2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT | Review | Buying Guide
The EXT is the big brother to the regular length TrailBlazer (covered in a separate review). As expected, it is an extended-length model that adds more room and a bigger complimentary engine to the mix.
With the EXT, the seating capacity moves up from five to seven. So too does the power, which is achieved by opting for a newly-upgraded V8 engine. It utilizes a set of advanced features to reduce fuel consumption, something that benefits both your pocketbook and the environment.
Under the Hood
However, the V8 is optional. The standard engine is a 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder model that can generate 275 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
The optional engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 290 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a rugged Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.
The V8 uses GM’s innovative Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology. It enables fuel economy gains of up to 8 percent by reducing the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process. A sophisticated, next-generation engine controller determines when to deactivate cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain vehicle speed in lighter-load conditions such as highway cruising. When the cylinders are deactivated, the engine effectively operates as a V4, with every other cylinder in the firing order disabled.
2005 Chevy TrailBlazers are available with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. An Autotrac four-wheel-drive system is standard on 4WD models, while traction control is available as an option for 2WD models.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
4-wheel ventilated antilock disc brakes are standard with the 2005 TrailBlazer. Newly available curtain side airbags are part of a larger upgrade to occupant safety. The airbags feature a rollover protection system, and are joined by an occupant sensing airbag system for the front passenger, a revised front safety belt reminder system and the LATCH child seat anchorage system.
Entry-level models are equipped with air conditioning with dual-zone manual controls, rear climate controls, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment and an AM/FM/CD player. LTs add an 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power rear quarter windows, a compass and an outside-temperature indicator.
Optional are leather upholstery, a rear-seat DVD system, a power sunroof, satellite radio and rain-sensing wipers.
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