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 - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Debbie - June 4 - 8:26 pm

  I needed something bigger to haul my kids friends around. This was the coolest way without getting a mini van. I love it!

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  great buy - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jughead - May 20 - 10:00 am

  wife and kids love it,great ride.

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  Love It! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Queenie - March 26 - 7:13 pm

  Just bought this in June. I love it! I bought a fully loaded demo model and its great. Super comfy, very roomy, lots of extra features. Would definitely recommend.

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  2004 8 cyl - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By mij - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle if you do not want a Tahoe or Suburban. I bought it because of the 8cyl engine, the 3rd row seating and entertainment center not to mention that a have several local Chevy dealers but no imports. 8cyl is great for towing. I love the XM radio that I got 1 year free of

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  trailblazer is the best - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By chris dixon - December 25 - 9:36 pm

  i own a 2003 ext with the 5.3 V8 and it rocks

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  SUV Works For Me - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By AZGAL - November 25 - 3:30 am

  This is a really nice SUV for the money. You get style and comfort as a package. I have owned several competing SUVs for the last 10 years and find this Trailblazer has the smoothest ride with all the comfort. If you have had other SUVs you know what I am talking about.

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  outstanding vehichle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By joemarks - October 19 - 10:00 am

  could not be more happy with this truck. insige is great for family and yet not to large for individual driving.plenty of pick up and great styling.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Kingjeff - July 7 - 8:00 am

  Overall I loved this vehicle. The third row of seating even worked for adults for short trips. Both the 2nd and 3rd row seating folded flat enough to use the entire rear cargo area. Great set up for a family with more than 2 kids. The 4.2L had plenty of power and reliablility. My daughter ran this truck into a tree and crushed the front end up to the dash, totaling it. The air bag did not deploy however the passenger compartment maintained its integrity. She was extracated through the back seat door but sustained only bruising from the seat belt.

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  My first truck! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By cabooses - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Trailblazer! I have 21,000+ miles on it and not had a problem really. The only manufacturer defect seems to be the rubber molding around the back rear window. There is also a problem with the fuel injection system that can be avoided if you change gas stations frequently and not visit the same one all the time. The ride is great and mine came fully loaded. I enjoy having the driver wheel controls at my fingertips and the amount of seats that are available with the 3 row seating. I feel safe driving this and the one touch 4WD and AWD advantage comes in handy on snowy and rainy days.

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  Love the Trailblazer EXT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Coach - May 23 - 3:46 pm

  This is a great vehicle. The family has made four round-trips from NY to FL in this vehicle. Comfortable seats. Handles great. The kids love the DVD and the third row seating. This vehicle loves the open highway! As far as fuel economy, well its an SUV...what do you expect? In my opionion, this is a great vehicle. Would definitely purchase another.