What's the verdict on the TrailBlazer/Envoy?

[Hohn]

I am scouting out what vehicle to get when (and if) the Maxima ever dies.



The Vortec 4200 inline 6 really caught my eye-- 270HP! It also has 4-valve chambers, variable valve timing, etc. . Bravo GM for going to an inline- configuration for their new engines (I-6, I-5, and I-4).



What about the vehicle is good, bad, or ugly??? I like the Durango, I just think that DC has rested on its laurels, and is content to not lead the way. I also like the Subarus.



Anyone own or know someone with either a TrailBlazer or Envoy? I am especially interested in the vortec 4200 six banger...



Are the competitors to the envoy/TB that are worthy considerations????



Thanks

 

[willyslover]

Hohn. . I too looked at the trailblazer a while back... but didn't like the axel shaft going through the pan... andthen I got into it and that made the final decision. . I didn't fit LOl [I'm 6'7" and 350ish]



but the shaft was the big issue with me... . it now seams not to be a issue with them [at least I haven't heard of any problems with it]

 

[TowPro]

MY wife lives her 2003 Escape. Its faster then she ever needs, and has seen 25 mpg (with the V6, auto) on long 70mph road trips. Its big enough for 4 adults, but small enough she can be comfortable driving. she says its "much nicer" then her 2001 Honda CRV which she also loved.

 

[Oil Burner]

Hohn,

I drove one a couple of hundred miles last year and was impressed. More than enough power, very capable on the highway, and extremely comfortable. I liked the interior, although I am shorter than willyslover at only 6'4". I am considering this when my little Toyota dies and the wife's Saab is paid off. The only thing that deters me right now is the price tag. Mid to high thirties sticker price for a reasonably optioned SUV seems a bit unrealistic to me. All in all a very nice truck. I have not been in the Ford Escape, but I have been in the Honda CRV (my Dad owns one) and the Envoy/Trailblazer is on another level entirely, IMO.

~Jason

 

[CWebster]

The Envoy is a very nice vehicle. The I-6 is great for towing (as everyone here knows!) If I was to purchase an suv I would get the Envoy (especially since they build the motor here in Flint).



On a side note, I built a large portion of the engine cradle racks (3000!) that carry the block from the casting facility to the assembly facility. We would have to do part fit checks (per ISO 9000 procedure) and the blocks were so light that I had one guy that would pick up the block in one hand and set it into the rack!! Sometimes recycled beer cans ARE fast!! J/K The only issue I have with the vehicle is the half shafts thru the oil pan on the 4 wheel drives. I have not heard of any problems, but when you gotta get the oil pan off, have fun!! Bearings in an oil pan, I thought I would never see the dayOo.





Chris Webster

 

[BNH4221]

I like the Durango, I just think that DC has rested on its laurels, and is content to not lead the way

See the spy shots of the re-designed Durango for 04 in the latest Autoweek?





Steve

98 QC 12v

Bone stock: I save all my money for booze

 

[Jeff Clark]

I rented a Trailblazer when I was in Scottsdale for the auction back in January. I was impressed with it. I like the manuverability. The gas mileage stinks though. And I think it is WAY overpriced.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Originally posted by willyslover

... but didn't I got into it and that made the final decision. . I didn't fit LOl [I'm 6'7" and 350ish]

willyslover, You are HUGE!

 

[willyslover]

wait a minute... for about 35 years I have referred to myself as normal sized ... . and in my family I am ... uncles that are my size, cousins that have passed me, ants that are 6' and over... . lol

 

[QRTRHRS]

My friend has one from new with no trouble except for that recall early on. Think that was for a front end part?



Only thing I see is it's ugly.