Faults:

Weather stripping tends to fall off.

I have replaced the fan clutch three times, starting at 50,000 miles.

I've replaced the water pump, at 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

For the most part, this is the best car I've ever owned. It is comfortable to ride in, easy to drive, and has a roomy interior.

On the downside, GM knows that the fan clutch has a factory defect. I've replaced mine three times and, again, it needs another one. So far, GM has not issued a recall.

The fuel pump is positioned in a place that accumulates water, mud and gravel. My mechanic had to fix two leaks in the lines going to and from the pump. The top of the pump was rusted, it could have cost me over three hundred dollars to replace the pump.

The vehicle is a gas hog, which is due in part to the defective fan clutch.

I'm angry with GM, they issue a recall for something like a glove box door that will not stay shut, but for something expensive like a fan clutch, they are silent.

No wonder Americans are going to foreign cars.

Faults:

Every year (5 years) I have owned the car, the car has stopped starting at one time or another. The latest problem turned out to be a bad starter. Three of the four times required the ignition switch to be replaced. The 4th time the dealer replaced a wiring harness on the transmission. I've had the recall on the door seals but the noise is horrendous when you get cross winds. I had a taillight go out but that was fixed by a recall.

General Comments:

The car rides very smoothly even at 80mph.

I still have the original brakes at 67,000 miles and my mechanic says I still have another 10,000 to go.

The car has super towing capability. I barely reach 2500rpms when pulling my 23 foot travel trailer up a hill.

I like the way you can change the seating arrangements with the minimum of effort.

I don't like sitting in the back of the car because you can't see out the front window because the seats are elevated.

Faults:

Shift solenoids in transmission at 80,000.

General Comments:

The first time I looked at the vehicle from a distance, it was a stark, standout in the lot. Naturally the salesman "eased" me toward them. Upon inspecting it, I was impressed with the smooth lines and curves on such a large vehicle, and the interior was roomy and comfortable and versatile. I had a rather large family at the time (four teenagers) and road trips were a common event. This seemed liked the ideal vehicle.

I test drove their demo at the dealership; the EXT model, and was impressed again by its quick response to my rather, "heavy foot." I too liked the four disc braking system. The ride was superb for what I considered, a "Truck" with extra body. I too liked how the noise of the hi-way traffic seemed "hushed" inside the cab.

I went home that evening, and called five dealers in the area to see who had the LT edition, and what kind of offering they had. I only found two who had the LT on their lot; one was within 40 minutes of my home and was owned by a "friend of the family." I decided to purchase from him.

The first week I had the vehicle, the air conditioner quit working. ("I thought to myself, Uh-Oh.") It turned out to be a sensor, and was repaired at the dealer in about fifteen minutes. Hasn't been an issue since.

I take good care of the vehicles that I've owned; an expensive purchase can quickly become a regret, through neglect. I pretty much follow the manufacturer's recommended guideline for services, although I will admit, I don't wait for the "Change oil" light to tell me to change the oil, and it's probably unnecessary to do so, but I change it at or very close to the 3000 mile interval. The seven quart oil cooling/lubricating system on the I6-4.2 engine, was I thought, a very good idea since it had the aluminum block.

At about the 30000 mile interval, I got a recall notice about a tail light issue, I took it in, (different dealer) waited in their lobby for 45 minute (after they took my vehicle back), and they came in to tell me they didn't have the replacements in stock, and would call me when they came in. (Never did!) I, however haven't had any troubles with the lights other than ordinary bulb failures. I still haven't had those fixtures changed.

At 60000 miles my tires were looking tired and untrustworthy, so I went looking.

First I did a little research, as I had heard a few bad stories on tires and Suva's, Ie. "Firestone/Ford" so I wanted to make a smart approach. The tires that came with the vehicle (General) were OK, but I thought the rain effect and occasional icing I get here in Southern Kentucky should be a consideration for my decision. I went with the Goodyear "Fort era," a very good tire for this vehicle, and for it I will not even consider a different tire.

At about the 80000 milestone, the transmission wouldn't shift into OD (4th). It turned out to be a shift solenoid, a relatively inexpensive part; there are several electronic shift components inside the oilpan. I changed them all while I had it up in the air.

Next the alternator, at 125000 miles. OK that's acceptable to me. I thought the replacement a bit pricey, until I realized how much this jewel has to power. So I swallowed my heart and shelled out about 300 bucks, for it and a new battery.

I just changed the spark plugs in it yesterday (second time), but after inspecting the old ones, I didn't notice any unusual deposits or build up, and probably could have gone another (Bunch of) miles more on them. I replaced them with the factory spec, AC Delco iridium type. With the cost of fuel these days, I don't give it a second thought when it comes to performance and efficiency.

Overall I am very satisfied with the Trailblazer, though I really don't need such a large vehicle anymore; kids drive themselves now, and spend little time in the vehicle with us. But I commute about 55 miles to work, and traffic is murderous in the city (Nashville). The Trailblazer, affords me comfort and a safe feeling for my ride.

I know with fuel being so expensive, I should be driving one of our other vehicles, and it seems everyone is getting hybrids and small fuel efficient vehicles, and that I too should go ahead and retire the "Old Girl", but I feel a sentimental attachment to her, and haven't given in to giving in.

I applaud the folks at GM and the plant where she was built, (Oklahoma) for building me an "Outstanding", piece of Americana that is becoming a thing of the past. I only pray that when I do purchase another Chevy or GM product, that it will be as healthy..