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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  Ugly Duckling Turns Out to be Swan - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jwoodie - September 20 - 10:20 am

  Too bad GM made this quintessential wagon so ugly on the outside (typical of their afterthought stretch versions) and has now decided to kill it. This vehicle does everything in great comfort and reasonable economy (14-18 with V8 4wd 3.73 axle). I have The North Face edition with two-tone paint (looks much better). Dont worry about wind noise from roof rack- just move back front crossbar (like it says in the owners manual). This ones a keeper!

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  I LOVE my truck! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Mrs. Conway - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 1996 Safari with this vehicle. I like the room, the handling, the power. For the cost, its hands down better than my van ever was. It has more than enough power for merging onto our traffic clogged interstate, yet with the windows up, it blocks out all the road noise. The visibility is excellent. All in all, I LOVE my truck!

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  Proud Trailblazer Owners - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By millerps125 - August 5 - 7:26 pm

  We bought because we wanted to be able to sit at least 6 without buying a minivan. The Trailblazer fits our budget, and is an overall wonderful fit for our family. The truck still has room for improvements but for the price it is very tough to complain. We have the 6 cyl. and still only manage 13-14 mgp city driving so the gas mileage is a downside. Plenty of room for the kids and still an extra row of seats with cargo room in the rear. With the 3rd row of seats up, the rear cargo area (between the back row and rear door) is larger than most other SUVs. We checked many others and this offered the most room.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Terry Kranzler - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  We have owned Suburbans since the mid 80s, and decided to try the Trailblazer EXT. My wife and I have had very good experiences with this vehicle. The engine is very quiet and the ride is extremely smooth with excellent acceleration for passing. MPG are 18 - 19 on the road and 16 combination driving, which we think is acceptable for an SUV of this size. All 3 seats are comfortable.

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  I love my trailblazer EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jobejali - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great SUV. I am 26 with two kids and i am not ready for a van and dont want the gas milage of a suburban yet, even though the TB is not too much better. One of the other reviews was that the doors were cheap and the interior was cheap and inside noise. ALl of that is a lie. It is quiet, rides well and the inside of my TB is luxurious and i dont have leather. The thing is built very well.

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  New dog mobile - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Dog Lady - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I was a faithful Expedition owner and went to them first when it was time for a new ride. The cost, the new interior changed my mind. This TrailBlazer has style .. it is not a minivan and it responds when you need it to.

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  03 Trail Blazer Ext TL - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jd4u2 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable with an excellent ride. Braking and steering take some getting used to after driving a sport sedan. Over all a very good vehicle with a great ride and interior space.

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  Trail Blazin - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Happy Texan - March 2 - 6:40 pm

  Definitely more bang for the buck. Very functional in design and the most comfortable 3rd row seat ever. This SUV will turn on a dime. Any family should feel safe riding in this vehicle.

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  Why did you stop making them? - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By 4th Gen Chevy - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  Bought my Trailblazer used from the dealer. Have been back and forth a good few times to the beach, and such and running errands. Biggest problems thus far were with tires (cheap foreign knock offs, one blew out on me and the belt wasnt even steel, it was fabric!) and a pulley bearing for the serpentine belt. I would say to Chevy Blazer/Trailblazer concept is sound, however get your parts somewhere else because it does not take an engineer to figure out that plastic will NOT last 100,000+ miles. Other than that, powertrain and drivetrain have been good overall. Has Bose radio and RSE system in back, AC is Ice cold. Snow driving has been fun, and has held the road even in drifts.

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  90 day review - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By SSH - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 97 Astro for 04 LT EXT. Expect a truck like ride, 3rd row seating is easier and sits better than Tahoe. We like it overall. We live in Texas, it does not produce cold air until it is moving. Dealer says that is how it was designed, still looking into it.