The base engine for all TrailBlazers is the Vortec 4200, a 4.2-liter inline-6 with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable phasing of the exhaust cam, rated at 275 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet.

An optional 5.3-liter overhead-valve V8 only available for the TrailBlazer EXT is rated at 290 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque.

Safety features include dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, which inflate with less intensity in slower crashes. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are optional ($350).

LS ($27,145) models are nicely equipped with dual-zone air conditioning, CD player, reclining bucket seats and floor console, power windows and programmable door locks, tilt steering, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch aluminum wheels, perimeter lighting, luggage rack roof rails, and three power outlets. The optional LS Preferred Equipment Group ($1035-$1225, depending on the wheelbase length and whether the vehicle is equipped with 2WD or 4WD) adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, an alarm, deep-tinted glass, heated foldaway mirrors, a rear window defogger, trailer wiring harness, color-keyed carpeted floor mats, crossbars for the luggage rack, and Charcoal-colored body-side moldings.

LT ($29,645) models add fog lamps, an overhead console with Homelink transmitter and Travelnote digital recorder, body-color grille and door handles, and eight-way power for the driver's seat.

The optional LT Preferred Equipment Group ($2050), adds two-tone leather seating surfaces, dual front eight-way power reclining bucket seats with lumbar support and driver-side two-position memory, OnStar, electrochromic rearview mirror with eight-point compass and outside temperature gauge, and body-color exterior moldings. Additional option packages for the LT bundle automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver information center, and rear seat audio controls ($585-$1310); and heated leather seats with memory, power adjustable pedals, CD/cassette stereo, and power and heated foldaway mirrors ($1360-$1605). Exclusive options for the LT include a Bose sound system ($495), and a rear-seat DVD entertainment center ($1295).

The North Face Edition ($1525 on top of the price of a Preferred-Equipment LT, or $1725 on a Preferred LT EXT) includes all of the equipment listed above, plus unique North Face seats, mesh map pockets, Rainsense automatic wipers, headlamp washers, 17-inch wheels with on/off-road tires, liftgate lighting, an under-floor storage cargo liner, heavy-duty floor/cargo mats, an adjustable cargo shelf with a table (EXT model only) and North Face duffel bags and blanket. the North Face also sports exterior clearance lights and some unique exterior identification. A locking differential ($270), two-tone paint ($150) and skid plates (with 4WD, $130) are mandatory options with the North Face Edition.

Trailblazer EXT LS ($29,695) and Trailblazer EXT LT ($31,595) are equipped with third-row seating and separate rear-seat heating and air conditioning controls. EXTs are fitted with 17-inch wheels and tires.

Four-wheel drive ($2250) is available for all models. A sliding electric sunroof is available for all models ($550-$800). A trailer-hitch is standard on all Trailblazers. The standard final drive ratio for TrailBlazer and EXT is 3.42:1; 3.73 and 4.10 ratios are available ($50) for more responsive towing though the 4.10 ratio is not available with the V8 engine. GM's OnStar security system is also offered as a stand-alone option ($1235 on LS, $870 on LT). It provides GPS tracking, cell phone communication, and emergency assistance, including remote unlocking.