New comment. Chevrolet Trailblazer: is there life on the frame? How to turn on the four-wheel drive Chevrolet Trail Blazers

First acquaintance with Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer
2.8 L (180 HP) 6AT
price: from 1,510,000 rubles.

The trend is clear: carrier frame, continuous beams of bridges, rigidly connected all-wheel drive are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Their place under the sun is confidently occupied by crossovers of various stripes. And in this troubled time for real SUVs, Chevrolet is introducing a new Trailblazer to the market, the design of which complies with all the immutable canons of jeep building.

And interestingly, the Chevrolet Trailblazer looks much more advantageous in real life than in the photographs. For some reason, the image captured on the camera's matrix is not able to convey the true harmony of an athletic, without excess fat, with lean lines of the exterior. And along with the elegance in the design of the body, there is a hint of both endurance and good off-road capabilities of the car. However, this is not surprising - after all, they created the appearance of the Trailblazer in the South American design center of General Motors almost simultaneously with the Colorado single-platform pickup truck, which, by the way, is quite popular in South and North America.

If we are talking about trucks, then it is worth noting that the Chevrolet Trailblazer, even though it is not a pickup truck, has a very serious potential in this regard. A spacious seven-seater saloon, when the third and second rows are folded, an impressive platform area is formed; and the total volume of the trunk, which in this configuration reaches 1830 liters, is worthy of respect. Of course, in full accordance with the law of the genre, with all the passenger seats occupied, there is not much space behind the “gallery” for luggage, but even in this case a couple of voluminous suitcases will fit easily. By the way, unlike most of its counterparts, offering a seven-seat interior layout, the Trailblazer features almost full-fledged third-row seats. For example, with a height of a little less than 180 cm, I settled there, if not quite at ease, then without tangible discomfort. Naturally, the second row of seats has the largest supply of free space for passengers in this car. Here, even three fairly densely built men will not feel squeezed. And of course, it should be noted the mass of “glove compartments” and compartments for various small luggage scattered throughout the cabin.

Sports notes

As for the front part of the internal space, here, perhaps, the main thing that attracts the eye in the very first seconds of inspection is executed in the spirit of sports models Chevrolet instrument cluster with indicators recessed into square wells. And in general, the control interface for all functions is not only beautifully drawn, but also pleases with an intuitive use algorithm. The seats are also not bad - even if their profile does not have pronounced lateral supports, and the softness of the pillows hints at the American essence of the car, but the long hours spent in the driver's seat did not affect the pain either in the lower back or in other parts of the body. Of course, the overall good ergonomics of the pilot's seat also played a significant role in maintaining the driver's long-term performance, the only serious complaint about which is the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment. Well, and, perhaps, not the most expensive finishing materials can also be attributed to the disadvantages - plastic is hard everywhere, not only to the touch, but also to the look.

For Russian market The Trailblazer is offered with two types of engines - a 2.8-liter turbodiesel and a 3.6-liter petrol V-shaped six. Interestingly, unlike many competitors, it is the turbodiesel that plays the role of the base unit here. Inline four-cylinder Duramax series engine with a maximum power of 180 hp. possesses simply scrap torque, the peak of which at 470 Nm is already reached at 1600 rpm. Here, however, it is worth noting that this indicator refers to a diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, but together with a five-speed “mechanics”, the maximum torque is limited to 440 Nm. However, the car we tested had the right combination - diesel plus automatic. Yes, and the test conditions were quite suitable - Armenia boasts many mountain paths of the most varied quality, from decent asphalt to complete off-road. And in any conditions, the engine running on heavy fuel showed itself from a good side. Dynamics, though not hurricane, but quite sufficient, but excellent traction already in the lowest rev range allows you to feel confident in almost all driving situations. To match the motor, the algorithm of the six-speed automatic was also selected. Upshifts he sorts out very gently and almost imperceptibly, if necessary, quickly enters the kick-down mode and only when braking does not provide proper deceleration, which, however, is easily solved by “tugging” the necessary stage in manual mode. Roughly the same can be said about the chassis. Frame construction with dependent rear suspension has good articulation, but in sharp turns on high speed shows decent rolls. True, at the same time, the stability of a given trajectory practically does not suffer, and in general, given the design of the car, handling can be called decent. And of course, excellent ride smoothness - although the Trailblazer suspension transmits information to the crew about the state of the road surface in especially broken directions, it “swallows” almost all the flaws in the canvas without the slightest hint of a breakdown.

Theory and practice

If in the "asphalt" nominations the car showed itself as a four with reservations, then its off-road performance deserves only praise. Big ground clearance(255 mm for cars with 16-inch and 267 mm with 18-inch wheels), good overall geometry and hard-wired all-wheel drive, coupled with the presence of a reduction range and limited slip differential rear axle only with theoretical calculations cause respect. The opportunity to confirm this in practice was given to us high in the mountains when driving on a clay plateau during heavy rain. Deep ruts, significant terrain drops, slippery slopes and other surprises that arise in these conditions, the Trailblazer digested without the slightest problem.

And finally, the main question: how much? The car, which, by the way, is assembled at the GM plant in St. Petersburg, is already available from dealers. The starting price of a Trailblazer with a turbodiesel in combination with a manual gearbox is 1,444,000 rubles. Replacing the "mechanics" with an automatic machine raises the price of the car to 1,510,000 rubles. v minimum configuration and up to 1,650,000 rubles. in case of rich equipment. The top of the price tag is an SUV powered by a V6 petrol with automatic transmission, which is offered only in maximum configuration at a price of 1,777,000 rubles.

Verdict

Thrust-to-weight ratio
Turbodiesel, despite the small declared power, has excellent traction. No wonder the creators have focused on the fact that this engine surpasses almost all competitors in the segment in terms of maximum torque.

Comfort
In principle, the comfort component in this car is placed in a separate chapter. Spacious interior, good sound insulation and a fairly comfortable suspension plus decent equipment with various equipment put it a little higher than some competitors.

Behavior on the road
Miracles do not happen: a heavy frame car with high ground clearance does not the best way for high-speed passage of complex zigzags. But in regular modes, its behavior is quite reliable and, most importantly, predictable.

Behavior off the road
Here, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is able to give odds to more eminent SUVs. Decent ground clearance, large suspension travel, rigid connection front axle, the presence of a lowering row and a high-torque unit in this nomination almost bring the car to excellent results.

Eventually
relatively inexpensive, passable SUV with a decent level of comfort, a good purchase for those people who value these qualities in a car in the first place. And for travelers, this is just a godsend.

Specifications
Modification	2.8TD	3.6 V6
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONAL INDICATORS
Curb / full weight, kg	2163/2750	2084/2720
Length/width/height, mm	4878/1848/1902
Wheel base, mm	2845
Track front / rear, mm	1570/1590
Ground clearance, mm	255
Tires front/rear	245/70R16, 265/60R18
Trunk volume, l	235–1830
ENGINE
Type, location and number of cylinders	Turbodiesel, R4	Petrol, V6
Working volume, cm 3	2776	3564
Power, hp (kW) at rpm	180 (132) at 3800	239 (176) at 6500
Max. torque, Nm at rpm	470 at 1600	329 at 2800
TRANSMISSION
Transmission	6AT
Gear ratios:
I	4,06
II	2,37
III	1,55
IV	1,16
V	0,85
VI	0,67
Reverse	3,20
main gear	N.d.	3,73
All wheel drive type	pluggable
CHASSIS
Suspension front/rear	Independent spring / dependent spring
Brakes front/rear	Disc ventilated / disc
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
Max speed, km/h	N.d.	180
Acceleration time 0–100 km/h, s	12,5	9,1
Fuel consumption (combined cycle), l/100 km	9,8	11,9
Fuel/fuel capacity tank, l	DT/77	AI-92/76
price, rub.	1 510 000	1 777 000

Competitors

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Like our hero, different frame structure and belongs to one of the most budget offers in this segment. At a slightly lower cost, it boasts an all-wheel drive transmission Super Select, but inferior to the Trailblazer in passenger capacity.

Nissan Pathfinder
Of the proposed power units- two turbodiesels. Prices are slightly higher than Chevrolet; differs in good behavior on paved roads. Just like our hero, it has a seven-seat cabin configuration, however, here the “gallery” is very cramped.

SsangYong Rexton
The alternative, produced in Russia under the wing of the Sollers company, has a design and price tags similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer. There are options with seven-seater saloons. There are three engines to choose from (two turbodiesels and one petrol) and two transmission types.

text: Alexey TOPUNOV
photo: manufacturer

I completely forgot to answer the question of my dear livejournal friends - my trailer was produced in St. Petersburg. But despite St. Petersburg roots and Moscow registration, there is not an ounce of intelligence in him. This is a brutal American redneck. And I really like this clearly masculine character of the car. We decided to check how the character of the "trailblazer" corresponds to its real off-road abilities in a place called. Mud, sand, pits, mountains and huge puddles - everything here is as we wanted.

Since the car did not undergo special training and is serviced exclusively in Moscow, where else you still need to get there, we decided to do without extreme sports - we didn’t give more than 80 in the mud and drifted just a little bit. Watch the video)

You know, I've never tested SUVs before. And I don't even know what to write here. I will just share my feelings. But while I'll talk about the technical part - this is important.

The clearance of this giant is 220 mm. Short overhangs and the absence of plastic in the lower parts, as well as harsh steel protection, allow you not to be afraid of damage even on the most difficult tracks. The crankcase protection here is completely reminiscent of a sheet of armor. The driving position is very high, visibility is perfect. In the rear view mirror, you see only the upper part of the roof of the cars driving behind. They don’t honk this car, but only cast reproachful glances if they did something wrong. Huge side mirrors they would make any car a chebarka, but not this one. Everything is visible - great!

Hidden under the hood is a turbodiesel, 2.8 l, 180 horsepower, torque - 470 Nm. The maximum speed is 180 km / h, acceleration to hundreds in 12.5 seconds. Transmission automatic, 6-speed. pluggable four-wheel drive, downshift with differential lock. Suspension - independent front and multi-link rear. In addition to the usual safety and stabilization systems (ABS, HSA, EBD, ESC, ESC, CBC, HBA), there is a switchable traction control system (TCS) and hill descent control (HDC).

But enough words already - we are waiting for the forest track! What is unusual is that a huge city is noisy a kilometer away, but here there is complete silence.

2

It rained yesterday, so the mud and puddles are just right - as we love)

3

In the car, I'm sure - the mud will pass on the rear wheel drive. But for every fireman, right on the go, I transfer the car to four-wheel drive with a puck. For a low gear, you would have to stop and switch through neutral - otherwise there is no way ... But with it, the car rushes like a tank. Slowly and inevitably.

4

For a complete buzz, turn off the traction control system - it is displayed on a separate button. There is also a descent assistance system, but in a month I used it once or twice ...

5

Pedal to the floor, let's go!

6

Banzaaaaaay! If only not to lose the action cameras, densely stuck around the hood and wings of the car ...

7

We drove through the mud in a surprisingly quick and easy way. What about lifting?

8

Eh, we would have rubber ... another would ...

9

We slide on the clay and slide down. What if it's backwards?

10

No, not in this weather. I couldn't get up here on foot.

11

Nothing, this is just the beginning!

12

We'll take a break while you watch the video!

13

Let's see how the car deals with hangings.

15

Come on, trailer, enjoy!

16

He is now like a watchdog with his paw up)

17

Passed! And now let's drift in the sand, since the power allows!

18

Cool car! Real tank!

19

Here is another video for you - to confirm this opinion:

20

I like this animal. I hope to buy one for myself someday!

21

I thank for the help, moral and technical support during the tests of my friends Elmira

- it is relatively inexpensive frame SUV with a high ground clearance of 26 cm. The second generation Chevrolet Trailblazer is available with a diesel or gasoline engine with a capacity of 180 or 240 hp, which work with a manual or adaptive, automatic transmission.

When driving, you can use only rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is switched on and off manually, there is a transfer case and a self-locking differential.

Chevrolet Trailblazer II Review:

The model began to be produced in 2001, the first generation was produced until 2008. In this review, we will focus on the second generation, the start of production is 2012. Production is located in Brazil and Thailand, and assembly is carried out in Russia near St. Petersburg.

Salon:

V salon this car is spacious and comfortable. On the driving position a fairly tall driver about two meters tall can accommodate and will feel comfortable. Thanks to the high seating position and comfortable seat adjustment, excellent visibility opens from behind the wheel. The side mirrors are also large and informative.

Front seats without pronounced lateral support, in the American style. This will make you feel a little imposing and free. The plastic of the panels is hard and looks a little rough, but it will show almost no damage. There is a lot of space for various little things - coasters, niches and boxes.

On the second row for passengers there is enough space with a margin, the only drawback is the lack of a handle for boarding and disembarking. The high floor will make it difficult for some people to sit in the back seat.

Air ducts for heating and cooling systems back rows are held under the ceiling and have holes for adjusting the direction of air flow. On the third row there will be little space for adults, but just right for children. Needless to say, many children will enjoy such trips. If you have a small family or do not plan to use the 3rd row, it can be completely removed, significantly increasing the luggage compartment.

From shortcomings the absence of seat heating can be noted in the cabin; in winter, lovers of warming up will have to wait until the interior warms up from the heater. These shortcomings can be corrected by additional purchase of heating capes on the seats. And if you install preheater, which will be especially useful for diesel engine Russian winters, then the problem itself will fade into the background.

Engine:

Petrol six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.6 liters elastic. At low revs, it creates good traction, at medium revs it is quite quiet, and at sharp acceleration at speed, it picks up well and creates enough torque, for example, for overtaking. The red zone of the tachometer starts at around 7000 rpm (for diesel - at around 4500).

Automatic 6-speed box adaptive, adapts to driving style. Shifts gears almost imperceptibly, works without interruption. If you drive calmly, she will "get used" to this style and will change gears in such a way that the speed is minimal.

In order to “wean” the automatic transmission from such a mode, you need to press the gas pedal sharply and to the end, allowing the engine to develop high speed. After this, gear changes will become more "flexible" and dynamic.

Vehicle handling:

When driving along the highway The trailblazer handles easily and rides steadily. Anti-slip, stabilization and braking assistance systems allow you to drive quite confidently and feel calm. For overtaking, the engine power is enough, its lack is not felt.

On the off-road, in the mud and puddles, you can not be very afraid, because. the clearance of the car is high, and the generator is located high. This will allow you to overcome rather difficult obstacles, including water. The 32-degree approach angle also contributes to this.

Available 4 driving modes:

2WD - rear-wheel drive, for driving on the highway or on urban asphalt
4WD High - four-wheel drive, works at speeds up to 120 km / h, at a speed higher, the mode is turned off
4WD Low - four-wheel drive, rear differential lock, forced gear shifting, turning off traction control and anti-lock systems, operates at speeds up to 40 km / h
Neutral - Shutdown transfer box, for towing

So, Trailblazer 2 has good driving characteristics, allowing you to easily overcome impassability. The presence of the frame makes it durable and reliable, and the manual engagement of all-wheel drive at any speed and downshifting is technically convenient. Suitable for people for whom adventure, drive, fishing, hunting, off-road and competition are not empty words.

Specifications Chevrolet Trailblazer:

Class - frame SUV
Body - station wagon
Drive - rear or full, plug-in, transfer case, self-locking differential
Engine location - longitudinal
Engine 1 - Duramax CTDI, diesel, 4 cylinders in line, 2.8 l, 180 hp, 2013 onwards.
Engine 2 - VVT, gasoline, 6 cylinders V-shaped, 3.6 l, 240 hp, 2013 onwards.
Volume - 2.8-3.6 l
Power - 180-240 hp
Torque 1 - 440-470 Nm, 2000 rpm
Torque 2 - 329 Nm, 3200 rpm
Number of valves - 16 or 24
Compression ratio 1 - 16.0
Compression ratio 2 - 10.2
Fuel injection 1 - direct, turbo
Fuel injection 2 - distributed
Timing drive - toothed belt
Gearbox 1 - mechanical, 5-speed.
Gearbox 2 - automatic, 6-speed.

Number of seats - 7
Fuel tank- 76 liters
Fuel - diesel or gasoline AI-95
Fuel consumption (city) - 12.3-15.5 l / 100 km
Fuel consumption (highway) - 8.4-8.5 l / 100 km
Acceleration to 100 km / h - 10.8-11.8 seconds
Maximum speed - 180 km / h

Dimensions:

Length, width, height - 4878 x 1902 x 1847 mm (width with mirrors)
Wheelbase- 2845 mm
Clearance (ground clearance) - 255-267 mm
Turning radius - 6.35 m
Full mass- 2750 kg
Trailer weight - without brakes 2450-2750 kg, with brakes 5200-5500 kg
Trunk volume - 205 l, with folded seats 1830 l
Battery capacity - 70-90 Ah
Tire size - R16 245/70 or R18 265/60
Disc size - 16×6.5J or 18×7.5J

Driving performance:

Entry angle - 32 degrees
Departure angle - 22 degrees

Comfort:

Air conditioning - with additional blowing of the 2nd and 3rd rows of passengers (LT).
Climate control - automatic (LTZ).
Cruise control - control buttons on the steering wheel (LTZ).
driver's seat— electroadjustment of position: horizontal, height and angle of inclination (LTZ).
Steering wheel - power steering, audio control buttons (LTZ).
Central armrest.
The rear view mirror is electrochromic with auto dimming (LTZ).
Power windows - electric, front with a closer.

Suspension:

Front - independent, spring.
Rear - independent, five-link, spring.
Steering - rack with gear.

Brake system:

Front and rear brakes— disk, ventilated.
HDC system for slow movement on descents.
HSA hill start system.

Body:

Frame - 8 additional transverse amplifiers of the frame chassis.

Safety:

Alarm, immobilizer.
Airbags - 2 front - in LT, 4 airbags (front and side) - in LTZ.
folding wheel.
Film in multilayer windshield.
Add. amplifiers in passenger door panels.

Equipment:

Headlights are halogen.
Fog lights - front (LTZ).
Rear parking sensor - LTZ.
Diode rear lights - LTZ.

Salon:

Leather steering wheel - LTZ.
fabric seats— LT.
Leather seats - LTZ.
The shift lever is finished in chrome (LTZ).
Audio - premium, radio, CD/MP3, Bluetooth, 9 speakers and amplifier.
Connectors - USB.

Electronic systems:

brake force distribution EBD
traction control system TCS
dynamic stabilization ESC
help in emergency braking PBA
control braking force in CBC corners
hydraulic brake assist HBA
effective braking when overheating HBFA
assistance with lifting the HSA
help descending HDC

Prices depending on configurations:

Options and prices:

LT 2.8 MT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, manual transmission 5-speed, 4 × 4 - 1 444 000 rub.
LT 2.8 AT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, automatic transmission 6-speed, 4 × 4 - 1 520 000 rub.
LTZ 2.8 MT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, 5-speed manual transmission, 4 × 4 - 1 650 000 rub.
LTZ 2.8 AT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, automatic transmission 6-speed, 4 × 4 - 1 726 000 rub.
LTZ 3.6 AT - petrol, 3.6 l, 240 hp, automatic transmission 6-speed, 4 × 4 - 1 777 000 rub.

Prices are for reference only and are not a public offer.

Used Chevrolet Trailblazer can be bought through ads. The dependence of the price on the age of the car is shown in the diagram:

The previous first generation model has a different engine with more power. For example, for cars manufactured in 2004-2008, a 4.2-liter gasoline engine with a power of 273 hp was installed. (four-wheel drive, automatic).

THEN:

Engine oil change - every 15,000 km.
Oil change in manual transmission - the first after 40,000 km, then every 100,000 km.
Oil change in automatic transmission - every 150,000 km.
Lubrication of the power take-off clutch - every 45,000 km.
Replacing the grease and seals of the front bearings - every 45,000 km.
Change the oil in the transfer case - every 75,000 km or 3 years.
Replacing the drive belt of mounted units - every 90,000 km.
Oil change in the front and rear axles - every 120,000 km.
Spark plug replacement - every 120,000 km.
Brake fluid change - every 2 years.
Coolant change - every 150,000 km or 5 years.
Replacing the timing belt and accessory drive belt - every 150,000 km.

Refueling volumes:

Oil in a gasoline or diesel engine - Dexos 2, 5W30
Transmission oil in manual transmission - 2.7-3 l, Dexron IV
Transmission oil in automatic transmission with a gasoline engine - 5.2 l, Dexron VI
Gear oil in automatic transmission with a diesel engine - 5.7 l, Dexron VI
Transmission oil in the removed automatic transmission up to the MIN mark - 10.6 l, Dexron VI
Oil in the transfer case - 1.5 l, Dexron VI

Front axle gearbox - 0.9 l
Rear axle gearbox - 2.3 l
Oil in the front and rear axles - ACDelco SAE 75W90
Brake fluid- 0.8 l, ACDelco DOT4
Power steering oil - 1.5 l, ACDelco Dexron VI
Diesel Engine Coolant - 9.0 L
Coolant gasoline engine— 10.5 l
Windshield washer fluid - 4.5 l

Manual:

Photos:

Video review of Chevrolet Trailblazer:

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ride on Water and Off Road:

Test drive on a special track:

Have you driven this car? What can you say about its patency and driving performance? How does it feel to ride on it? Have you had any breakdowns? Write your review or story, your opinion is very important to us.

At one time, before buying this car, I read all the reviews about this model that I could find. I thought that I should leave mine, maybe it will help someone too. My review of the mid-size classic American SUV is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. I wrote a bit too much, I hope that my review will not tire you too much.

My car can be called stock: it differs from the one that just left the assembly line only with wheels (it costs rubber maximum size- 265/65 R17, I like this car better). Picked up the car in top configuration(without DVD, but with sunroof).

I bought the car a little over a year and a half ago. The car was produced in 2003, at the time of sale the mileage was 35,000 kilometers (it's not worth arguing about its reality). The car was in perfect condition, unless of course you do not take into account a few minor scuffs that were on the bumpers. Guided by what considerations I chose this particular car, it is difficult to answer. She liked me and everything, and the cost was right for me.

And further. I needed a car with a volumetric luggage compartment in order to carry your chow-chow dog in it. I treat her with special warmth, so I wanted to do everything possible to protect her as much as possible from some unscrupulous individuals who, at traffic lights, strive to crash into the back of the car. For this reason, I needed a car as strong as possible. That's why the TrailBlazer attracted me with its frame and strong thick iron.

At first, the enthusiasm for the purchase knew no bounds. And now that some time has passed, I can look at the car more soberly and rationally. But I want to note that I did not have to be disappointed in this car, on the contrary, to this day I consider this car just wonderful.

I will try to tell you briefly about everything. I would like to highlight a lot of points, I will try to choose the most significant.

First, let's talk about the motor.

I'll try to summarize my thoughts. There are many, but I will choose the most relevant.

I can’t speak about the in-line petrol six 4.2 vortec without admiration. His work is simply magnificent - smooth and quiet, so if you feel the slightest vibration, you can conclude that there is a need to visit the service. Vibration can occur for several reasons. The most common of these is contamination. throttle valve, engine mount wear. Most often, pillows become unusable for lovers of jerks from the start.

As for gasoline, the car can be content with any, and this will not have a negative impact on either consumption or dynamics. By the way, I use AI-92. There were also attempts to switch to the 95th, but I did not see the expediency, since the dynamics do not improve, but the consumption increases by 1-1.5 liters.

The engine does not use oil and, according to knowledgeable people, with the proper approach, timely conduct maintenance work its service life will be very long. Usually, based on data on-board computer, I change a little every 8 thousand kilometers.

Let's move on to the transmission.

Because of the ancient four-stage automatic box shifting gears eats up a significant number of horses. The box works slowly and imposingly. But at the same time, it is quite comfortable with her. Only when shifting from first to second gear can you feel a slight push. Like any automatic transmission, this one is also not very fond of overheating, and taking into account the absence of a temperature sensor, the likelihood of overheating is quite high. But that's only for mindless driving. The location of the shift knob gives the car a resemblance to Europeans, because Americans usually have this knob on the steering wheel.

The transfer case does not have a center differential, which is why I often drive only on rear-wheel drive. Engaging full is usually recommended only in off-road conditions. In such conditions, the wheels can scroll freely, without unnecessary stress on the transmission.

There is also an “auto” mode, which involves connecting front wheel drive in the event that the rear wheels are slipping. Drivers often argue about whether to use this mode. As for me personally, he impressed me, so I don’t use it. There are two main reasons for this. The first is the lack of clear operation of this mode: it is possible to turn on the front-wheel drive at the most inopportune moments. Secondly, the transfer case may be damaged due to sharp connections of the front drive.

But here I want to draw your attention to the fact that my car does not have a stabilization system, like ESP. For those trails that have it, the connection of the front drive in this mode is more smooth.

It is worth noting here that my car is not equipped with a stabilization mode, such as ESP. On those trails that have it, the front end in auto mode connects more smoothly.

The transfer case has not only a rear-wheel drive mode and an “auto” mode, I can also say that there is an all-wheel drive mode for driving at high speed (within 80 kilometers per hour), and also a reduced one, designed for exceptional mud. And on rear axle It has a self-locking differential. This is a separate topic for discussion. His work is impeccable, for this reason the need to use all-wheel drive is extremely rare.

Rear wheel drive trailblazer control winter time requires a habit, since there are a lot of forces and a car, so the probability of skidding is quite high, but it can be easily removed from skidding. Last winter was snowy, I only used all-wheel drive when I parked in the yard, and even the need for it arose with the advent of hellish cyclones, when in our city there was almost snow up to the neck.

In general, if we talk about handling, then the Trail in this regard showed itself from the best side compared to its older brother Tahoe. In terms of control, it is somewhat reminiscent of a crossover. There are no rear springs, but this does not create any special problems, and there is no significant rocking. I especially want to highlight the softness of the steering. Thanks to the small turning radius, the maneuverability of the car at height and trips within the city become very pleasant.

The size of the car takes some getting used to, but it won't take a lot of time to get used to it. While the rear doesn't feel good enough, given how sturdy the bumper is, you can't really stress about it.

On the brake system I don't particularly complain, although it could have been better.

A complete picture of the power of the TrailBlizer can only be made when driving on the track. Whatever the speed, the acceleration is the same as from a standstill, regardless of whether the car is loaded or not.

Let's move on to spending. In the city: summer - 16-18 liters (depending on how you drive), winter - from 19 to 22 liters (driving style also affects). On the highway at a speed of 80 to 100 km / h, 10.5-11 liters come out, a speed of 120 km / h - 12.5 liters, 180 km / h - it turns out like in the city (16 liters).

Once in the summer there was a sharp increase in consumption by 1-1.5 liters. It turned out that it was all about air filter. After the replacement (from 500 to 600 rubles), everything fell into place.

But as regards paintwork, then everything is perfect here, which I consider an important advantage of this machine. The coating is able to withstand not only branches, the thickness of which is several centimeters, but even the reinforcement is not terrible for it (I was convinced from my own experience).

Off-road qualities.

Riding in the mud is not a pleasure for me, but nevertheless I had to. Concluded that against the background of other car shows itself pretty well. V

And now, according to tradition, about the problems. There were very few of those, and it was usually not the car that was to blame.

In the first few days, the wedging cylinder of the right front caliper began to bother. As a result of the inspection revealed the following: repairs will already help, you need to change. But this is only my fault, if I looked there at least sometimes, then I would have done everything in time.

Secondly, problems with racks and bushings front stabilizer. Replacing them was immediately after the acquisition of the car due to knocking. But after two long trips, the knock appeared again. I thought that I would not do the replacement anymore, you can ride like that.

The interior is trimmed with plastic, which looks hard, but feels good to the touch. The level of soundproofing is excellent. But you often have to replace burned-out button backlight bulbs. At first I suffered from this for a long time, but in the end I decided that it was easier to score. In general, this can be cured if they are replaced with modern LEDs. Another problem is the erasable radio buttons. This can be corrected with a black marker.

In conclusion, I can give some recommendations to those who are going to buy a Trailblazer. Most weak points car (in the absence of a proper approach to operation) are an automatic box and a transfer case. My advice is to check them first.

I'm assuming you have an idea of how an automatic transmission is tested. What I can pay attention to is that when you drive plano, you feel the transition from first gear to second (this is all within the normal range), as for the rest of the transition, they should not be felt.

Regarding the transfer case - switching modes is carried out using a toggle switch. Weak point here is the actuator, which often fails due to the fact that the all-wheel drive was connected incorrectly (for example, on the go). Another reason could be environmental influences. I'll tell you how to check the front connection. When you are standing on a flat asphalt road, turn on the four-wheel drive, then turn the wheels (all the way), put the automatic transmission selector in Drive-mode, and then release the brake (do not press the gas pedal). If the four-wheel drive is on, then the car will not drive, but if the car is moving, this indicates an unconnected front end. In addition, it will not be superfluous to check the rear self-locking differential to make life easier for yourself in the winter.

I completely forgot to answer the question of my dear friends on LiveJournal - my "trail" was produced in St. Petersburg. But despite St. Petersburg roots and Moscow registration, there is not an ounce of intelligence in him. This is a brutal American redneck. And I really like this clearly masculine character of the car. We decided to check how the character of the “trailblazer” corresponds to its real off-road abilities in a place called Animal Mountains. Mud, sand, pits, mountains and huge puddles - everything here is as we wanted.

Since the car did not undergo special training and is serviced exclusively in Moscow, where else we still need to get to, we decided to do without extreme sports - we didn’t give more than 80 in the mud and drifted quite a bit. Watch the video)

You know, I've never tested SUVs before. And I don't even know what to write here. I will just share my feelings. But for now I’ll talk about the technical part - this is important.

The clearance of this giant is 220 mm. Short overhangs and the absence of plastic in the lower parts, as well as harsh steel protection, allow you not to be afraid of damage even on the most difficult tracks. The crankcase protection here is completely reminiscent of a sheet of armor. The driving position is very high, visibility is perfect. In the rear view mirror, you see only the upper part of the roof of the cars driving behind. They don’t honk this car, but only cast reproachful glances if they did something wrong. Huge side mirrors would make any car chebarka, but not this one. You can see everything - it's great!

Hidden under the hood is a turbodiesel, 2.8 l, 180 horsepower, torque - 470 Nm. The maximum speed is 180 km / h, acceleration to hundreds in 12.5 seconds. Transmission automatic, 6-speed. All-wheel drive, low gear with differential lock. Suspension - independent front and multi-link rear. In addition to the usual safety and stabilization systems (ABS, HSA, EBD, ESC, ESC, CBC, HBA), there is a switchable traction control system (TCS) and hill descent control (HDC).

But enough words already - we are waiting for a forest track! What is unusual is that a huge city is noisy a kilometer away, but here there is complete silence.

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It rained yesterday, so the mud and puddles are just right - as we love)

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In the car, I'm sure it will pass the dirt on the rear wheel drive. But for every fireman, right on the go, I transfer the car to four-wheel drive with a puck. For ponizhayki would have to stop and switch through neutral - otherwise nothing ... But with her car rushing like a tank. Slowly and inevitably.

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For a complete buzz, turn off the traction control system - it is displayed on a separate button. There is also a descent assist system, but I used it once or twice in a month ...

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