Overview & Reviews

Model-year 2002 was a defining moment for the TrailBlazer. That year saw the midsize SUV benefiting from a redesign that made it a much more competitive player in its segment. It also saw the launch of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, an extended-wheelbase version of the popular sport-utility vehicle.

The TrailBlazer EXT gave you everything a TrailBlazer did, plus an extended wheelbase and a third-row seat that enabled it to accommodate up to seven passengers. This means you benefited from all the good things offered by Chevy's best-selling midsize SUV of the time -- most notably, a long list of standard features and a cushy highway ride. Unfortunately, you also got the not-so-good things, like uninspired interior design and dull steering and handling that became restive when the road got twisty.

The breakout stars of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT's lineup were its engines. The SUV's 4.2-liter inline-6 charmed us with 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (power jumped to 291 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in 2006), giving it more grunt than was offered by many competing V8s. For heavy-duty towing, a 5.3-liter V8 was available that churned out 290 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque (boosted to 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque in 2005). With all that power underfoot, we really wanted to love the TrailBlazer EXT, but shortcomings regarding its handling and cabin kept it from fully capturing our hearts. Model-year 2006 marked the end of the line for this king-sized SUV. More information about the TrailBlazer model can be found here.

User Reviews:

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  Heavy Driver in South western Ohio - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Winshire - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle, the EXT seem to have better handling capability over the two seat version. The third seat gives the vehicle more flexibility and is comfortable for adults. The gas mileage is noticeably less than the two seat version a 2002 previously owned. Gas mileage in the city is about 15.5 and 16.8 on the road.

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  Chevy Trailblazer EXT Family Transporter - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Go Spartans - April 8 - 11:26 pm

  This vehicle replaced our Chevrolet Venture Warner Brothers model mini van. They both had pros and cons. The handling of the SUV is better and the acceleration is better. The roominess with the longer wheel base is limited by the folding rear seats. It is nice to set up higher, but when you have little kids it is harder for them to get in on their own. Over all I enjoy every time I get to drive the Trailblazer. My neighbors like it too.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By d0llyd0lph1n - April 5 - 7:24 am

  Love this vehicle - plenty of room for our family of 6. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires) our only service issue has been replacing battery and front wheel bearings at 6 year mark. No complaints here :) This has been a very versitile and reliable vehicle for us.

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  Workhorse - no glamour - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By nicholas slater - March 2 - 9:23 am

  Guzzles gas (not good right now), no frills, reliable workhorse. I would not buy another one though, as I do not feel it is value for the price.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Kathygarnervill - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Glad Ive bought it!

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  Superb ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By FLDave63 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  After four Jeep vehicles (Cherokee and Grand Cherokees), I truly did not expect to be buying a Chevy. One test drive in an EXT, after testing several other makes, and I found myself driving one home. I found it to be surprisingly nimble for its size. The interior is very comfortable, except that the seats are rather firm.

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  Great 7 Passenger Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Tom Friedel - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I must admit, I love the Trailblazer. It is not fun to drive considering it is like an oversize station wagon, but it does ride smooth like a car which is a big plus. I dont know where all the gas mileage figures are coming from. The sticker says 15 city. Someone mentioned they obtained 15 in the city. We do not pull a trailer, drive very conservatively, have clean filters etc and are lucky to get 13 mpg in the city. This is unacceptable for a straight 6 engine. GM - Where is your competitive crossover vehicle for the 7 passenger Toyota Highlander?? The build quality is good. The vehicle drives nice, has plenty of torque and the 4x4 is great for hunting.

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  Trailblazer is a big fun truck - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By ALE518 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck has plenty of passenger room and can be reconfigured easily to accomodate many large cargo loads as well. There are some areas in the interior where the plushness is crudely interrupted by hardware (bolts) and the exterior is made up of more plastic than I expected. However, overall this ride looks as nice as the ride is smooth!

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  Great Car... so far :-) - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Tim - September 28 - 8:26 am

  Bought a used 2004 back in July 05. No problems over the last 4 months and 4K miles. Great gas mileage for a large SUV. Averaged 13 mpg while towing the largest U-haul trailer, and 15-16 around town. The same mileage as the smaller 2003 Ford Explorer we had. My A/C comes on strong and cold fairly quickly and access to the back seat can be made easier by tilting the entire middle seat forward instead of just tilting the seatback.

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  Whole Family Loves This Truck - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JIMS1024 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this truck. Our model has all the options, leather heated seats, power everything. XM radio / Bose system. We could not be happier with our TrailBlazer EXT. Bought it used with 36k on it. Unbelieveable how much room - even in third row.