Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

allenr

I installed a PF59 when I change oil last. That's the one the manual says to use.

Allen

9t9wu8

That's cool ... the same filters as on the V-8's. The two are interchangable This is what I have on them from the Camaro side.
AC Delco PF 59 ... it's a little longer ... is used on the truck .. and has anti drainback valve ... hangs slightly below the oil pan.

The PF 58 doesn't have the anti-drainback.

I don't know if the anti-drainback is necessary on the straight 6.

narg

Sounds like the problems Chevy had with the Silverado pickups. Me thinks Chevy has got a real problem in building wheels. Not good, not good.

lrs135

mfullmer, I am interested to know which dealership you took your Bravada to after your incident?

basepro09

I was wondering how the back end opens on the Trailblazer? Does it have the flipper glass and the rest opens up also? or does it open to the side? Does the window open at all?

jbossert

After putting 2,000 miles on my TB, here are my observations:
- Drivetrain is smooth as silk, but a tad sluggish off the line (I regret not getting the 4.10 gears)
- Incredible midrange passing power
- Great brakes
- New Bose system is spectacular...finally a Bose system that sounds good!!
- Cheesy sun visor
- Excellent DIC features
- Less-than-luxurious leather seating (the front seats look like leather covered plywood. I think that they are copying Mercedes.
- Fantastic exterior styling
- Lame front license plate bracket
- Decent gas mileage for an SUV (I consistently get 17-19 in mixed driving.
- Handy under-the-floor storage compartment in the cargo area.
- Loose headliner
- Muffler is way too visible
- Front fenders are not anchored to the wheel wells
- plastic shroud around 3rd taillight is pulling away

I'm not sure why, but I love my TB. Maybe I'm a sucker for a "new" vehicle.

dindak

I have to agree with you, the Trailblazer is one slick looking truck. I have been eying a black LTZ sitting in front of the local dealer all week. I drool every time I drive by.

boat10

Kozak1 #1540...yes thentabs are visible if you lay down on your back and look where the front hooks are located. I tried replacing the tabs last evening...cann"t get your hand in where the bolts need to be mounted, but you can pull out the tab and put some black tape around it and push back in, will tighten up some. I'm going to have my dealer's bodyshop to have a look and see what they can do....bad design on this.

basepro09 #1546... yes both the glass opens seperatly and the tailgate opens seperatly, the handle for the tail gate is right in the middle of the tail gate right below the button which opens the glass. they both opens upwards, not from the side.

imototo

Hello everyone. I'm new to this group so please bear with me if I make mistakes. I'm also having a hard time in figuring out how to navigate this place! Need to spend more time in help.... but just wanted to dash this off in the meantime.

Anyway, I bought a 2002 Bravada in May... awaiting delivery scheduled for end of July. Since I had fractured my pelvis in April, I definitely wanted running boards! Dealer said they were not available. We showed him a picture from the brochure which showed a Bravada with running boards. He got on the computer and said, "sorry, no." Brochures were printed much before the cars was actually available and no running boards were offered now.

After I whined a bit(and afraid he might not close the deal), the dealer said he was going to try to fit Envoy running boards on the Bravada. After looking under the frame of the Bravada, he said he didn't see why it couldn't be done. The charge will be $280, including labor. Hope this helps, zecgeotz.

zecgeotz

Imototo,

Thanks for your response. We have had many messages about this subject. Scroll back and you will see. Go to my message # 1501. They may fit but they are different. There are special Bravada running boards and they are a bit more expensive. The deal the dealer gave you, installed, sounds good . I hope you like them. Please keep me informed.

George

joe_mac

There is an excellent review of the Trailblazer at Usatoday.com in the Money section. Enjoy. http://www.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey.htm

rok9900

I need your help!! I'm looking at a leftover 2000 ZR2 with everything but a sonroof and a 98' Grand Cherokee Limited V8 w/36,000 miles and every option known to man. The ZR2 price is $23,000 and the Cherokee is $18,900. I drive 45,000 miles a year and often have about 400-500 lbs. in the truck. I love the Cherokee for the toys, 4 doors and liftgate. I love the ZR2 because it's brand new and reinforced chassis. If anyone knows, just how special is this ZR2 package?
Is it that big of a difference? I need whichever one will last longer and be tougher. Please HELP!

rspeicher1

I ordered a Bravada with polished wheels on 3/1/01. Polished wheels became available in May. I contacted Olds customer assistance since I get no straight answers from my dealer. They told me it has now been built but is awaiting emissions testing and the ship date is unknown. My dealer obviously lied to me about my order receiving preference as soon as polished wheels became available. The number for Oldsmoble customer assistance is 800-442-6537

hambone7

I hope someone can shed some light on this since my dealer can't:

My TB was built last week but not shipped because, as the computer tells the dealer, the factory is "testing the options". The dealer also told me that it will come in with 10-60 miles on it... and it will take over a week to do this.

This sounds like they're letting factory employees drive it home for the week to "test drive" the vehicle. I feel kind of queasy now.

Does anyone out there know what is really happening with my TB?

earlc

GM is using your TB as a test vehicle. I would refuse to accept it. no telling what they have done to it. Don't believe your dealer. Make him order you another.

rroman8420

We purchased our 2002 Bravada in April and have not added any oil since it was returned back to us after the recall. It is possible that the dealer checked all fluid levels (I think they were supposed to do that). I just checked the oil again this past weekend and the oil indicates full. The SUV has about 6,000 miles on it. The dip stick has a blue plastic piece that has 3 small circular shapped indentations on one side. The furthest one indicates 1 qt low, the middle one 1/2 qt and the top one indicates full. I have read on this board that many people are seeing heavy oil usage. I am curious to know if after filling it and rechecking it in the same amount of milage, did it go down again.

So far the biggest complaint with the Bravada is the front seatbelts. They seem to be uncomfortable by crossing too close to the neck. It is even worse for my wife.

A small issue is the steering. It takes some getting use to and is very sensitive to the slighest movement left or right on center steering. But, it seems better the more I drive it.

I will also have the oil changed!

hambone7

I hope someone can shed some light on this since my dealer can't:

My TB was built last week but not shipped because, as the computer tells the dealer, the factory is "testing the options". The dealer also told me that it will come in with 10-60 miles on it... and it will take over a week to do this.

This sounds like they're letting factory employees drive it home for the week to "test drive" the vehicle. I feel kind of queasy now.

Does anyone out there know what is really happening with my TB?

hambone7

Perhaps testing it before it goes out to the dealer is a good thing? Do you know how/what they test?

jbossert

I have 2,000 miles on my TB and there has been no change in the oil level. It seems odd to me that people on this board seem to be experiencing a wide range of oil consumption. Something has to be wrong when one vehicle experiences a 1 qt. drop in 1,000 miles and another can go 5,000 with little or no drop. Any thoughts on this?

rpageau

10-60 miles seems a little steep. Mine had 4 miles on it, and the 2001 loaner off the lot during the recall also had 4 miles on it. I wouldn't worry much about 10, but I would have some questions about 60 if it was a special order. They don't have any business giving test drives at the dealer using special orders. Also, I seriously doubt they would be using special ordered vehicles for shakedown testing at the factory. I think it would be safe to assume any mileage over 10 miles was put on at the dealer.

Besides the locking differential & traction control, what options would need testing that requires mileage? I doubt you have drive something 60 miles to find out if the leather seats work!

gator71

Could anyone tell me where to get information on my vehicle after the order has been placed at the dealer? I see alot of you know the status of your vehicle. I sure would like to be able to Track my Envoy.

trek1420b

There is a litte bar with holes that pops up when the sunroof is retracted. I have found that it seems quieter when I reach up and hold that bar down so it doesn't catch the wind. Any comments?

dgar

I ordered a 2wd Bravada in April and have been waiting patiently until
last week. It came in Friday. After getting off early and driving 50 miles to the dealership I was in for a big disappointment. Although it was a very nice looking vehicle it was a little bit short on standard equipment. It also had a large dent in the drivers door. (Grapefruit size) I ordered a 4.10 axle ratio and it had a 3.73. The big problem though was this. The advertised standard Locking Differential and Traction Control were not on the vehicle. The dealer said that the factory had run out of those components in April and did not know when they would be available again. It seems funny that all of the Envoys at the local Gmc dealers have these on them. Has anyone got a Bravada with the Locking Differential and Traction Control Lately. Needless to say I did not buy the vehicle. Oh,by the way the dealer contacted his factory rep about the price and was told he would not receive any reduction even though the standard equipment was missing.

hambone7

According to the dealer, only some vehicles are pulled aside after assembly for testing. They could not tell me what kind of testing but that those vehicles arrive at the dealer with 10-60 miles. I would probably reject an ordered vehicle with 60 miles on it since I have no idea how the miles were put on.

Calling the 800 number yields a different story. Although the first person I spoke with this morning told me to call the dealer because "they have the most updated information" (overstatement of the year), the second person this afternoon at the 800 number told me that EVERY vehicle goes through this 7-8 day "quality control". They went on to say that there is no way that the vehicle could get more than 10-20 miles on it as the dealer states. The few miles it racks up are from transportation systems according to the 800 number. The testing, they say, tests to make sure everything is working properly on the vehicle. (So...any of those problems y'all have noticed on your vehicles were ignored/missed by the factory's quality controls...and the dealers.)

I don't what to think about all this. The dealer says that only some vehicles are tested at the factory...the 800 number states that all are tested. In all likelihood I'm making much more of this than needed, however, I just wish the dealers knew what GM thinks they know.

hambone7

I've been picturing some guy at the factory taking his family to a 4th of July picnic to "test" the leather seats, A/C, and the Bose radio. Then backing into a mud pit to test the traction control.

rpageau

That is quite a picture....It gets even better the more you think about it:>)

racoonlodge

Good one Hambone7!
Thanks for the patriotic laugh!. I think with Ford on the skid with its own problems (Explorer), I think GM ought to get off its rump and make a charge with these 3 SUV's and help out their customers..... us! (John Q. Public) and show everyone GM means business with its customers. Good relations, communications and solutions will go a long way between GM and their customers.

doc35

My Envoy had 1 mile on it when I helped the dealer remove the white plastic from it...

My sunroof has the "pop-up" deflector and it seems to have a problem. I seriously vibrates up and down VIOLENTLY and causes a resonance within the cabin at some freeway speeds. It just doesn't seem to have the strength to resist the wind which is what it is supposed to do. Any comments? Is this a common problem.

I think that as we find common problems, then we should all make an effort to notify GM and let them know that we are all talking and discussing these issues so they can be solved sooner and not labeled as "isolated incidents"

thanks,

Kirk

jimxo

Edmunds is showing effective today this incentive until Nov 2001.

Is this correct?

flyguy5

I found this but it applies only to the 2001.

Customer Incentive, Cash
(Expires 10-1-01) -3000.00
(N/A w/Financing or Special Customer Incentive, Fleet Incentive-VX5 or Cash Fleet Incentive) (Regional Programs May Vary) (Restrictions May Apply)
See Pricing Report

childs57

Edmund's incentive information is erroneous...according to the Bravada website, there are currently no incentives offered on 2002 Bravadas. However, there is a $3000 rebate on 2001 (old body style) Bravadas.

Ordered a Polo Green 2002 Bravada on May 24...due to GM's dreaded "late availability", dealer told me green would not be available for order until June 1. After trying to place the order throughout the first half of June, Oldsmobile then told dealer that green would not be available for order until July 1.

Since dealer could find out nothing, and calling Olds customer service is just a waste of time, I decided to go to the top to find out when green would be available for ordering. I remembered the Bravada brand specialist discussion on this site several months ago, so I tracked down this particular Bravada brand specialist in Detroit for information.

Now, I'm sure this particular person probably would not appreciate being bombarded with thousands of phone calls, but I finally did get all of my questions answered...I was told polo green would be available for order on June 28 (it was; dealer's computer finally accepted the order), and the first production run of green was scheduled for August 6 (I'm assuming mine will be one of the first green Bravadas off of the line). I was also able to order the new DVD entertainment system (deleting the sunroof, since you cannot have both, as they occupy the same headliner space).

As far as availability of traction control on 2WD Bravadas, my brochure says that this again is "late availability". We'll see if mine built in August comes with this equipment.

dgar

The Bravada that I orderred came in with the polished wheels. The build date was june 18.

flyguy5

Ordered a set of running boards fro the TB and after a week I checked with the dealer (GMPARTSDIRECT.COM) and got this reply back;

Part number 12497885 is on national backorder. We have entered your order in line with the manufacturer and will be one of the first to receive this part once it has been release for sale. The manufacturer shows a release date of July 31.

Good luck with trying to get them earlier. BTW the price was about $209.00 plus shipping for about $247.00 total.

hambone7

No locking diff or traction control?!? I ordered a TB with the 3.73 gears, locking diff (option on TB) and the traction control (option on TB) and it was built last week (2 weeks after yours). When given the status of the vehicle I was not told that the factory left off these options, so this will be interesting to see if they were put on. "alease" from this board just got a TB that was ordered and was built the week of the 11th or 18th. I wonder if "alease" got these options. I'm certain that the traction control and locking diff are the same on the Bravada as the TB.

gojhawks

This is my first post. It is a long one. Drove my 2002 Envoy SLT off the lot yesterday. I had been researching for past couple of months and following the discussions here. It is black with dark pewter leather, enhanced SLT package, moon roof etc. Although I live in south west Kansas, I bought it in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as my father lives 90 miles from Tulsa and we located just what I wanted there. Unfortunately I have just returned from Tulsa again. haven't owned my new Envoy 24 hrs and it has already been in the shop. On way back to my father's yesterday, about 40 miles out, suddenly we noticed a very odd, whirring sound (for lack of a better description) when I lifted off the accelerator. Sounded like a fan or servo motor. As soon as I touched the gas pedal it would stop. It was interrmitent, no warning lights came on and all gauges normal. We finished the trip and I called first thing this morning. They said to bring it in. The noise was much more frequent this morning. To the dealer's credit he did get me right into service when I arrived. The service manager and I took it for a drive and thankfully the noise repeated himself. The service manager was puzzled. After driving around for a considerable time he flipped the switch from 2Hi to A4WD. That seemed to do the trick. After driving some more he put it on the lift and checked things. He also drained the transfer case fluid. He checked it closely and found no metal shavings. He also called GM tech who told him there had been no reports of such a problem on any other Envoys and they had no idea. After driving it for another 30 miles or so he concluded the problem must have been the transfer case was hunting between 2Hi and A4WD and since he flipped the switch it had settled down with no problem. I did get him to at least fill my gas tank and they did loan me a car to go get lunch. I have just driven 90 miles and the problem seems to be solved. I am still a bit queasy about things. Wish they had found a real problem. Of course the fact that on the way home I noticed the trim in the center of the dash is separating already doesn't make me real happy either. Kind of expect better finish on a $35,000 car.

Now having whined there are some very positive things to say. First the Envoy is absolutely beautiful. Like many have reported here I have already had people pause to stare at it and ask me what it is. The waitress where had dinner last night even went so far as to ask around whose it was so she could tell me how sharp it was! Nothing like a cute waitress telling you she likes your vehicle to stroke your ego. The Bose stereo is great. I love the moon roof so far! It drives very nicely. The are so many toys on this thing it will take me a month to figure it all out.

I am headed to Kansas City Thursday and then back south west on Sunday. When I get home I will be able to give a better evaluation. Until then at least I will be riding in style.

chspkv

Well, sunday got the new TB LT 4x4 with light pewter leather.. I No problems with it, I love how it rides, it's a big improvement over my 2000 blazer..

footballfan777

All,

This is great. I've been reading for a month now all of the problems you new GM triplet owners are having. It's actually refreshing to look at the 02 Exploder boards and see no activity. From what I'm seeing, no activity is mucho better. Us new Exploder owners aren't having problems with our vehicles, at least not nearly to the extent you new triplet owners are having.

Keep enjoying your new Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada...while they're not in the shop. I'm sure they ride really nice when you're able to drive them. And enjoy that loaner they give you when you can't drive your own car. At least you aren't racking up the miles on yours. He-he.

dindak

I find it even more comical that someone would come to this forum to brag about how few problems there are with the Explorer. Please be serious!! You are talking about a truck with 2 recalls after a 3 month launch delay. You are talking about the company that produces the Escape and the Focus, both with 5+ recalls in their short life. While I think the Explorer is a nice truck, it has more than it's share of problems. The GM triplets handily spank Explorer in performance and style.

immoe

Being a GM buyer for 26 years and 17 vehicles it would be gratifying to see a loyalty rebate on my ordered Envoy SLT. Three co-workers have purchased new Explorers and received up to $2150 on rebates and owner loyalty program.
Wake up GM, its time to take care of those who take care of you especially on the loyalty side of things! You did it on my previous two Jimmy's how about the Envoy?

demodog1

As a result of the lower control arm recall, I have the 24mo./24K mile maintenance contract. I am due for the first oil change at my dealer soon. Has anyone asked for synthetic oil as a part of this maintenance contract? Obviously, synthetic is much more expensive but it states nowhere that conventional oil must be used within the agreement. Anyone have any knowledge of these details?

flyguy5

Hey Guys/Gals,
I finally got the guts to take my TB (3.73 W/Locking diff) off road yesterday. Most of it was in New Mexico sand and up 30-40 degree inclines. I was impressed at the ability to get up these hills. The stock tires are OK and I only bogged down once, got out by going in reverse. A little bouncy at higher speeds, but overall the TB does a pretty good job. Have to stay away from bushes etc so I don't scratch the great paint job. I have a couple of Hondas and they have the "orange peel" paint look, the TB (Indigo Blue) doesn't have this or any of the other minor paint issues that I have seen posted. It was made in May so maybe the sorted this out. My wife carpools to work and a couple of the other "SUV" guys (2001 Cherokee and 2000 Explorer)have had the priviledge of riding in the TB and their comments are "Wow" great ride and looks. One asked is there a V-8 in this thing? I've had minor one minor problem with it after 2 weeks and am getting 15-16 mpg, would probably get a little better if it wasn't SO MUCH FUN to take off road. Personnaly I think GM has done a great job. BZ

65panhead

Have any owners of 2002 Bravada ordered or received factory running boards? My dealer and Olds cust.service says they have no idea when they can be ordered.

footballfan777

dindak,

I'll take the rear glass exploding and the tire recall anytime compared to your "don't drive under any condition" suspension recall. As for our car, it was built after the recall, so I'm not too worried about it. Especially after reading how your local GM dealers were taking the parts for owners and putting them on cars sitting on the lot.

And I just read where the Exploder set the new record for sales in a month. And in all fairness, we should consider the incentives offered to Ford employees. But we also need to consider incentives offered to former GM owners. GM offered an even better deal to previous owners of the Blazer, yet the Exploder sales beat theirs. I happen to work with a lady who received these incentives...waved her remaining lease payments, waved the extra mileage penalty, and put her in a new TB for the same payment. Yet Exploder sales just kicked the snot out of the triplet sales. Now I've looked carefully at her vehicle, and I must admit, it is nice. However, I like the looks of the Ford better, although that is a matter of opinion. Just one thing to consider between the Ford and the triplets which sets the Ford apart...Does the GM offer a 3rd seat??? I think not.

PS...adjust the figures anyway you want, but the horsepower of the Ford is superior to the GMs. The 4.6 Ford V8 will make usable HP at a much less RPM level than the GM inline 6. When was the last time you drove your car around at 6000 RPMs?

dindak

Since when is number of units sold a measure of a good truck? Explorers have always outsold GM SUVs, so that is no big accomplishment anyway. If you recall, Ford has also had massive quantities of Explorers sitting in fields because they had to be fixed before they could go to market. GM has been selling them only as fast as they can build. Local dealer has exactly zero available.

Comparing ChevyV6 to Ford V6 is no competition. Ford's V8 still only produces 240 HP and burns more gas for less power. Ya it's more "usable", but what percentage of people need that towing power you speak of? In the end, most reviews I have read (including Edmunds) agree that the Trailblazer (and it's cousins) has a class leading engine/ drive train.

I like the Explorer, but it's just not a big deal. I would take a Pathfinder or a Trailblazer over an Explorer any day. Maybe if I did some heavy towing I would reconsider, but if I was getting a V8 SUV I would probably get a Tahoe or an Expedition.

wow41

First of all, the sales figures quoted in papers is the number of vehicles sold by the manufacturer to the dealers, not to the actual buyers like yourself. Don't think people are actually flocking to their dealerships.My local dealership has about a dozen on their lot while the Envoys are scarce. I've been waiting since last year for the 2002 Envoy and Explorer to make my decision. I'm taking the Envoy. Nicer lines, more standard features and the fact that everyone has an Explorer. The 3rd row seats are great for kids only. Also the 40/20/40 split second row is not that comfortable for adults. One more thing that irks me with Ford is manual lumbar adjustments, even in the Limited. What's up here ? I own a 1999 Windstar SEL that has power lumbar. Ford could have done a little better overall.

dgar

I see fly guy has a locking differential. I wonder why some of these vehicles have them and some do not?

flyguy5

The locking diff on the TB is a $270 option and most dealers out here order them that way. Without having some kinda traction control you need to have the locking diff. It doesn't come with any pacjkage as far as I remember, but I have seen it more on the LS version vice the LT.

flyguy5

Yesterday went up to Santa Fe National Forest and did 50 miles of goat trails. The TB did really well on washboard roads and big rocks. Only bottomed out (high speed - 40mph) once on a couple of nasty dips. Did notice one thing that the black rubber/plastic valence on the front bumper seems to rub the ground on very steep dips. I think that the few plastic clips that hold it in place will fail and I'll have to get a new one. Having lived in Canada many years I know how I drove in the snow and wonder what the death toll will be for this part when Northern people start plowing through snow banks! Put 200 miles on it yesterday and the seats are great, absorbs shocks real good too. On some heavy washboards the drivers door was thumping as if the whole frame was flexing, but I can't be sure. Time will tell. BTW managed 18.5 mpg with 50 miles trails and 40 in town and 110 highway. Cruises fine at 85, but I need to bring it in for a slight shake between 65-75 on the highway. Yes it was there before hitting the bumps. Really starting to like this thing. One thing that may need attention is rear air over the rear window. Dust and I would assume rain covers it when driving. I think we need an after market deflector or splash guards to keep it from happening. If someone has running Boards can you tell me if they protect the rear front of the wheel wells? Looks like this is an area prone to getting rock chips. Might have to get that plastic paint protector that someone mentioned in an earlier post.

alani

I did just that today, the dealer indicated that smart care will not pay for synthetic oil. I asked him to use it any way and that I will pay the different. What a mistake, they charged me $31.00 for the oil, his argument is that, it costs $6 for synth while about $1.5 for the regular oil.
Still, too much, just go to BJ's, Costco or similar place and buy it from there then take it with you to the dealer!
You will need 7 cans, my dealer put only 5! I did not argue with him at $6/can, that is rip off. When I went home, I added the other 2 myself, I had them sitting I the shelf.

-Alan

flyguy5

Here is something to watchout for . The Dealer only installed 5 qts. Think they've been trained on servicing the TB?????