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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  Overall: Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Patric - January 13 - 5:50 am

  I got this vehicle over 3 years ago and Im still very happy with it. I really like the overall exterior and interior design, but theres one large flaw; you cant get 2nd row bucket seats, so its difficult getting to the back row. I had a brake problem not very long after getting it, but since then, nothing bad has happened. It also gets decent fuel economy and has a good turn circle. Though its expecting a redesign next year, so Im looking forward to what GM brings to the table in the struggling SUV market

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  Top of the Pack - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Captain Mike - December 14 - 2:00 am

  SMOOTH! QUIET and just super nice! I can see myself owning this vehicle for a lonf time. The rear seats are real seats. Not some joker seats that were an after thought and were placed in the cargo compartment. The front and rear A/c are freezing and we are in the tropics. The hills here are torture chambers for vehicles and this one seems geared just right. No unnecesary shifting. NICE! I really like the way this thing drives and how big it is inside. We have three under 7 kids and drive guests who visit us in Paradise frequently. The price we got was a steal compared to the imports and I feel VERY good about having bought a US made car.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Frank - November 28 - 6:53 pm

  Very comfortable, with a roomy back. A must with leather and XM Radio. Lots of storage, however bad on gas.

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  very happy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Bigtshipp - November 28 - 10:00 am

  It really has a lot of room. I love the way it rides on the highway.

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  Trailblazer LT 4WD EXT 5.3 L V8 - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Charles - November 11 - 4:46 pm

  This vehicle is mainly excellent! Never taken to the dealer for any warranty work...in fact have never taken to the dealer.(all service work done at other shops...all service work done) V8 is the best choice...glad I "forced" the dealer to find me a V8. I drive many highway miles, very comfortable and overall fuel mileage in 20 MPG. Waiting till they come out with a Hybrid!

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  I love my Trailblazer EXT! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By klb - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just took a long road trip with my family and was really enjoyed my Trailblazer. Not only was it roomy when we visited others, the handling with lots of stuff in it was great. I also really like the sporty look of the vehicle and get compliments on it.

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  Wouldnt buy another one. - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By ajbrumbaugh - October 14 - 11:29 pm

  We bought our 2006 Trailblazer approximately 3 years ago, so the vehicle would have been 3 years old. Since that time we have had to replace the switch for the windows because they quit working. Now the motor acts like it will give out anytime. The heater fan at a cost of $400, the fuel gauge quit, which is quite the production because they have to drop the whole fuel tank. Chevrolet does have a recall since they have had this problem often so they will reimburse you for half. My check engine light comes on every so often along with the "skid" light. When they decide to they dont go off for awhile. Now it is rusting on the doors.

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  Good News & Bad News - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Pch1972 - October 11 - 10:16 pm

  Good News: Has lot of power, and its comfortable for 3 kids, and 2 dogs. Bad News: 1 week after purchase, the air bag light kept coming on. Needed a new sensor. Then the OnStar would not work properly. Had to have that fixed. This winter, the molding on the hatch broke, last month, the starter was stuck. Luckily this was all under warranty. Not too happy with my Blazer being in the shop 4 times since the purchase of it 5 months ago.

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  Money Pit - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By yesman12 - September 20 - 1:49 am

  Bought this 2005 EXT model with the I6 motor as a new car. Nothing but problems since then - instrument panel replaced 3xs, wheel bearing hub replacement and new water pump all before 80K miles. Vehicle now has 93K miles and had to have it hauled back home from vacation because of a mis-firing problem in the 5th cylinder. the cyclinder has no compression which will likely require a head replacement (not a cheap or fun endevour). If you are thinking of buying this vehicle - Dont - its a total piece of junk. Im a die hard Chevy guy, but I think this is my last.

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  mikep - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By map80128 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought the car because it had third row seating. But its too small to go on driving vacations - not enough storage space and back seat space. Also a bit wierd is the way the second and third row seating lays down to form a "flat" serface. Its almost like GM made this car into and extended version at the last minute. This car is too small to be a big SUV and too big to be a smaller SUV.