The TrailBlazer is an upscale Chevy Blazer. It's available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. Either way, the TrailBlazer gets a monotone exterior and special badging. The bumpers and front fascia, body side moldings, and outside rearview mirror are all body color, and TrailBlazers get special gold-accented aluminum wheels. Otherwise, the TrailBlazer looks like other 4-door Blazers.Like all the other Blazer-class GM SUVs, a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 powers the TrailBlazer. The 90-degree V6 uses a cast iron block and head and overhead valves, and runs happily on 87 octane. Although the redline is 5600 rpm, the power peak of 190 horsepower comes at 4400 rpm. And, with a very useful 250 foot-pounds of torque at 2800 rpm, there's limited need to rev the engine to the redline. GM's 4-speed electronic automatic transmission is standard on the TrailBlazer. Four-wheel-drive TrailBlazers get the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system, which is new for the '99 model year. As with the push button-controlled Insta-Trac standard on all 4x4 Blazers, the TrailBlazer driver can shift between 2WD and 4WD high on the fly. The 4WD low mode can be used by stopping and shifting the transfer case. Autotrac adds an Auto 4WD button. In this mode, the transfer case remains in 2WD until wheel slip is detected. The transmission shifts automatically into 4WD until prop shaft speeds are equalized, and then returns to 2WD. If multiple "slip events" are detected, the transfer case remains in 4WD for a longer time. Autotrac also has a transfer case neutral for towing behind a recreational vehicle. Like all Blazers, the TrailBlazer uses a short-/long-arm front suspension; 4x4 models are sprung by torsion bars. At the rear, the TrailBlazer has a live rear axle with variable-rate multi-leaf springs. The four-wheel drive TrailBlazers come equipped with Z85 Touring Suspension. Using firm de Carbon shock absorbers and stiffer spring rates, the Z85 package has a more controlled ride.
Inside, the TrailBlazer features special two-tone leather trim seats with logos embroidered on the headrests and the TrailBlazer name embroidered on the door panels. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard with a new small hub thanks to a redesigned airbag. The TrailBlazer also gets special floor mats and a console-mounted transmission shifter. The front seats are broad with limited bolstering. They are more like comfortable chairs than bucket seats. A bulge in the front passenger's footwell accommodates the Blazer's exhaust. The rear bench is low but will be comfortable for two adults, though three will fit. The rear seatback splits and folds 60-40 for cargo flexibility. As the top-of-the-line 4-door model, the TrailBlazer also includes all the standard features on the LT trim level, including the electronic climate control, a thermostat control that really works. Tilt wheel and speed control, power windows, locks and mirrors are also included. Our test TrailBlazer also had the optional power glass sunroof ($750), heated driver's seat ($250), steering wheel radio controls ($125), AM/FM stereo with CD player ($100), enhanced speakers ($495), underbody shield package ($126), and heavy duty trailering equipment ($210), all of which came with and a package discount of $1400. |
