2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
Chevrolet makes several significant changes to the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, helping to keep it in the hunt against rapidly improving competitors. First is the addition of a standard stability control system, which should resolve our complaints about the TrailBlazer's emergency-maneuver handling characteristics by keeping the tail end of the truck in line. Second is the addition of a performance-tuned SS model, complete with a 395-horsepower, 400 lb.-ft. torque version of the Corvette's LS2 6.0-liter V8 engine. The SS rides on 20-inch wheels, and power is delivered to the rear or all four wheels, getting it to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to Chevy. The TrailBlazer SS also has a sport suspension that was tuned on Germany's famed Nurburgring race track. Special trim inside and out helps to distinguish the TrailBlazer SS from the LS and LT versions. In those two models, power ratings are up. The standard 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine makes 291 horsepower this year, 16 more ponies than last year. The optional 5.3-liter V8, with fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, is now offered on the TrailBlazer five-passenger model, and it's pushing 300 horses this year. Other changes include revised brakes, improved noise insulation, and two new colors: Bordeaux Red and Red Jewel Tint Coat Metallic.

Advantages of the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer:

• Sporty SS performance model
• Sturdy body-on-frame construction
• Available rear seat DVD entertainment system
• Powerful six-cylinder engine
• Powerful V8 engine option
• Standard stability control system
• Optional side-curtain airbags
• Seating for up to seven passengers

Objections to the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer:

• Interior materials look and feel inexpensive
• Wallowy suspension over unimproved roads

Editor's Advice:
The midsize SUV category is populated with several excellent products, and new crossover vehicles are beginning to siphon sales from the more traditional truck-based models like the aging 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Add in a spotty reliability record and skittish handling in emergency avoidance situations, and the Chevrolet TrailBlazer has usually come out near the bottom of our recommended list. However, with significant upgrades for 2006, including a standard stability control system, more powerful engines, and the performance-tuned TrailBlazer SS model, we think Chevy is starting to make smart moves with its bread-and-butter midsize SUV.