Chevrolet is positively awash in new trucks this year.  The all-new Avalanche has made a big splash, as have the redesigned HD-series heavy-duty trucks.  At the smaller end of the scale the new S10 Crew Cab and V6-powered Tracker have been getting attention, too.  It’s been enough to all but overshadow the achievements of Chevy’s all-new middle child, the TrailBlazer.

The mid-sized Blazer SUV was desperate for a revision.  Its basic design dated to the early 1990s, and was full of ergronomic and mechanical reminders of this fact.  Besides that, the Blazer was stuck with an ancient V6 under the hood, whose smoothness and power left a great deal to be desired.  The 2002 TrailBlazer addresses all of the Blazer’s shortcomings with an all-new body and an all-new engine.  It’ll be a strong reminder to the competition that Chevy has always been one of the original truck companies.  Chevy plans to sell the Blazer and TrailBlazer side by side for as long as demand allows, but we don’t think that’ll go on for long once buyer see what the TrailBlazer has to offer.

The TrailBlazer is 8.3 inches longer and 6.9 wider than the outgoing Blazer, and its angular design is more muscular.  Flat planes and crisp curves give the new SUV a powerful, mechanical-thing look similar to that of Chevy’s Borrego show car.  The chrome grille crossbar and prominent bowtie logo leave no doubt that the truck behind is a Chevrolet.

Chevy has also addressed the Blazer’s ergonomic woes inside.  The TrailBlazer’s wide-consoled, finely-finished interior is a complete departure from the cheap-feeling plastics of the old Blazer, and the nasty-feeling switchgear of old is a thing of the past.  Every touchable surface inside the TrailBlazer (except maybe the windshield) has been rethought.  The wheelbase has been lengthened by half a foot over the old design as well; rear-seat passengers will be grateful.  Dual-zone climate control is standard equipment; a six-disc in-dash CD changer and rear audio controls are available.  There’s even a Mercedes-like dipping outside mirror, that automatically changes position to give the driver a view of the curb when backing up.  Want more?  An optional DVD player and folding screen can keep the kids and back-seat drivers occupied on long trips.

It may seem civilized inside, but under the skin the rugged TrailBlazer is ready to leave those wimpy car-based SUVs in the dust and go to work.  The all-new Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine is a throwback to the early days of the pickup, before the development of the V8.  At the same time, it’s a technological breakthrough.  The 24-valve six-cylinder outpowers even the V8s that it competes with, and gets better fuel economy to boot.  It’s the first GM truck engine to feature dual overhead camshafts, and in-line configuration ensures that the all-aluminum engine is eerily quiet at idle.  Straight sixes are known for producing prodigious torque, and the Vortec 4200 is no exception; two-wheel drive TrailBlazers can pull up to 6400 lbs.

Naturally, the TrailBlazer is available with two- or four-wheel drive.  The chassis and suspension are all-new as well, and designed for toughness and stability.  But any SUV can say that.  Here are the nuts and bolts:  a double A-arm up front, and a very truckish five-link solid axle in the rear.  The increased width contributes to the TrailBlazer’s stability.  Approach and departure angles have also been improved, to ensure that the TrailBlazer can actually blaze trails if the desire strikes.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard equipment, as are front and side airbags and traction control.  GM’s OnStar emergency assist and conceirge system is available on base TrailBlazers and standard on higher models.

The TrailBlazer hits the road this spring, as a 2002 model.  Twins-under-the-skin Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy will accompany the TrailBlazer into the SUV fray.  The TrailBlazer is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trim, in order of increasing price and equippage.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Length:     191.6 in.
Width:        74.7 in.
Height:        71.9 in.
Wheelbase:    113.0 in.
Curb weight:    4442-4628 lb.
Cargo space:    39.8 cu.ft (seat up); 80.1 cu.ft (seat folded)
Engine:     24-valve DOHC inline six-cylinder
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, two- or four-wheel drive
Horsepower:     270 @ 6000
Torque:     275 @ 3600
Fuel capacity:  18.7 gal.
Est. mileage: 16/21
Towing capacity: 6400 lb. (2WD), 6200 lb (4WD)