Gas Milage

[awagner777]

Hello all, I am considering trading in my 1998 Dodge Durango for a Trailblazer. The Primary reason for wanting to make this trade is the heafty bill at the gas pumps. I am getting roughly 11-14 MPG in my Dodge, and I was wondering if the trailblazer would offer me any improvments. How does the power compare to the Durango, which has a 318CI V-8, to the TB with the I-6? Can Anyone offer me any help??
Thanks
Aaron Wagner

[Twin1]

I've been in a durango with the 318 v8 and compared to the TB I6 it has more grunt down low. Torque that is, look at the power charts.The TB has more of a smooth power delivery with a strong top end rush.My gas mileage averages from 15.9 to 18 according to my fuel bill and the computer in my instrument panel. The trailblazer's ride is far superior.

[Bullethole]

I consistently get 17-20 mpg in a mix of hwy and city. On the hwy at interstate speeds I will get 21-22. Not bad for a truck this size and hp. I replaced a Jeep GC with 4.0 I6 that never got better than 18 mpg hwy and 15-16 in town. Very pleased so far.

[awagner777]

I test drove an 03 Tb yesterday and man, i was floored! The ride in my Durango has been like a truck... the TB was like my old Honda accord. I loved it... I drove down a street here in town that would have shaken me around in the Durango, it was like being in a Cadillac! The low end power felt very good, accelleration was better than my durango, and if gas milage really is that much better then sign me up baby... Im a Chevy man!

[MrMedicNY]

I went from a 98 Durango to a '04 trailblazer ext with a V8. The power and handling is far superior on the trailblazer. The MPG is a little better but you get more truck.

[SHER218]

We just bought a 04Trailblazer EXT and It is killing us on gas....It gets around 11mpg!!!! I am sick over this..It has 1400 miles and is a V6 4.3L....Could this possibly be right or could there be something wrong somewhere????Sherri

[Bullethole]

A couple of things are wrong. First the TB has a 4.2 in-line 6 as it's base engine. The 4.3 v-6 has been around for years and was in many GM vehicles including the smaller Blazer, but not the Trailblazer. Are you sure that you may not have a 5.3 v8 in your EXT? Still the mileage should not be that bad. Take it to the dealer.

[SHER218]

You are right...It is the 4.2 in-line 6...We called the dealer, they said it has to go thru a break-in period...I dont know if I believe that or not....If the mileage is going to improve at around 5000 miles, its going to have to improve alot ...I will be in the poor house before I get to 5000 miles!!!LOl Sherri

[Bullethole]

That break-in is nonsense. Double check your mileage and then go to the dealer with accurate info. 11 mpg is unreasonable. I get 16 pulling a 2000 lb. utility trailer. Sounds like a dealer blow-off to me.

[jhhlive]

Here's my

I have an ‘05 TB LT EXT 5.3L, loaded. Bought in Jan ‘05 & now have only about 6200mi on it. The low milage is due to me having too many vehicles.

Anyhow, when the TB had about 2K or so, I was on the road & saw a gas station so I went in to fill up. I then challenged myself to get the best milage I could. This is starting the TB up & it’s already fully warmed up. I recall it was warm out, didn’t go over about 50mph, no cruse control & babied all the way. I drove about 50 or 60 miles & got 21mpg! I never saw that again but really never tried to that extent again. I did get about 20mpg on that tank.

I keep a record of every tank of gas that goes into the vehicle. The average for all of it since the beginning is: 16.08 & 16.15 for the electronic (TB’s reading) & calculated mileages. I can tell you I’ve been trying to drive to get the best mileage I can. I do notice I’ve been slacking off a bit in that attempt lately. I have noticed if I fill up & do short trips, meaning 2 to 3 miles per trip, I’ll get around 11 to 12mpg.

Conclusion: It mostly will depend on your driving habits, climate & length of trips.

Originally Posted by Bullethole

That break-in is nonsense. Double check your mileage and then go to the dealer with accurate info. 11 mpg is unreasonable. I get 16 pulling a 2000 lb. utility trailer. Sounds like a dealer blow-off to me.

[phewop118]

I agree. Mileage depends on driving styles. When I drive our 05 tb ext v8, I usually manage 20mpg with mostly highway driving. However, my mother happens to get about 14 mpg with mostly highway driving. She always pushes the gas, backs off, pushes, lets off. In these v8's especially (w/dod), it's important to keep your foot steady, as high off the floor as possible.

[ScarabEpic22]

I have a 02 SWB LT, and get ~14-15 in city (lead foot) or 18-19 city (babying it big time). On the hwy, going 75 I can get ~21.5mpg with a passenger and a gear for a weekend. With 4 people and all their bags for a weekend, I get 21mpg going 75. Get about ~340-380 miles out of a tank before the light goes on with 4people! And, that is over a pass to boot! Lets just say I get waay better mileage with my 02 TB than I ever did with my old 96 GMC Jimmy. Probably 2-4mpg better all the way around, and when you are talking 6-10 700mi round trips per year in the summer, that gas adds up pretty quick!

I confess, I have a K&N air filter and an Airaid TBS, but I am very happy with these simple and relatively inexpensive mods!

[livalidle]

I went from a 03 Dakota Quadcab 4X4 with a 4.7 to a 05 Trailblazer LS 4X4 swb with a 4.2 and it was a smart move. My Dakota got 13 mpg and I now get a steady 18 mpg and I got 45hp more with the TB. Also got a smoother ride and more room.

[trailsharky]

my 02 used to get about 18 city 20-22 or so high way

lately I've been lucky to get 15mpg

[max3456]

I get 18.3 driving 75 miles per day in houston traffic. If you have ever been here, you know what that is like. 23-24.4 on the open road. Very pleased with this.