New Truck Profile 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Mid-Size SUV.
Description: Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: Â $27,420 - $34,120
Invoice Price Range: $24,815 - Â $30,879
The TrailBlazer badge first appeared in 1999 at Chevrolet as deluxe treatment for the four-door Blazer in a monochromic paint scheme and the cockpit with tone-on-tone leather seats. Then a new version, with wheelbase extended six inches, emerged in 2002 and bumped the wagon to the mid-size class.
A standard-length TrailBlazer carves out a spacious cabin with seats for five plus a cargo bay. Last year a stretched EXT edition rolled out with three rows of seats with plush buckets up front as separated by floor and ceiling consoles and followed by a second-tier bench for three and smaller third-row bench for two. The regular-length TrailBlazer continues with trims of LS and LT, as does stretched EXT with packages of upgraded gear, such as a North Face Edition that dresses the exterior with accent-color body cladding, headlamp washers and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Stock engine for both TrailBlazer and EXT is a 4.2-liter in-line-six scored to 275 hp. A heavy-duty GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six. For more muscle, EXT also offers a Vortec 5.3-liter V8 that produces 290 hp. With the V8 aboard, TrailBlazer EXT can tow a trailer loaded to 7200 pounds. Electronic traction control applies to all 2WD TrailBlazers in conjunction with a limited-slip and locking rear axle to prevent the rear drive wheels from slipping on slick pavement. Optional 4WD equipment includes the smart Autotrac system with push-button selections and automatic switching from standard RWD traction to a mode that distributes engine torque equally between front as well as rear wheels.
