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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  Trailblazer is great - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Corey Cornick - March 5 - 1:53 am

  I love my SUV! Thats all I can say. It has come through for me. I have hauled everything from 60 bags of mulch to a basketball hoop on the roof. The EXT is a very versatile vehicle. My wife thinks Im crazy when I park the Lexus in the garage and take the Trailblazer out on the town. This is a very wise choice of a vehicle. My next SUV will be the Trailblazer SS!

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  Bow tie is the only tie - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By kolden - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Trailblaze a short but my wife and I love it, I never thought I would buy another American vehicle, until I test drove the Trailblazer. It had the best car for the money out of all the Suvs that I drove.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Happy Grandma - January 22 - 9:10 am

  Love at first drive! This vehicle is exactly what I need to carry kids to daycare, school and work, load all kinds of cargo, and enjoy driving all the time. It has a luxury ride, its beautiful, and roomy. My grandson loves the opera-style 3rd row seating. He has lots of room to play and can see outside with no problem. Plenty of power.

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  No Regrets - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By B Saunders - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This Trailblazer XLT replaced my Ford Exposition. More power and better fuel mileage is a plus. Also has more cargo room behind third row seats. Have taken several long road trips (600 miles plus) and the ride was nice and more comfortable than my Exposition. I have also towed over 4,500 lb with no trouble and plenty of power to spare.

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  hapy mom - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By traci - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my trail blazer it has all the room and tv equipment for the kids but sporter for this 29yr old mom who does not want to drive a van.

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  JUNK BUYER BEWARE - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Senecio - October 19 - 3:00 pm

  To sum it up I have been trying to give it back since 3 days after I bought it. In one year no exaggeration it has been in the shop at least 50 times. Four times LAST week with another appointment set up for next week. This vehicle is poorly made, maintained, assembled and all around junk.

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  Mikes TrailBlazer EXT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Mike - August 21 - 2:06 pm

  Very comfortable ride, like driving down the road in your recliner. Smooth responsive steering. Good sound system. 3rd row seat is very convenient. Folds down easily for extra room and storage. Only downs are the obtrusive rear view mirror and non-aesthetic dash and controls.

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  Practical, But Unreliable - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Neal - July 22 - 3:56 am

  This was the first new vehicle we ever purchased. Vehicle was in the shop app. 30 of first 50 days we owned it. 4 separate occasions for leaking differential housing, for bad serp. belt., and for steering out of tow, and once for a broken back window that shattered for no reason whatsoever. Dealer provided a Cavalier for a loaner (Thanks). Getting GM to step up to the plate was a battle. Eventually got two years of oil changes, but would have preferred a swap out of vehicle. Would have needed to go lemon law route to replace, but ended up to be too much trouble to make that happen. For the past 8 months or so, things seem to be OK. Horrible depreciation, so will need to hang on to it

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  Love it - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Debbie - June 4 - 8:26 pm

  I needed something bigger to haul my kids friends around. This was the coolest way without getting a mini van. I love it!

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  great buy - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jughead - May 20 - 10:00 am

  wife and kids love it,great ride.