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 trailblazer ext LT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By edandvil - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I have 5000 miles so far and the suv runs great. I have no complaints except the gas milage. I am averaging 13-14 miles city. yuk. My suv is fully loaded and I am enjoying all the options including the satelite radio and bose system. The suv is very roomy and the kids love the extra radio (their own) in the back. The power is great. I was kind of skeptical when i heard the suv has a 6 cylinder with 275 hp. When I drove it it never felt like a 6 cylinder. feels like a small block v8. vehicle never lacks power. Although I havent towed anything yet. So cant comment on that.

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  Chevy Trailblazer EXT Family Transporter - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Go Spartans - April 8 - 11:26 pm

  This vehicle replaced our Chevrolet Venture Warner Brothers model mini van. They both had pros and cons. The handling of the SUV is better and the acceleration is better. The roominess with the longer wheel base is limited by the folding rear seats. It is nice to set up higher, but when you have little kids it is harder for them to get in on their own. Over all I enjoy every time I get to drive the Trailblazer. My neighbors like it too.

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  Great 7 Passenger Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Tom Friedel - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I must admit, I love the Trailblazer. It is not fun to drive considering it is like an oversize station wagon, but it does ride smooth like a car which is a big plus. I dont know where all the gas mileage figures are coming from. The sticker says 15 city. Someone mentioned they obtained 15 in the city. We do not pull a trailer, drive very conservatively, have clean filters etc and are lucky to get 13 mpg in the city. This is unacceptable for a straight 6 engine. GM - Where is your competitive crossover vehicle for the 7 passenger Toyota Highlander?? The build quality is good. The vehicle drives nice, has plenty of torque and the 4x4 is great for hunting.

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  Great Car... so far :-) - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Tim - September 28 - 8:26 am

  Bought a used 2004 back in July 05. No problems over the last 4 months and 4K miles. Great gas mileage for a large SUV. Averaged 13 mpg while towing the largest U-haul trailer, and 15-16 around town. The same mileage as the smaller 2003 Ford Explorer we had. My A/C comes on strong and cold fairly quickly and access to the back seat can be made easier by tilting the entire middle seat forward instead of just tilting the seatback.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By TomC1234 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent riding SUV... Smooth ride Low noise...

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  Fair - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By AJG - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The TrailBlaser handling in snow has not been what I expected. The rearend could get away very easily. The rear stereo controls do not come with headsets. It is the only way you can listen to second station. The front drink holders are to close the dash not allowing drinks to fit right.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jwoodie - November 12 - 7:26 am

  Although the extremely long wheelbase of this vehicle impairs parking lot maneuvering, it also provides a limosine-like ride and amazing interior room. I am not aware of any other SUV which can transport a 4x8 sheet of plywood entirely inside the vehicle! Also, the third seat is very comfortable for two adults. The V8 engine has more power yet gets the same gas mileage as the 6. Replacing the stock Continental tires greatly improved overall handling.

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  TRAILBLAZER EXT 04 MODEL - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By carbuyer2 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  After a twelve hour shift in the ER you really need a smooth ride home, especially at midnight. It definately is a smooth ride. The kids love it as much as I do. Going on vacation is not a problem any more. The rear seat entertainment system allows the kids to listen to one of their Cds on headphones in the back, and my husband and I are allowed the radio or cassette player at the same time, not to mention we have plenty of room for the suitcases!The only thing I have found is in the winter when we leave the car to heat up we usually leave it around 90 or 80 degrees, and the car sets itself to 70.

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  Trailblazer is great - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Corey Cornick - March 5 - 1:53 am

  I love my SUV! Thats all I can say. It has come through for me. I have hauled everything from 60 bags of mulch to a basketball hoop on the roof. The EXT is a very versatile vehicle. My wife thinks Im crazy when I park the Lexus in the garage and take the Trailblazer out on the town. This is a very wise choice of a vehicle. My next SUV will be the Trailblazer SS!

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  Bow tie is the only tie - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By kolden - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Trailblaze a short but my wife and I love it, I never thought I would buy another American vehicle, until I test drove the Trailblazer. It had the best car for the money out of all the Suvs that I drove.