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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  Just Got It - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JHaight - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for something that would handle our growing family. Only have 200 miles on it so far. Im 63" and I could sit in the back row. Wife loves it. Got 6k off in incentives, which made it a reasonable purchase. Had no problems pulling the pontoon boat. I can tell it sat on the lot, it has some cosmetic issues. A gasket on the back hatch needs to be replaced (covered by warranty, no prob.). A small tear in upholstery on the passenger door and discoloring(?)of the plastic exterior trim. Dont know if the last two are going to be issues or not... havent spoke to the dealer about them.

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  Not too bad.. - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JasonWiggins - February 7 - 6:40 pm

  Nice vehicle, very large, the folding seats arent as difficult as these other geniuses makeem out to be, lots of room for hauling...everything, wish the 3rd row seat would fold flat. seatbelts require extra effort to put on (installed in seat). Excellent for a family vehicle. Ran very well up to two major accidents (bent frame rail and rolled on side...thanks honey :) However, safety wise, she and the kids were well protected, nothing but bumps and bruises. Related to the accidents or not, the tach went on the fritz as well as the speedo, rear heater core went bad <-- kinda early for 50k. Gas mileage isnt as bad as previous posts claim, large SUV w/4.2L 6 cylinder 250+horsepower

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  Pass on this one - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Nicole T - December 16 - 3:00 pm

  I have had my Trailblazer for a year and am sorry I purchased it. It has front and rear a/c,however it takes so long to get cool. I have to drive several blocks for it to stop blowing hot air and get cool. My power windows have gone out twice and the moulding on the inside of the windows is loose. Not to mention the gas mileage is poor. The best thing about the car is the room. The third seat is wonderful, but somewhat difficult to get into.

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  Poor Persons Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By John - September 12 - 9:30 pm

  The Trailblazer EXT is a nice cut and paste effort from the General. The exterior styling is decent, yet the interior looks cheap and somewhat tossed together with little care or concern for fit and finish. It drives relatively well although it seems a little dis-connected from the road in the steering department. The brakes are mushy. It feels like the truck is stumbling over itself especially if you need to stop quickly. Dont get me wrong, even with all my criticism, I really do love the truck. Its roomy, the family loves it, its cooler than a minivan, it has 4X4 for our Canadian winters, towing capability and lastly it is a smooth and comfortable ride. A poor mans Suburban.

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  Better than our minivan! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By D Whitman - July 12 - 10:00 am

  In general, experience has been very positive. Vehicle is very practical for a wide range of family needs. Plenty of room to carry the soccer team AND equipment. Also like flexibility of space for vacation needs. Engine performance is very good - good pickup and plenty of power to pass on the highway. eats are very reasy to fold down and variety of combinations is nice.

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  It meets our needs - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jaxncoog - April 2 - 5:26 am

  Once we got the third kid, we knew we had to go bigger. Fact of the matter is, you just cant look cool driving a mini-van. Besides the costs, winter driving , and power for the mini-van just doesnt compare to this SUV. This has been an excellent car for our snowy winters and our many outdoor activities. Fuel Economy is poor but comparable to other vehicles within its size range. The third row seat is roomy and has great sight lines. The front console is weak. You cant put drinks in it and get access to the central console controls.

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  Problems - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By None - February 4 - 1:13 pm

  I bought the 2006 Trailblazer EXT with 20,000 miles. A week after I bought it the emissions light came on. I have had it to the garage 6 times and every time I get it the light is off. After driving it about a week the emissions light comes back on. They have replaced sensors and fuel valves. The vehicle has been to a General Motors dealer but they have not fixed the problem. The fuel gauge drops to empty when there is a quarter tank of gas. When I start the engine the gas gauge goes to where it is suppose to be and then after driving a little distance it again drops to empty and the low full light gauge comes on. Any idea how to fix the problem.

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  Roomy but impractical - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Tim - July 8 - 10:00 am

  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

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  Nice SUV, Poor Quality - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By dcn821 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  Forget the Ford - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By NunyaBiznas - April 4 - 11:03 pm

  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.