Standard features are adequate: power mirrors, heated daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry, tinted rear glass, 65/35 second and third-row folding seats and a rear window defogger, among other standard items.

Three options packages, aforementioned Sun, Sound and Entertainment, as well as Luxury and V8 Power Play packages, can add nearly $7,000 to base sticker, pushing total price to more than $41,000.

Some options are worthwhile, including OnStar Emergency System (with one year of free service) and leather-appointed seats. Other options – cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls – are standard for other manufacturers' SUVs.

A Preferred Equipment Savings reduction of $3,150 lowers top-of-the line Blazer's price, after a $685 destination charge, to $38,515.

As such, Blazer isn't most expensive or most economical SUV on market. But certainly, for nearly $40,000, good brakes and sufficient second-row headroom shouldn't be issues.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Safety features -- Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags. Antilock brakes.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 14 mpg (city), 19 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles; 24-hour free roadside assistance, 3 years, 36,000 miles

Base price -- $34,270.00

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review.

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