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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  Our 05 Trailblazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Ray Plaag - February 22 - 7:29 pm

  I see some of the complaints about the trailblazer...Mostly from people who bought them used...You never how they were broke in and taken care of..We bought ours new and took reasonable care of it over the years ...Best truck I ever owned!.and the 4 wheel drive is awesome.!.We have newer vehicles but I wouldnt trade the ole gal in with 256 thousand miles on it ..They wont give me anything for it anyway..a few issues for sure ..two fuel pumps two water pumps...struts,brakes stuff like that...IOur kids when they were young nicknamed it the fun mobile ..:) ...They are grown up now with there own lives....My point being ...We will just keep..her...she has a few little quirks but its 13 years old...and still dependable ...

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  Happy Happy Happy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Donelle - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have bought many vechicles in my lifetime searching for the right one. I as a mother of 5 children feel absolutely comfortable driving this SUV. Its been several months since I bought my first trailblazer and I can already tell you that from here on out when its time for me to purchase another vechicle it will be this exact same SUV.

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  Enjoying new TrailBlazer EXT - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By rishemre - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my new truck, I have had it about a month. Traded a 98 Blazer. The straight 6 has surprising power and plenty of passing power. The interior is very nice, however, on the basic LS, Chevy got cheap on items like no cover on the visor mirrors and manual adjustment on the rear view mirror. When you get into this price range, these should be a standard feature. I hope I am as happy in one year because as of right now, I think it is a great truck.

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  Really Disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Not Happy - December 1 - 12:10 pm

  MPG= 15 regardless of city/highway. This vehicle has spent more time in the dealers shop than my garage. Trans, rear defr, a/c, engine bearing, brakes have all been serviced, some of them twice. Im not hard to please, but this is the worst vehicle ive ever owned from a maintenance standpoint. (and they keep trying to upsell me some $500 maintenance package everytime i go to the dealer). I never had these issues with the Tahoe I owned prior to this.

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  For the Money - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By doctordre - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I am coming out of a 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer V8 and I cant believe the smooth power this truck possesses. The 2nd and third rows are roomier and easier to get in and out of and the DVD with wireless headsets are great! I tried to get back into another Explorer but Ford didnt seem to want my business as the E.B is now a former shell of what it once was in 2002, no 3rd row seats standard and unless your willing to spend $40K your not getting it well equipped and almost stripped other than the 2 tone paint. This Chevy fully loaded and in my opinion is a great value for the dollar.

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  Wish I could keep it - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By lauramary - September 10 - 2:40 am

  I absolutely loved this SUV. Very comfortable. Got lots of extras ~ DVD player ~ Bose stereo, but the poor gas mileage was too much to bear. I had to trade this vehicle in because I was only averaging 12 miles per gallon combined city/hwy. My daily work commute is city driving. I realize that I took a loss when I traded her in, but every time I drove it, I pictured cash burning in the gas tank. A valuable lesson learned.

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  Shouldve Bought the Tahoe - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jim - September 9 - 7:53 am

  I was looking for an SUV that was less than $50,000 and I was looking at the Tahoe and TrailBlazer. I thought I wouldve got better gas mileage than if I were driving a Tahoe but not true. My wifes 03 Tahoe gets better mileage than my 06 TrailBlazer This car has to go out of my garage and back onto the car lot.

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  2005 Whistler - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Jim - June 28 - 6:06 am

  The first problem I had was the XM radio cable was broken and had to be replaced. Next I have a LOT of wind noise around the dash. The dealer pulled the windshield and found the sealant had dripped away from the windshied. Next they found a clip broke on the door seal. All this and I still have a lot of wind noise. I guess now that the radio works I can turn it up to hide the wind noise I feel that the qualitity is NOT UP to GM Standards

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  Average American Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Sgt_Coolio - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased with a mindset of being paid off and lasting a long time. Well the vehicle has been paid off, but only lasted in top shape a few thousand miles. At the age of 12K miles the seals around the door began to become warped, the underseat plastic panels broke off a few from then. At 42K miles, the speedometer became faulty. At 48K miles, the gas meter became no good as well. Hence I work in the field quite a bit, the vehicle would sit in a parking lot for a few weeks at a time, causing the shocks, and calipers to become rusty. Overall this vehicle is not bad for company/government usage but for a family and a service member,perhaps a better choice is needed.

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  Love this Ride - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Monica & Micheal - May 31 - 5:16 pm

  Our first SUV. Rides great. Gas mileage isnt the best but the room we have is awesome. Love the 3rd row seating. Not that easy to access but its enough room for our 3 kids. They love it. The first thing they do when getting in, is the 3rd row. They feel like chauffers.