Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
159 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 41 through 50 of 159.00
  • NO Wonder People dont buy American - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    I purchased this Trailblazer with 40 miles on it. Lets see what went wrong so far. Air Bag sensor went bad at 100 miles. Back hatch broke off because of cold at 7000 miles. Radio stopped working at 16000 miles. Onstar went on the fritz. My Engine light, went on at 20,000 miles. My Fuel light stays on at 40,000 miles. Chevy Emblem fell off at 45,000 miles. Tranny slipped at 50,000 miles. 4 Wheel drive light sensor on all the time at 52,000 miles. What more can I say? DONT buy Chevy...JUNK. I have owned Chevys all my life...NEVER again.

  • Roomy but impractical - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    I bought it thinking that this would suit my family for years, it has 3rd row, 4wd, tow package etc. Unfortunately it completely impractical, i have 2 small children in car seats and 1 on the way. You cant get to the 3rd row with any car seats in the 2nd row. The middle seat in the 2nd row is tiny like a sedan. So with our third on the way, we need to sell so we can fit 3 kids in the car (without having to crawl over the seat to get in the back row) Also if you bought the V6, you better be ready stay in the same lane, youll never pass anyone! Typical Chevy repairs, thermostat, cam shaft, fuel pump, fuel gauge sensor. Overall not practical for young kids

  • Wish I could of tried it out for a month - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    The test drive was fine, but actually using the vehicle was another story. Gas mileage is poor; we get about 9 mpg pulling our camper and about 14 mpg avg. highway & city. The suspension is soupy; it wobbles a lot around corners & over bumps. The storage is appalling; I cant carry passengers, a stroller and groceries; there just isnt enough room. The stroller also falls out when I open the back hatch since it is crammed in. Having two car seats means the seat which allows access to the back hooks the car seat when you try to fold it down. Folding the back seats down is no easy feat. Not enough storage for little stuff. Little to no leg room when purse, back packs & diaper bags are stowed.

  • Dont buy a 2003 or 2004 model!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    Chevy has a problem with the cluster panel in the 2003 and 2004 models. They do not stand behind their work and are not willing to do anything about it. My dealer replaces 1 or 2 a month....this is a serious problem and not just with the Trailblazer, but ALL makes and models of Chevys. GM needs to find a way to keep their loyal customers happy. (GM owner since the early 80s).

  • Nice ride - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    This SUV is not a Tahoe but the next best thing Chevy has to it. The ride is great and plenty of room. Gas milage is one reason I bought this SUV. The 4WD works great, and we love the separate climate controls in the front. Much easer to get into the third seat than the Tahoe, and the the third seat sits higher so your knees arent in your face.

  • Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    I really have enjoyed my experience with my Trailblazer. It rides smoothly, has plenty of room, and looks very nice. There are two cons that I have thus far experienced. One is the low gas mileage, although its decent for an SUV. The other is that Im a shorter person and wasnt able to afford the LT style resulting in having manual seats. It is a little difficult for me to see out the front due to this.

  • Nice SUV, Poor Quality - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    Nice SUV, but test the hvac in the rear before taking it. Heating for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers that come from the roof blows out cold air only. Took back to the dealer twice. 1st time they said GM is aware if it and they are working on a fix. 2nd time, GM told they had a fix and to bring it back. Dealer measured the heat from the floor to the vents and there is a 30 degree difference. GM said that is acceptable. I have contacted the BBB auto line to get an arbitrator involved. Also, my truck was delivered missing 2 quarts of oil from the factory. Oh yeah, GM customer is a joke. Dont waist your time.

  • MyRating - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    I really enjoy this SUV. It is well equipped and has all the comfort of a BMW. My daughters and grandchildren love it.

  • Forget the Ford - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    Current incentives make the 04 Trailblazer cheaper than a stripped Explorer. If you are considering an Explorer, drive the chevy first. The Explorer feels like an Escort on stilts while the Trailblazer feels like a Caddy on steriods. The EXT also has a real 3rd seat instead of the padded cargo deck Ford tries to pass as a 3rd seat.

  • Fun Ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
    By -

    My Trailblazer is an excellent ride that I feel has excellent handeling and is very fun to drive. I told myself I would never own another Chevy after my 85 Camaro. My LT Trailblazer is a very well built machine that I wont be trading in any time soon.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT Reviews By Year:
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