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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  I like this SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Chris Richgels - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Super good highway cruiser.

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  Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Davidy1965 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  So far its been a great vehicle. Very roomy. It has a nice ride (better that our Buick Century) The drawback is the gas mileage, but with the size and weight of the vehicle, thats to be expected. Also, at highway speeds there is some wind noise.

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  Drove It Through 15 States - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By David Duffer - March 22 - 9:16 am

  Just got back May 23rd after leaving on the 14th of May to Memphis TN,and out west to Arizonia to the Grand Canyon, and over to Nevada to Las Vegas,Hoover Dam, then to Wyoming to Yellow Stone National Park,before heading back to Bowling Green KY.... While pulling a 2,000 lbs of a Pop-up Camper. I only got 16 miles to the gallon while towing camper trailer... But can honestly say that mechanically,driving,and the ride was excellent,didnt have any problems drove 4,995 miles including the trip back to Bowling Green KY... And I will add that we didnt let any grass grow at speed at 70-73 miles an hour even when we went through light rain showers.. It went right through the wet roads just fine..

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  Trailblazin with LOTS of room - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By pofolks - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This SUV was made with the middle man in mind. Finally a SUV that has all the comforts and performances of the "bigger brother" at a lower cost. Excellent truck for the price

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  Not enough room!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Sytek5 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle when we found out that we were expecting our third child. We thought with the third row seat we would have plenty of room inside, Wrong! With all the kids in car seats and then having to take the stroller for the baby, we are unable to get anything else in the back of the car. We like the way it drives and I think it is comfortable. It may look like a station wagon, but it lacks the cargo space inside. Also it is very hard to buckle up the child in the third row, the way that the floor is (knee killer).

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  Smooth ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By mystc - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have spent more time driving, taking family vacations, long and short vacations since I purchased my Trailblazer. Its the best ride for a 4x4 the options and interior design make it even better. Everything is at your fingertips, with lots of interior space. I feel safe driving it with my children. Test drive one, you will take it home!

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  Just Got It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JHaight - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for something that would handle our growing family. Only have 200 miles on it so far. Im 63" and I could sit in the back row. Wife loves it. Got 6k off in incentives, which made it a reasonable purchase. Had no problems pulling the pontoon boat. I can tell it sat on the lot, it has some cosmetic issues. A gasket on the back hatch needs to be replaced (covered by warranty, no prob.). A small tear in upholstery on the passenger door and discoloring(?)of the plastic exterior trim. Dont know if the last two are going to be issues or not... havent spoke to the dealer about them.

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  Not too bad.. - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JasonWiggins - February 7 - 6:40 pm

  Nice vehicle, very large, the folding seats arent as difficult as these other geniuses makeem out to be, lots of room for hauling...everything, wish the 3rd row seat would fold flat. seatbelts require extra effort to put on (installed in seat). Excellent for a family vehicle. Ran very well up to two major accidents (bent frame rail and rolled on side...thanks honey :) However, safety wise, she and the kids were well protected, nothing but bumps and bruises. Related to the accidents or not, the tach went on the fritz as well as the speedo, rear heater core went bad <-- kinda early for 50k. Gas mileage isnt as bad as previous posts claim, large SUV w/4.2L 6 cylinder 250+horsepower

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  Lots of ROOM!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Cdog - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV at a great price. It has lots of room for passengers or for stuff. The seats fold down and provide you with enough space to put just about anything. Ride is great.

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  Pass on this one - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Nicole T - December 16 - 3:00 pm

  I have had my Trailblazer for a year and am sorry I purchased it. It has front and rear a/c,however it takes so long to get cool. I have to drive several blocks for it to stop blowing hot air and get cool. My power windows have gone out twice and the moulding on the inside of the windows is loose. Not to mention the gas mileage is poor. The best thing about the car is the room. The third seat is wonderful, but somewhat difficult to get into.