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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  2004 chevy trail blazer ext lt - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Shakinfree - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We needed to seat at least 7 passengers but wanted to get out of our minivan. we researched and drove several suv type vehicles from mini to full sized fairly priced to over priced and found the trailblazer to give us more bang for our buck. Our kids love the look and space that they have (we love that too ;-) ). We have 3 children aged 3 to 11 and they have all the elbow room they need. The ride is smooth for a mid sized truck honestly it may even be nicer than the vans ride was. For the money this is a great vehicle.

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  Having some recent problems - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Alex Collins - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My trailblazer ext is nice but I am having recent problems with the computer system. I have had it in the shop 2 times in one month. I am starting to become untrusting and not sure when the next breakdown will occur. With a family this is a concern.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By disappointedcustomer - February 28 - 1:16 pm

  The first year of ownership was great...after that it went totally downhill! It has been in the shop more than all of my previous vehicles combined. Air bag problem, emblem fell off, rear wiper went bad, bumper warped and was replaced, steering problem that cant seem to be fixed, fuel tank replaced, three of the doors have had panels replaced (a couple more than twice) and Im sure to suffer from more. Glad I bought an extended warranty since I have used it twice already. Cant get rid of it since the value isnt worth anything.

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  Trialblazer EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By giloveit - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall we like it, it fells like it could drive through anything even a wall. I find the passenger legroom to be wanting as my legs are forced of to the right. The engine sounds great but I wished it had more legroom. The interior quality seems nice and user friendly. It is not necessarily fun to drive but delivers the comfort and safety features well suited to a family SUV. I think that it is overpriced when compared to some Japenese vehicles but my wife was set on this one.

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  Hate this TrailBlazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By DJ - January 10 - 6:10 am

  I hate this TrailBlazer that I bought in 2005. I bought it brand new for $32000, and a year later, I hated it. It is slow, with no acceleration, or passing gear, the interior is uncomfortable, and really plain and ugly. I started having problems with it 6 months after I got it, the pully inside the engine had to be replaced, because it sounded like an rc car. Again 2 years later, it is doing the same thing. The plastic along the front and back is getting sun damaged, and it makes it look horrible. I am going to trade it in asap, for one of those new 2009 Tahoes, when they go on sale. Save your money, dont buy the TrailBlazer!

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  Initial View - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Slappy Gilmore - November 10 - 10:00 am

  So far, an excellet experience

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By john morgan - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt ask for more for your money and the best part is that it is American made!!!!!Not some car company overseas!

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  Finally out of the minivan! - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By magster70 - September 29 - 7:10 pm

  Yes, we finally got rid of the van! With three kids and a dog we wanted somethig with 3rd row seating. Wanted a midsize SUV, compared to Explorer with 3rd seat which seemed like a good vehicle but no room behind 3rd seat. The TrailBlazer was cheaper and had tons more room in the back. Very comfortable driving and very roomy. This vehicle has a nice sounding stereo and is nice to look at. So far we are very pleased. I am also 64" and plenty of head and leg room, even in back.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Mick - September 22 - 6:16 am

  We purchased this vehicle in March 05 for my wife and have made 6, 15 hour, 800 mile drives to Oregon and back to Calif. We have found it to be a confortable car to drive, handles very well, fuel economy is not bad for a 4WD. The seats are very confortable. Even when we had 5 people in the car for an extended drive. The Trailblazer had plenty of power to take us over the mountains. Controls are user friendly. The only poor design I found is when using the heater, it overheats the CD stereo system, the CDs become very hot, not good for the disks. The second is make sure your auto windshield wiper system is off, when going thru a car wash. Rear wiper replacement parts were 27.00.

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  Love this truck - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By darren - September 20 - 8:10 pm

  I love this truck. I looked at every SUV available. Was leaning towards the Pilot but wanted to go American. The ride is great, doesnt bounce you around like a cement truck. Feels big but not huge. Amazing amount of room. Im 63" and have great room up front. Smooth ride, second and third row seats are very roomy. Actual space behind the third row! Stereo is awesome- I will be keeping the XM radio! The DVD system keeps the kids happy. Not sure about mileage yet, but expectations for this size SUV are not high! Engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. Only nit pick is no floor mat for the third row? If you are looking for an SUV, all you need is a drive to convince you.