Chevy’s 2003 TrailBlazer EXT is lighter and more filling - longer with 3rd row seat

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, UT - Chevrolet last year introduced the TrailBlazer EXT mid-season to a rousting applause from the market, as sales have been brisk since the first seven-seater stretched Blazer landed in dealer showrooms.

"Chevrolet's all-new TrailBlazer EXT demonstrates our commitment to families that need more room," said Russ Clark, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Brand Manager. "Extra space means extra friends -- and they can be larger than kid-size."

The third seat, which can easily accommodate two 6'2" passengers, has a full foot well. The second seat folds and flips forward (on both sides) for easy access. The third seat back is more comfortable than we expected, and all seven seats have lap-shoulder seat belts. The TrailBlazer EXT interior contains 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat.

The standard, 65/35, split second row of seats flips and folds to allow people/cargo flexibility. I found the cargo space to be surprisingly big when the second and third row of seats is folded flat. With all the rear seats down, you get 100.2 cubic feet of storage space, more than any of TrailBlazer’s major competitors.

TrailBlazer EXT also provides a cargo shelf with three positions behind the third seat. The shelf is easily accessible when the rear hatch is opened. Grocery bags can be hung from the shelf's hooks when the shelf is set at its vertical position. The first position is for a flat load floor, and the third position can be used to conceal items beneath the shelf. But beware - if you stow groceries back there, make sure you use the hooks, or they will hit the driveway upon opening the liftgate.

TrailBlazer EXT is available in LT trim, whereas the standard TrailBlazer is available in a choice of three trim levels: LS, LT or LTZ. Both models are available in two- or four-wheel drive.

Right now, I think Chevrolet is the technology and gadget king. The EXT is missing nothing in either standard or optional high-tech toys that most people are cramming into their cars as expensive aftermarket add-ons. Our loaded EXT was equipped with front and rear A/C, rear audio controls, ceiling mounted DVD movie player with wide-screen display, 6-disc CD changer with high-end Monsoon stereo, HomeLink, voice note recorder, driver information center (in six languages); and a whole host of the usual GM goodies like cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls, excellent interior lighting, and power everything. Ours was finished in dazzling nice Onyx Black paint and gray leather interior.

All TrailBlazers are powered by an all-new Vortec 4200, an inline-six cylinder engine, and offers the power of a V8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a six-cylinder engine. It is the most technologically advanced engine in its class, and delivers the most horsepower in its segment at 270 hp with 275 lb-ft of torque. TrailBlazer's next-generation four-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E) is standard, and I was pleased with its smoothness, quietness and flat torque curve. The two-wheel drive TrailBlazer EXT can tow as much as 6,000 pounds.

TrailBlazer's ride is supple and comfortable, but not mushy or harsh. Its ride and handling begin with hydroformed steel frame side rails -- a first in the midsize SUV segment. The rails form a strong foundation for the truck's overall strength and ride quality; nine cross members further reinforce the EXT's frame. A five-link rear suspension combines with a double-A arm front suspension and one of the SUV market's first applications of rack-and-pinion steering for superior responsiveness, quietness and performance.

Braking is at world-class levels in terms of noise, wear and feel. An advanced system of 12 specially tuned body mounts use hydraulics and rubber pads to isolate road inputs and noise, limiting vibration and harshness dramatically on any kind of road or trail.

New four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) are also standard. The next-generation OnStar system provides hands-free calling, information services and many other features.

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT is built at GM's Moraine, Ohio factory.

HIGHS: Seats as many real people as a full-size Ford Expedition, drinks about a third of the fuel. Lots of otherwise high-dollar goodies in one package.

LOWS: A bit spendy among mid-size SUV’s, but not when the equipment is considered. Cavernous gap in the floor with the third seat folded down. Both front and rear seats need center armrests.

VEHICLE PRICE: Suggested Retail price, base price EXT LS 4WD $33,010; our test vehicle price "hard loaded" including delivery, $37,765.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Ford Explorer, Dodge Dakota, GMC Envoy XLT, Mitsubishi Montero, and just about any mid-size SUV with either a standard or optional third-row seat. But be careful - not all have the legroom and length to make it useful.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Chevrolet on-line at Chevrolet.com

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