Explorer vs. Trailblazer
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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We looked at the escape and at the time there was no comparison in regards to power, performance, ride and exterior. But a TB to an escape isn't an apples to apples comparison. When we purchased rebates were pretty on the TB that made it comparable in price to an Escape so we got a TB.
I can't speak of an Explorer I'ver never ridden in 1
I can't speak of an Explorer I'ver never ridden in 1
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Appling, GA
Our TB had problems starting several times. The 1st time, we had it towed to the dealer. They replaced something in the security system and the battery. The next time it did it, I found that one of my girls had spilled a drink in her seat. right under her seat was a fuse box. I sprayed some contact cleaner on it and it started. Had to do that several other times. Don't miss it at all.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Ardmore
A couple of years back our 99 explorer was in a traffic accident and was in the shop for about 3 months. Our first rental car was a new 6 cyl trailblazer with 800 miles on it. It had several problems, one being that the front suspension had a vibration and rattle, and the A/C would quit working for no reason, then just start working again. We kept it the maximum allowable miles and then they gave us a new Explorer v6 to drive. In my opinion there was no comparison in the handling and usable power categories. The Expy won hands down. The TB would scoot if you waited for the engine to rev up, and the highway ride was a little better. All things considered I would choose the Expy without even thinking about it. Still driving the 99 though, 130,000 miles and the only problem has been a failed fuel pump. I would like to have a new one but I can't justify the expense as long as the 99 is hanging in there.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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The only thing wrong with the TB is the electrical system the motor and trans are good if you read consumer reports they have the motor and trans at a perfect score. The electrical is at the worst possible score that's what makes it not reliable. After GM works all the bugs out it will be fine my friend has one and loves it never had any problem.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 946
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From: Orange
An electrical problem is far worse than a motor or trans issue. At least you can readily swap an engine/trans. Good luck tracking down that electrical problem throughout all the harnesses that snake through a vehicle today.
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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My mom got an 05 trailblazer, I love it. I'm not sure about the relability issues everybody is mentioning, because she's had it for a few months and not a thing has been wrong thus far (however, only time can tell....) Anyway, I'm 6'8" and the seats and legroom is great, comfort is the most important thing for me, gas milage is ok, 16-17ish, which is what I got in my old car anyway, so I'm fine with it. I'd trade her my ranger for her trailblazer...doubt she'd go for it though 
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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Originally Posted by J..D
The only thing wrong with the TB is the electrical system the motor and trans are good if you read consumer reports they have the motor and trans at a perfect score. The electrical is at the worst possible score that's what makes it not reliable. After GM works all the bugs out it will be fine my friend has one and loves it never had any problem.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 946
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From: Orange
Originally Posted by mwa423
Anyway, I'm 6'8" and the seats and legroom is great
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 167
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I don't give any respect to consumer reports but my point was even they reported motor/trans as being good.The electrical as in brake lights burning out and computer has to be re flashed stuff like that. I would take having my computer updated over a new motor/trans any day.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Well JD I hate to say it but electrical issues could be things that are supposed to work but dont. These things might plague a vehicle over its entire life an make it worthless an canbe very difficult.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Elk Point, Alberta
I had a 93 explorer and a 99, both excellent vehicles, no complaints whatso ever. The 99 was in a accident in the fall of 2004 where I hit and killed 5 cows on a dark road in the middle of the night at 60mph, I didn't even have a scratch. The picture is in my gallery. It convinced my mother to get her 2004 explorer, which she loves. A freind of mine has a 2004 trailblazer and I'm surprised he still has it, what a pile of junk! Electrical problems of all sorts, mileage is bad, 11mpg highway, lots of rattles, vibration. Absolutely terrible vehicle, I couldn't beleive GM would allow something like that off the lot.
Goon
Goon
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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Originally Posted by 150ford
Well JD I hate to say it but electrical issues could be things that are supposed to work but dont. These things might plague a vehicle over its entire life an make it worthless an canbe very difficult.
Last edited by BigF350; Nov 21, 2005 at 01:18 PM.