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Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT stretches the cabin for more seats
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- From the southbound lane of State Street in Ann Arbor, a right turn into the freeway on-ramp for I-94, America's northern interstate corridor, leads westward across Michigan toward Chicago, Minneapolis and, if you keep on driving, the end of the road at Seattle.
For this shot out I-94, our drive plan doesn't include such an ambitious trek as we're only running a few miles out to the exit at Jackson Avenue, but that's long enough to feel the inherent strength at freeway speed for a new stretched edition of the four-door TrailBlazer sport-utility wagon from Chevrolet.
The tester version -- bearing the moniker of TrailBlazer EXT, as in extended length -- measures 16 inches longer and 3.6 inches taller than the regular version that emerged in 2001 as a 2002 product. Wheelbase on the EXT also reaches for 16 inches more than the regular-length TrailBlazer, which adds enough extra room in the cabin to apply a third tier of seats for two more riders and boost the passenger capacity to seven.
Cargo space also expands with the stretch.
When measured for volume behind the first row of seats with second-row and third seatbacks folded flat, it adds another 20 cubic feet (cf) for a total volume of 100.2 cf. Leave the second-row seatback upright and there's 61.6 cf of room remaining, or, with all three rows working, 22.3 cf, which is still more space than contained in the trunk of a full-size sedan.
To haul so much cargo and so many riders, a wagon weighing more than two tons like TrailBlazer EXT needs strong motivation, and Chevy provides it.
Standard engine is the in-line-six powerplant developed by General Motors to generate the high horsepower of a V8 engine but the fuel efficiency of a V6.
The 4.2-liter six-pack, with dual overhead cams and four valves for every cylinder, delivers five more power points in 2003 to 275 hp at 6000 rpm plus a flat band of torque extending to 275 lb-ft at 3600 rpm.
A heavy-duty GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six to handle all of the torque.
Need even more muscle?
It's available optionally with a new 5.3-liter V8 engine, the first Vortec V8 from GM with a block constructed from lightweight aluminum.
This plant -- dubbed the Vortec 5300 -- produces as much as 290 hp at 5200 rpm and pushes the torque up to 325 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
With V8 power applied, TrailBlazer EXT can tow a trailer loaded up to 7200 pounds.
Our drive-time zipping down the I-94 in TrailBlazer EXT with the V8 aboard quickly demonstrates it has more than enough pedal power to run in the fast lane. Also, it delivers a comfortable ride in the cushioned cabin because EXT's strong chassis maintains a rigid pose over pavement blisters as the suspension, fitted with Bilstein high-pressure gas shocks, absorbs all blows.
TrailBlazer's smooth ride quality begins with a revolutionary chassis of ladder-frame format where steel rails extend for the length of the wagon. The unusual side rails -- each a single piece of seamless tubular steel -- curve down at mid-section to make room for the enlarged passenger compartment.
A welded steel superstructure rises from the rigid chassis bed with multiple body mounts tuned in all directions to boost frame stiffness, absorb impacts from vertical movement and isolate noise.
Then comes the magic: A suspension system mounted on the ultra-stiff chassis that permits superb handling control yet also delivers a refined ride quality.
The independent front suspension with two coil-over-shock modules incorporates a double A-arm for stability and excellent damping with refined car-like smoothness. A rear suspension with five-link solid axle eliminates leaf springs common to typical rough-riding trucks and wagons.
Another variation from truck-based wagons comes from the quick-to-respond rack and pinion steering system that adds hydraulic power assistance. The device delivers a solid on-center feel for steering with precise movements, but also results in a tight turning circle of 41.3 feet.
Brakes include a large disc at every wheel linked to an intelligent four-wheel anti-lock system. The device constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and can modulate brake pressure at the wheel to maintain brake balance during an emergency stop while also keeping TrailBlazer headed in a predictable straight-line path.
Electronic traction control applies to all two-wheel-drive TrailBlazers in conjunction with a limited-slip and locking rear axle to prevent the rear drive wheels from slipping on slick pavement.
Optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) equipment brings the smart Autotrac system with push-button selections and automatic switching from standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction to a mode that distributes engine torque equally between front and rear wheels.
The stretched passenger compartment in TrailBlazer EXT stocks 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 the smaller third-row bench for two.
Seatbacks on rows two and three fold flat for an expandable cargo compartment or seats may be removed.
TrailBlazer in regular-length wheelbase appears with three trim levels of LS, LT and LTZ, while the stretched EXT has only one deluxe mode but several packages are available with upgraded gear.
Standard equipment includes power-operated windows, dual-zone air conditioning and frontal air bags.
The Leather Plus Package adds rich leather upholstery and decorative trimmings throughout the cabin.
Also, a new North Face Edition dresses the exterior with accent-color body cladding, headlamp washers and rain-sensing windshield wipers, plus a luggage rack tacked to the rear liftgate.
Inside, special seats wear badges by The North Face and mesh map pockets are aboard, along with a cargo liner, heavy-duty floor mats, adjustable cargo shelf with table in back and The North Face duffel bags and blanket.
Other options include heat elements in front bucket seats, a DVD-based video entertainment system for rear riders, Bose audio, OnStar telecommunications, a sunroof and below-door running boards, plus with 4WD a locking rear axle and protective skid plates.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with extended length |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with extended length |
| Wheelbase: |
129.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
207.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.2-L I6
OHV 5.3-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 4L60-E
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| Drive: |
Rear 2WD
4WD Autotrac
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + opt. 2 (side)
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| Gross Weight: |
2WD: 6200 pounds
4WD: 6400 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
2WD: 7200 pounds, 4WD: 7000 pounds |
| Gas Mileage: |
4.2-L 2WD: 15/20 mpg
4.2-L 4WD: 15/20 mpg
5.3-L 2WD: 14/18 mpg
5.3-L 4WD: 14/18 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 31,000 to $ 39,000 |
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