2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

TrailBlazer now matches rivals with 7-passenger capacity thanks to the midyear addition of an extended-length version with an extra row of seats. Chevy's midsize SUV shares its design, powertrain, and body-on-frame platform with the similarly redesigned 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy, though Bravada does not get an extended version. All are 4-dr wagons with their own styling details inside and out. TrailBlazer is being sold alongside the 1995-vintage Chevy Blazer, which Chevrolet repositions as a "budget" SUV. Compared to the Blazer, the standard-length TrailBlazer has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase and a body longer by 10 inches and wider and taller by 5. It's bigger inside, too. The standard-length model seats five. The new TrailBlazer EXT adds 16 inches to the wheelbase and body to fit a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity. The EXT also has longer rear doors and an elevated roofline over the rear seats.

All these redesigned General Motors SUVs share a new 270-hp inline 6-cyl engine linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission. (A V8 will reportedly be an EXT option for 2003.) Offered is rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags (the driver bag covers head and torso). EXT versions and regular-length LTZ models have 17-inch wheels, other TrailBlazers get 16s.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.