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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  Now I know why we always bought Toyotas - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By mwermuth - December 3 - 4:39 am

  A complete lemon. We purchased the car in 2005 and have had more problems than we ever had with any other car. Year 1, trips to dealer for repairs 4 Cause, after market DVD player falling off the ceiling and no volume in stereo. Water leaking through window seal. Year 2, trips to dealer 3 Cause, broken belts in two tires, that they denied were a problem. Resulted in complete replacement of tires and wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Year 3, Replaced breaks and rotors Year 4, Replaced tires and exhaust system which had completely rusted out. Year 5, New breaks and idle pulley and serpentine belt. Also new water pump. Cont...

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  TrailBlazer Needs V8 - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jordan - November 24 - 10:26 am

  We purchased a used 2005 Trailblazer EXT to replace a Chevy Astro. Although the TrailBlazer has almost 70 more horsepower it has worse performance than the old Astro. It also gets worse gas mileage. Duh - we could have had a V8.

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  NO Wonder People dont buy American - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Stingray197212 - July 12 - 8:13 pm

  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.

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  Wish I could of tried it out for a month - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By wigglebritches - June 24 - 11:10 pm

  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.

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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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  Broken at 600 miles - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By NunyaBiznas - December 31 - 8:53 pm

  Driving down the highway in 2 wheel drive and the Service 4wd light came on. Took it to the dealer and the part is on back order! It is comfortable but that doesnt help while it is in the shop.

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  JUNK BUYER BEWARE - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Senecio - October 19 - 3:00 pm

  To sum it up I have been trying to give it back since 3 days after I bought it. In one year no exaggeration it has been in the shop at least 50 times. Four times LAST week with another appointment set up for next week. This vehicle is poorly made, maintained, assembled and all around junk.

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  New car had problem - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By blackext - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  At 1000 miles we had car trouble. A few ground wire bolts connected to the engine throttle body sensor were not completely screwed tight. So far, no engine damage, but this says a lot about the poor, careless quality of build. This was not a result of a defective part, but a result of a negligant, careless assembly worker. What kind of standards are set in place for quality assurance at GM? Also needed an alignment from the moment we pulled off the lot.