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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  Initial View - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Slappy Gilmore - November 10 - 10:00 am

  So far, an excellet experience

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By john morgan - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt ask for more for your money and the best part is that it is American made!!!!!Not some car company overseas!

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  Finally out of the minivan! - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By magster70 - September 29 - 7:10 pm

  Yes, we finally got rid of the van! With three kids and a dog we wanted somethig with 3rd row seating. Wanted a midsize SUV, compared to Explorer with 3rd seat which seemed like a good vehicle but no room behind 3rd seat. The TrailBlazer was cheaper and had tons more room in the back. Very comfortable driving and very roomy. This vehicle has a nice sounding stereo and is nice to look at. So far we are very pleased. I am also 64" and plenty of head and leg room, even in back.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Mick - September 22 - 6:16 am

  We purchased this vehicle in March 05 for my wife and have made 6, 15 hour, 800 mile drives to Oregon and back to Calif. We have found it to be a confortable car to drive, handles very well, fuel economy is not bad for a 4WD. The seats are very confortable. Even when we had 5 people in the car for an extended drive. The Trailblazer had plenty of power to take us over the mountains. Controls are user friendly. The only poor design I found is when using the heater, it overheats the CD stereo system, the CDs become very hot, not good for the disks. The second is make sure your auto windshield wiper system is off, when going thru a car wash. Rear wiper replacement parts were 27.00.

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  Love this truck - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By darren - September 20 - 8:10 pm

  I love this truck. I looked at every SUV available. Was leaning towards the Pilot but wanted to go American. The ride is great, doesnt bounce you around like a cement truck. Feels big but not huge. Amazing amount of room. Im 63" and have great room up front. Smooth ride, second and third row seats are very roomy. Actual space behind the third row! Stereo is awesome- I will be keeping the XM radio! The DVD system keeps the kids happy. Not sure about mileage yet, but expectations for this size SUV are not high! Engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. Only nit pick is no floor mat for the third row? If you are looking for an SUV, all you need is a drive to convince you.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Terry Kranzler - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  We have owned Suburbans since the mid 80s, and decided to try the Trailblazer EXT. My wife and I have had very good experiences with this vehicle. The engine is very quiet and the ride is extremely smooth with excellent acceleration for passing. MPG are 18 - 19 on the road and 16 combination driving, which we think is acceptable for an SUV of this size. All 3 seats are comfortable.

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  I love my trailblazer EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jobejali - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great SUV. I am 26 with two kids and i am not ready for a van and dont want the gas milage of a suburban yet, even though the TB is not too much better. One of the other reviews was that the doors were cheap and the interior was cheap and inside noise. ALl of that is a lie. It is quiet, rides well and the inside of my TB is luxurious and i dont have leather. The thing is built very well.

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  Trail Blazin - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Happy Texan - March 2 - 6:40 pm

  Definitely more bang for the buck. Very functional in design and the most comfortable 3rd row seat ever. This SUV will turn on a dime. Any family should feel safe riding in this vehicle.

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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.