The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer lasts around 200,000 miles with only some electrical system and fuel system problems. At $5,341 to $12,434, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Trailblazer. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, ability to drive in the snow, and the passenger space.
- Interior quality is okay, but there’s nothing special and the plastic trim feels cheap. The technology is outdated for the age and missing features found in rivals.
- Reliability ratings are average for an SUV. Avoid models from 2005 and older, and go with a 2006 or newer.
- Performance is similar to rivals from the base V6 engine, but the largest V8 offers great power.
- The 2008 Trailblazer is a reasonably safe SUV, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is poor, at up to 17 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Trailblazer?
- Consumer Reports says the Trailblazer offers plenty of power, and has average long term owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Trailblazer a 4.5/5 liking the comfortable suspension, but disliking the outdated design.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Trailblazer 4.3/5 and enjoy the passenger room, but dislike the truck-like driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Have?
Common issues with the 2008 Chevy Trailblazer include electrical system problems, a loss of power while driving, and failure to start.
Electrical system problems are the most common complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. Various electrical components like the window motors, wipers, and door locks start failing as it gets older. Replacing the parts costs $150 to $350 depending on the part.
A loss of power while driving is reported by some owners at roughly 90,000 miles. The most common source is a bad fuel pump which leads to the engine stalling, and costs about $850 to replace.
Failure to start is another issue that shows up at around 85,000 miles. The ignition switch wears out as the SUV gets older, and costs about $500 to replace.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Chevy Trailblazer should last over 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 less than top-rated rivals like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than normal according to Repair Pal, at $524 per year.
The car did not have any problems for the past 10 years that I have had it, until now but there are not any problems with the engine, just small problems.
So far, it has been very reliable for me. I have only had to update its tires since owning it. The battery handles very cold weather.
Sometimes different signs pop up on my head top. When it is slippery outside my car slides. I don't have an aux cord to play my music.
The exhaust manifold cracking is a known, and common issue with this vehicle, but other than that it is a great vehicle. 180k miles and still runs great with just routine maintenance.
The tailgate has given me problems but other than that it has been very reliable. Strong engine, and very usable.
I find it very reliable. Naturally, it is an older model, so there are small things that have gone wrong, but never had any problem getting it fixed and running like new again.
I have never had it break down on me, it has been a reliable vehicle. The AC stopped cooling so that had to be fixed - ended up being a sensor. There was also a horrible noise under the hood that was easily and cheaply fixed.
Yes it is reliable no oil leaks no water leaks signal lights all work good with no problems brakes work good with no problems
How Much Is the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,341 to $12,434, making the Trailblazer about $2,000 less than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9. When new, the price range was $27,745 to $37,725. Depreciation is similar to rivals in current market conditions, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Trailblazer?
There are two main models of the Trailblazer for 2008. Technology was last updated in 2006, with a redesign coming for the 2011 model year.
LT is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Cruise Control
- AM/FM/CD Stereo System
Optional Upgrades Include:
- Rear Climate Control
- Leather Seating
- Power Driver’s Seat
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Bose Sound System
SS is the high-performance model and adds:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Limited Slip Differential
- Sport Suspension
- Unique Exterior & Interior Trim
What Engines Come In the Trailblazer?
- The base engine is an average 4.2L V6 which makes 285 horsepower and gets up to 16 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 5.3L V8, which produces 300 horsepower while getting up to 17 MPG combined.
- The flagship engine is the very strong 6.0L V8 making 390 horsepower, but it only gets up to 14 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking 5.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Trailblazer Come In?
How Big Is the Trailblazer?
The 2008 Chevy Trailblazer is a bit smaller than some other midsize SUVs on the market including the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. Passenger room is good in the front and backseats, but there’s no third row available.
Cargo space is better than average for a midsize SUV with 44 cubic feet of room behind the backseats, and up to 80 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. There’s easily enough room for five people and all their luggage.
How Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Pilot is a rival costing about $2,500 more. Technology and passenger room are a bit better in the Pilot, but the Trailblazer has a more powerful engine. We recommend the Pilot since they last longer, but both are decent SUVs for the 2008 model year.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another competitor costing $1,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Grand Cherokee, but the cargo space is better in the Trailblazer. We recommend the Trailblazer since there are fewer serious mechanical problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Yes, it is a good vehicle. It gets through any type of weather, and a very reliable car during anytime of the season.
Yes, I love this car! Living in Montana, it is important that my vehicle can handle a diverse landscape.
Yes they drive good in the rain and snow. They have good tires and the oil holds up good. They have comfortable seats and loudspeakers.
Yes I enjoy driving it daily, it has 180000 miles on it and still runs good without issues other than maintenance, and a recent exhaust manifold crack I had to replace.
I believe it does everything necessary for me. It has been very reliable and has plenty of cargo space.
Yes it is. We live in the country and I have no problems getting around, especially in the winter. There is plenty of room for cargo, and it is great to take on long trips.
It has been a reliable vehicle with only minor issues. I had problems with the AC not cooling and a horrible noise under the hood. The noise under the hood was a cheap part to fix.
Yes runs good no engine problems have had very few problems with it plenty room good tires no oil leaks no water leaks