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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  Love It! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jane - November 15 - 1:40 am

  I love this vehicle! Its roomy, smooth and just an all around great SUV. My hubby is 68 and he can fit with plenty of room. The kids love to watch DVDs and sit in the 3rd row. Wireless headsets are great. Id buy another in a minute.

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  Road Warrior - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Skip - October 2 - 10:40 pm

  This vehicle has been a great selection for me...especially the V8, I average 20MPG.

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  Great SUV if your not afrqid of gas prices - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By sandy - August 28 - 5:06 am

  I love my TrailBlazer, the extended version. Great family car seats 7. Great in the winter weather. I hate that I have to turn it in in July, but I cant afford the gas. But dont judge by me, as I am a single parent. So with a family with two incomes dont be afraid its a great vehicle!

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  2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By volshayes - August 24 - 9:00 pm

  This is the best vehicle that we have ever owned. It is well designed, comfortable, very good appearance, and just plain fun to drive. We have owned this vehicle for approximately 3 months and it has not had any mechanical issues in that period.

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  Lovin The Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Indyjd - August 15 - 4:53 pm

  We bought the Trailblazer because we needed room for 6. The ride is better than the Intrigue we traded in!! My wife and kids love the interior, the comfort and room inside. I love the handling and the standard features but most of all the price!!

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  New SUV Purchase - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Greg Kragel - July 28 - 9:26 am

  My wife and I bought our Trailblazer a few weeks ago and have had a great expereince with it. It drives extremely smooth and I believe it has a great turning radius.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Dave - June 16 - 7:46 am

  This SUV is not a Tahoe but the next best thing Chevy has to it. The ride is great and plenty of room. Gas milage is one reason I bought this SUV. The 4WD works great, and we love the separate climate controls in the front. Much easer to get into the third seat than the Tahoe, and the the third seat sits higher so your knees arent in your face.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By JD - June 13 - 2:50 am

  I really have enjoyed my experience with my Trailblazer. It rides smoothly, has plenty of room, and looks very nice. There are two cons that I have thus far experienced. One is the low gas mileage, although its decent for an SUV. The other is that Im a shorter person and wasnt able to afford the LT style resulting in having manual seats. It is a little difficult for me to see out the front due to this.

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  MyRating - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By OWENS - April 9 - 6:03 am

  I really enjoy this SUV. It is well equipped and has all the comfort of a BMW. My daughters and grandchildren love it.

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  Fun Ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Roger Scott Jones - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My Trailblazer is an excellent ride that I feel has excellent handeling and is very fun to drive. I told myself I would never own another Chevy after my 85 Camaro. My LT Trailblazer is a very well built machine that I wont be trading in any time soon.