My experience with Chevy trucks does not support your ‘nothing but horror stories’ comment. I bought a new 2002 Trailblazer and drove it until 2021 when my oldest son wanted it instead of me trading it in on me 2021 Colorado. The Trailblazer currently has over 200,000 miles on it. Over the time of my ownership I had to replace the shocks twice, front ball joints once, and of course engine and transmission oils, and tires. I could not ask for a more trouble free vehicle overall.
Maybe I had a bunch of Friday afternoon lemons. Owned two Suburbans, they basically fell apart at 100k. I had a Malibu 2019 that I use for work, at 100k oil change the entire car was junked due to oil leakage. Then I hear about stories like yours. Who knows.