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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  03 TB Ext, 94K miles, Original Owner - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By 03tbext - April 24 - 5:17 pm

  Had this from day one. Just had dealer replace the exhaust manifold ($100 cost to me, could have beem $770). Cracking of the manifold is common, rear of the O2 sensor. If you smell exhaust under the hood when cold and freshly started, as well as a strange noise that clears up in 3-5 minutes, you have the problem. GM covered this up to 8 years and 80K miles for free, I was lucky to get for $100. Thanx GM :) Replaced all four antisway links myself, easy (gets rid of clunking when going over bumps). Also had to replace all four brake rotors and pad sets. Very happy with the Rugged Trail T/As, 94K mi. on the remaining orig. pair. Installed K&N cold air intake kit, no diff in econ.

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  Love It! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Queenie - March 26 - 7:13 pm

  Just bought this in June. I love it! I bought a fully loaded demo model and its great. Super comfy, very roomy, lots of extra features. Would definitely recommend.

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  Service contract poster child... - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By MTK - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my EXT new in 2002. We had several fit/finish problems which needed to be taken care of (primarily paint related). In addition the air conditioner has been worked on, the windshield wiper motors have been replaced, the fan clutch has been replaced, and the gas tank developed a hairline fracture and needed to be replaced. If you really insist on buying a TB, I strongly recommend buying a extended service contract. It has saved me several times.

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  2004 8 cyl - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By mij - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle if you do not want a Tahoe or Suburban. I bought it because of the 8cyl engine, the 3rd row seating and entertainment center not to mention that a have several local Chevy dealers but no imports. 8cyl is great for towing. I love the XM radio that I got 1 year free of

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  trailblazer is the best - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By chris dixon - December 25 - 9:36 pm

  i own a 2003 ext with the 5.3 V8 and it rocks

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  SUV Works For Me - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By AZGAL - November 25 - 3:30 am

  This is a really nice SUV for the money. You get style and comfort as a package. I have owned several competing SUVs for the last 10 years and find this Trailblazer has the smoothest ride with all the comfort. If you have had other SUVs you know what I am talking about.

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  outstanding vehichle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By joemarks - October 19 - 10:00 am

  could not be more happy with this truck. insige is great for family and yet not to large for individual driving.plenty of pick up and great styling.

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  New rig for the bigger family - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jeff - October 14 - 12:23 am

  I bought this vehicle used, I am the 2nd owner. I fell in love with it right away, the 3rd row seat is a god send, and I love the styling. The only drawback is the mileage. 12-14mpg at best in city

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  New car had problem - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By blackext - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  At 1000 miles we had car trouble. A few ground wire bolts connected to the engine throttle body sensor were not completely screwed tight. So far, no engine damage, but this says a lot about the poor, careless quality of build. This was not a result of a defective part, but a result of a negligant, careless assembly worker. What kind of standards are set in place for quality assurance at GM? Also needed an alignment from the moment we pulled off the lot.

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  The Gas Mileage is HORRIBLE - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By KBAA - August 14 - 3:20 am

  If you want to get good mileage then USE your CRUISE! I tried to just keep my speed consistant without cruise control going up a medium sized hill and it was all I could do to stay at my speed....much less accelerate. The car is smooth driving but I would recommend getting this vehicle if you live on flat terrain.