1999 Chevrolet Blazer...Continued

Driving Position: Finding a comfortable, confident driving position is aided by the new eight-way power driver's seat and an adjustable seat belt. Unfortunately, the power controls are located on the side of the seat, making adjustments a bit uncomfortable for those with large hands. The sensible dashboard -- tach on the left, speedometer on right -- is easy-to-read. Also correctly positioned for easy use by the driver are the audio and climate controls -- audio and top, climate on bottom. This positioning was not quite as important in the test vehicle as it was equipped with optional redundant radio controls on the steering wheel. When test driving the two-door Blazer in the past, we were critical of the visibility blockage by the B-pillar. Not so with the four-door TrailBlazer. Visibility is excellent in all directions and is aided by new larger-sized outside mirrors.

Cargo Space: Cargo space is ample, unhindered by the spare tire, which is located underneath the cargo floor of the four-door TrailBlazer. Chevy claims that with the rear seat folded, a washing machine box will fit into the cargo bay. We didn't try it, but it seems feasible should someone need to haul a washing machine. New on the 1999 Blazers is a "liftglass ajar" warning if the liftglass entry to the cargo area is not fully closed.

Our Impressions Of The Drive:

Engine Response: The V6 in the TrailBlazer is an adequate performer. If the only off-roading you plan to do is finding a space to park at your child's ball game, we suggest purchasing a two-wheel drive model of this SUV. You'll like its performance better.

Shifting The Gears: The leather-wrapped floor-mounted shifter is sporty, while luxurious. The automatic transmission moved smoothly and efficiently between the gears.

Handling: Overall, handling of the TrailBlazer was responsive and offered a confident driving experience. Tight turns were another matter, as was the wide turning radius. These shortcomings can probably be explained, at least partially, by the fact that the test vehicle had four-wheel-drive. We didn't take the vehicle off-pavement to test the four-wheeling capability, and avoided this test without guilt. A large percentage of the luxury SUVs never ford a stream or brush a tree in the wilderness. Since the TrailBlazer is decked out in luxury, we felt few, if any, of these vehicles would see the world as experienced by its adventuresome sibling, the Two-Door ZR2 Blazer.