Element or Trailblazer
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From: mount airy
I'd try to get a FJ if you are into that. It costs more, but there is a reason why.
I think I'd kill myself if I had to drive an Element, so I'd probably get the TB if those wer ethe only choices.
I think I'd kill myself if I had to drive an Element, so I'd probably get the TB if those wer ethe only choices.
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From: Canton
Originally Posted by Anrosphynx,Dec 1 2006, 06:09 PM
Yes, I happen to have a GM vehicle that is over 10 years old. 1996 base model Pontiac Sunfire.. 235k miles on it..
It has the original clutch, original trans, and original engine. Oh, a light did burn out in the original radio..
I also have an s2000 that has already had a new clutch, new tranny, two diffs, new cv joints, new bearings, new hubs, and the list goes on..it has spent more time in the shop than ANY car I own. (I have 5, including a 70s Triumph...... and if you know anything about 70s british cars, that statement should really hit home.)
It has the original clutch, original trans, and original engine. Oh, a light did burn out in the original radio..
I also have an s2000 that has already had a new clutch, new tranny, two diffs, new cv joints, new bearings, new hubs, and the list goes on..it has spent more time in the shop than ANY car I own. (I have 5, including a 70s Triumph...... and if you know anything about 70s british cars, that statement should really hit home.)
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I have not driven the Trailblazer but I would venture to guess that it is still pretty close to the Blazer it replaced. My family had a Blazer and when it worked it worked well. It was a very rugged vehicle and had decent handling. You could turn the car off and the lighter adapter still worked. It did suck gas and it seemed minor maintenance things like replacing the the headlight bulbs were purposely designed to be a chore --you had to remove the whole front grille to do it. But I do miss the low-end torque. Eventually the transmission burned out.
If you get a Honda Element or anyother other Honda truck that is not to say you would never have problems. But they will likely be fewer and cheaper in the long run.
If you get a Honda Element or anyother other Honda truck that is not to say you would never have problems. But they will likely be fewer and cheaper in the long run.
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From: Cleveland
Originally Posted by david1,Dec 1 2006, 10:50 AM
I have an 03 Trailblazer with 52k miles and can't wait to turn it in next February. The worst vehical we have ever had. It has lived at the dealer for Tailight recalls twice and the rear light bulbs still need to be replaced every other month! The gas tank has been replaced. Every loose interior piece has been replaced because of breakage, the DVD player doesn't always work in hot weather. The headlights suck and the fogs are useless! The Transmission has had 3 reflashes to try and fix a 1st to 2nd gear part throttle shudder, but each try only lasts for few thousand miles. Gets 12mpg average with the 6cyl. The suspansion has also gotten very loose and the rear shocks need to be replaced and are Bilstiens! Front sway bar end links replaced twice, front diff leak, transfer case leaks twice. Rear rotors resufaced, but I am still on the original pads so thats a plus! Various check engine light warnings, but this has always been no problem found are fuel vapor leak(loose gas cap) OnStar is fun to play with for remote diagnostics etc. Lots of rattles from the rear hatch and window. The dealer has been very good to the point that I have always had a free loaner car and free service including all oil changes. All I have paid for is tires and an air filter.
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From: Wayne
[
12 mpg
Thats way below average from what i have seen on gmt forums We don't have this vehicle in our family but my rommate's have been flawless after the abuse it has taken for last two years. When I see abuse... believe me 
17k for a trailblazer is a steal though. 
12 mpg
Thats way below average from what i have seen on gmt forums We don't have this vehicle in our family but my rommate's have been flawless after the abuse it has taken for last two years. When I see abuse... believe me 17k for a trailblazer is a steal though.
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From: i <3 ny
Element. but get it in 5sp. Our x-Element's tranny took a righteous shit at 45k miles.
other negative things to consider about the element.
-it's really not as fuel efficient as you would think.
-at highway speeds, a nice cross wind will scare the sh*t out of the person in the next lane.
-in automatic trim, it'll take forever to get up to speed.
-on hot days, the seats get a bit uncomfortable as they not exactly porous thus trapping sweat inbetween your body and the seat.
-your rear seat passengers will bake on hot days due to the lack of real windows and the sunlight shining down from the sunroof gets annoying after a while. that and the fact that you'll rarely ever travel back there to open/remove it.
-it's not made in japan
positives
-the k series motor has proven itself to be quite reliable
-utility - it'll swallow a 50" samsung DLP TV with box effortlessly
-it takes regular gas
-simple maintenance - it's a honda!
-seats fold flat or up yielding crazy space
-it's not a GM
if you do end up getting one, get the side steps and carpeted mats. the rubber mats are nice, but the carpeted ones make the car seem more like a car. side steps look nice, and so does the roof rack. had a thule on ours, but realized i was losing mpg with it!
other negative things to consider about the element.
-it's really not as fuel efficient as you would think.
-at highway speeds, a nice cross wind will scare the sh*t out of the person in the next lane.
-in automatic trim, it'll take forever to get up to speed.
-on hot days, the seats get a bit uncomfortable as they not exactly porous thus trapping sweat inbetween your body and the seat.
-your rear seat passengers will bake on hot days due to the lack of real windows and the sunlight shining down from the sunroof gets annoying after a while. that and the fact that you'll rarely ever travel back there to open/remove it.
-it's not made in japan
positives
-the k series motor has proven itself to be quite reliable
-utility - it'll swallow a 50" samsung DLP TV with box effortlessly
-it takes regular gas
-simple maintenance - it's a honda!
-seats fold flat or up yielding crazy space
-it's not a GM
if you do end up getting one, get the side steps and carpeted mats. the rubber mats are nice, but the carpeted ones make the car seem more like a car. side steps look nice, and so does the roof rack. had a thule on ours, but realized i was losing mpg with it!
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From: Connecticut
Please, please don't punish yourself with a trailblazer. Between the cheap (i.e. - chevy cavalier) interior and the fact that it handles like a schoolbus, has questionable reliability, and will be worth almost nothing in 2 years, $17 grand is about $16,900 too much in my opinion.
I would second the recommendation for an Xterra. They get better gas mileage, have pretty decent balls, and the company that makes it will still probably be in business 5 years from now when you want to sell it.
I would second the recommendation for an Xterra. They get better gas mileage, have pretty decent balls, and the company that makes it will still probably be in business 5 years from now when you want to sell it.
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Hurricane City, FL
I know zip about the Element, but I have rented 3 Trailblazers (not by choice) and every one of them was simply AWFUL, worst driving experiences of my life. Made my fiances' Cavalier feel like a Ferrari! DON'T DO IT MAN!!!
