complaints. Most of the complaints are about the electrical system. The investigations and recalls are exterior lighting problems, such as headlights or turn signals. 

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer

FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10

Owner Reliability Score: 4/10

KBB Value: $2,454

Fuel Economy: 15 MPG 

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $934

Safety Rating: 3.7/5

The 2003 Trailblazer is the second year of its first generation, and while it did improve upon 2002, it is still a vehicle we recommend avoiding while you shop for a used car. It has high repair costs and low safety scores. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is only 2/10, making it tied with 2004 for the second worst. The Owner Reliability Score is decent at 4/10, which once again means owners are unaware of how unreliable their vehicle is compared to others. 

Besides affecting the cost of your insurance, safety scores are important for, well, safety. This is especially true for those looking to transport the family and/or travel long distances. The 2003 Chevy Trailblazer received the lowest safety score amongst Trailblazers, scoring only 3.7 out of 5 stars, not great. 

Annual maintenance and repair costs are the second highest in the 2003 model. Owners will find it hard to pay $934 a year for mechanic work when the car is only worth an average of $2,454. 

Another drawback is that 74% of owners reported a $500 or more repair required in their Trailblazer. 26.09% of those repairs were on the engine, while 21.43% dealt with the fuel system.

The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer commonly shows DTCs P1481 and P1345. These codes might result in replacing the variable camshaft timing solenoid, adding $1,016-$1,531 to your repair bill. Another common check engine light is caused by trouble code P0440, “Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction.” If the gas cap isn’t loose, it might be a fuel filler cap, costing $58-$165.

The sophomore year of the Trailblazer improves from its first year in the area of recalls. The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has nine recalls concerning nine investigations and 1,266 complaints. 

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer

FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10

Owner Reliability Score: 2/10

KBB Value: $3,296

Fuel Economy: 16 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $600

Safety Rating: 4/5

Chevrolet put an SS badge on an SUV for the first time with the 2006 Trailblazer. It has 391 horsepower, 20-inch wheels, and a 6.0 V8 engine. However, one unique trim doesn’t make up for low reliability scores and many recalls and complaints. 

It only scored 3/5 on one of its rollover ratings, which is a concerning safety measure if you’re planning to use it as a family vehicle. 

Ownership costs are below average for this Trailblazer, costing only $600 a year for maintenance or necessary fixes. According to owners, there is an 88% chance you’ll have to pay $500 or more for a single repair.

The low FIXD Reliability Score is due to many CELs, and the three most common are P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected), P0017, and P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Timing Over Advanced Bank 1). P0304 usually resulted in replacing spark plugs, which cost anywhere from $58-$167. P0017 and P0014 point to a faulty variable camshaft timing solenoid, an expensive repair at $1,016-$1,531. 

The 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer has eight healthy recalls, five investigations, and 1,342 complaints. The complaints are mainly about the electrical system, but the recalls range from failing headlamps to a faulty power steering hose. While the recalls are free to have repaired, they can be a hassle.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer in the city street.
art_zzz – stock.adobe.com

FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10

Owner Reliability Score: 4/10

KBB Value: $2,090

Fuel Economy: 16 MPG

Annual Maintenance/Repair: $768

Safety Rating: 3.8/5

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer was the first year of the first generation, and we recommend avoiding it altogether. While it was a major upgrade from its predecessor, the S10 Blazer, it still has a low safety score, and many recalls. 

2002 received the lowest FIXD Reliability Score at 1/10 but a much better 4/10 on the Owner Reliability Score. Owners of this SUV probably think it is more reliable than it is in comparison to some of the newer models. 

The safety score is 3.8/5, which could affect the cost of your insurance premium. This is lower than the overall average of all vehicles and the 2002 Ford Escape, which scored 4.2 out of 5. 

Fixing and maintaining this car is one of its least appealing features, especially since it is only worth $2,090. This car averages $768 a year in maintenance, so looking elsewhere for a used vehicle is best. 

The 2002 Chevy Trailblazer’s most common DTCs are P1345 and the severe P0014, which point to that pesky variable camshaft timing solenoid ($1,016-$1,531). The next one is P0420, which might require a catalytic converter ($1,538-$2,041).

If the previous data hasn’t scared you, the sheer number of recalls is reason enough to avoid the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. It has a model-high 14 recalls. This Trailblazer also has an astonishing 11 investigations and 1,291 complaints. If you’re shopping for a used Trailblazer, don’t look twice at 2002. 

FAQs

What years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer have engine and/or transmission problems?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer has a good history of engine and transmission reliability. However, most Trailblazers are over ten years old and have reached a mileage amount that may cause problems within their system. 

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer has reported issues with the engine and transmission. There are multiple complaints about the transmission needing to be rebuilt or replaced. From our data, 67% of 2002 owners reported a repair over $500, and 33.33% of those repairs were in the engine, while 17.65% were in the transmission. 

What is considered high mileage for a Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The average mileage reported by FIXD users in their Chevy Trailblazer is 126,412. However, the first-generation Trailblazers (2002-2009) have an average of above 150,000 miles. 

The data would suggest high mileage would be over 175,000, but treat each vehicle as an individual case. We recommend an inspection to determine if your Trailblazer’s mileage is a cause for concern. 

What other vehicles should I consider?

 If you’re shopping for a Chevrolet Trailblazer, you can consider several other vehicles and still get most of the same features. The Chevrolet Trax is a smaller SUV, while the Equinox would be a good choice if you want something bigger. Chevy also makes a 3rd row Traverse for even more seating and comfort. 

There are also several options outside of the Chevrolet lineup. Another great mid-size SUV to consider is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has plenty of cargo space for passengers and is designed to provide great performance on or off the road. 

The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV known for its reliability and resale value. It is also a great vehicle for off-road adventures with its four-wheel-drive system. Toyota also offers a RAV4 if you’re looking for a smaller SUV. The RAV4 is extremely reliable and provides comfort with performance. 

Ford also produces two excellent SUVs, the Escape and Explorer. While it is a smaller SUV, the Ford Escape offers plenty of cargo space and good gas mileage. It is also a budget-friendly option. The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV with a spacious cabin and an excellent family vehicle. It also has a range of available engines and the latest safety technology. 

What owners of the Chevrolet Trailblazer like to use their car for:

People who own a Chevrolet Trailblazer are using it mainly as a family vehicle or for lots of driving. 51% of surveyed owners say the Trailblazer is their family’s transportation. 30% claim to use it for travel or a long commute and 9% for hauling/towing. 5% use it for luxurious driving, 3% take it off-road, and 1% call it their office on wheels. No owners claim to use their Trailblazer for sport or fast driving.

Frequent Use Categories: How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars)
Family Vehicle *****
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) ***
Hauling/Towing *
Office on Wheels *
Sport/Fast Driving *
Luxurious Driving *
Outdoor/Off-Road *

A Note About Data and Information Sources

This article has many details about Chevrolet Trailblazer reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.

  • FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App

The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing. 

This is an objective score.

  • Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Chevrolet Trailblazer owners who use FIXD. 

The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.  

This is a subjective score.

To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:

How reliable would you say your Chevrolet Trailblazer is?

a. Just point A to point B driving

b. A Daily Commuter

c. Good for a 100 mile road trip

d. Good for a 500 mile road trip

e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem

From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:

a. = 2

b. = 4

c. = 6

d. = 8

e. = 10

Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is. 

One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.

Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.

Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others. 

It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars. 

Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data. 

We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.

  • KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Chevrolet Equinox with typical mileage for that respective model year.
  • Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
  • Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Chevrolet Equinox owners
  • Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.

References

  1. Chevrolet Trailblazer model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved May 8th, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
  2. Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved May 8th, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
  3. 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Failure, carcomplaints.com (various dates). Retrieved May 8th, 2023 from https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Trailblazer/2002/transmission/transmission_failure_4L60E.shtml
Keith Rollins

Keith Rollins is a copywriter and author that has been involved in the automotive industry for over 12 years. He has written for hotcars.com and is featured on Copywriting.org. When he’s not writing he’s spending time with his three kids, hiking, working on cars, or running. You can see his work at keithrrollins.com.

We’re here to help you simplify car care and save, so this post may contain affiliate links to help you do just that. If you click on a link and take action, we may earn a commission. However, the analysis and opinions expressed are our own.

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About the Author

Keith Rollins

Keith Rollins

Keith Rollins is a copywriter and author that has been involved in the automotive industry for over 12 years. He has written for hotcars.com and is featured on Copywriting.org. When he’s not writing he’s spending time with his three kids, hiking, working on cars, or running. You can see his work at keithrrollins.com.

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