2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT LT 4x2

You have to really want the third seat. That's the thought that kept rattling around in my brain as I spent a 5-day workweek with Chevy's stretched TrailBlazer EXT.


In most ways, the standard TrailBlazer is a terrific vehicle. With its smooth, powerful Vortec 4200 dual overhead cam, 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission and power rack-and-pinion steering, it's relatively agile, quick, quiet and reasonably economical to drive—for a midsize SUV. I also like its ruggedly handsome, nicely proportioned looks. And it's been selling very well, second only to rival Ford's new-for-'02 and still popular Explorer.

The EXT is stretched 16 inches in both overall length and wheelbase to accommodate a third seat, and it's five inches taller over that third row for additional headroom.

But, depending on your tastes and priorities, you stand to lose some of that likeability with the EXT version, which is stretched 16 inches in both overall length and wheelbase to accommodate a third seat. For starters, to my eye the 7-passenger EXT (like the equivalent GMC Envoy XL) looks ungainly from most angles. It's also five inches taller over that third seat to provide adult headroom over the TrailBlazer/Envoy's already tall floor.


It also loses the standard truck's car-like feel and becomes more ponderous on the road, both in acceleration and handling. With 355 pounds of added weight compared to the standard 2WD TrailBlazer, it's not a bad ride—still smooth and solid over bumps and rough roads—but you do feel that extra length and bulk and higher center of gravity in the corners, especially tighter turns.


You'll especially notice the extra length when backing up and parking. The EXT's rear fenders and bumper are a long way back there, and your rear vision is impaired by the body pillars and headrests. Without a Cadillac-style rear-clearance warning sensor, you'd best be careful.