I might have agreed with you a couple of years ago. However, about a year and a half ago I was at the folks house. They had just purchased a new trailblazer. Just it being a domestic made me ask why. I always liked the exterior design but again it was a domestic so it had to be crap. Well, after driving that car, I totally changed my mind. The engine has an awesome sound and just has great torque. Its not really loud either until you're at wide open throttle. I still dont like the interior design or materials used. But its got a great engine. Sure it's only got 275hp which is low for such a big engine. But most suvs have lower hp and higher torque anyways. 275hp and 275 tq is definatly enough.