Chevrolet's full-size sport-utility has four doors for passengers and up to three tiers of seats on a 1500 (half-ton) wagon with two trims and choices of RWD and AWD traction. Tahoe contains heavy-duty mechanical hardware backed by forceful power and sophisticated controls for suspension, traction and brakes plus complex safety systems - all working together to take the work out of driving and boost a driver's confidence.

Two Vortec V8 engines power the Tahoe. A base 4.8-liter plant puts out 275 hp, while Tahoe in LS or LT trim has a 5.3-liter V8 for 285 hp.

In the cabin, there are two rows of seats in standard conformation plus an optional third-row bench split 50-50. Adding the third tier raises the passenger count to seven. Tahoe's Z71 off-road chassis package installs Bilstein gas-charged shocks, tuned springs, jounce bumpers and stabilizer bars plus 16-inch all-season tires.

Optional safety gear extends to StabiliTrak controls and adjustable foot pedals, and for entertainment there are choices of a DVD-based video entertainment kit and XM satellite radio.

The TrailBlazer badge first appeared in 1999 at Chevrolet as deluxe treatment for the four-door Blazer in a monochromic paint scheme and the cockpit with tone-on-tone leather seats. Then a new version, with wheelbase extended six inches, emerged in 2002 and bumped the wagon to the midsize class.

A standard-length TrailBlazer carves out a spacious cabin with seats for five plus a cargo bay. Last year a stretched EXT edition rolled out with three rows of seats with plush buckets up front as separated by floor and ceiling consoles and followed by a second-tier bench for three and smaller third-row bench for two.

The regular-length TrailBlazer continues with trims of LS and LT, as does stretched EXT with packages of upgraded gear, such as a North Face Edition that dresses the exterior with accent-color body cladding, headlamp washers and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Stock engine for both TrailBlazer and EXT is a 4.2-liter in-line-six scored to 275 hp. A heavy-duty GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six. For more muscle, EXT also offers a Vortec 5.3-liter V8 that produces 290 hp. With the V8 aboard, TrailBlazer EXT can tow a trailer loaded to 7200 pounds.

Electronic traction control applies to all 2WD TrailBlazers in conjunction with a limited-slip and locking rear axle to prevent the rear drive wheels from slipping on slick pavement.

Optional 4WD equipment includes the smart Autotrac system with push-button selections and automatic switching from standard RWD traction to a mode that distributes engine torque equally between front as well as rear wheels.

Chevy's compact-class SUV continues in two-door and four-door issues this year. The two-door Blazer also appears in two special versions - Xtreme, rigged with a low-riding sport suspension, and ZR2, with a high stance and 4WD gear for serious off-road forays.

All Blazers carry a Vortec 4.3-liter V6 engine that achieves 190 hp. Two-door Blazers have a manual five-speed, but the automatic four-speed on Blazer four-door is optional. Another choice is the Autotrac automatic active transfer case for AWD traction. For a wild look, ZR2 has a new Flame/Heat decal package.

Chevy's smallest wagon for 2004 pares strictly to a four-door hardtop wagon. There are three trims in the series and all draw from 2.5-liter V6 sparked with a ten-point power boost for a total of 165hp.

Deluxe Tracker LT is the top version, flashing chrome elements in the front grille and a thick ring of contrasting body cladding around the base. Inside, the cockpit applies luxury features including optional leather upholstery. Tracker ZR2 wears wheel flares and charcoal tint on grille and body cladding, plus aluminum wheels and all-season tires.

The cabin of ZR2 has convenience features like power windows and power mirrors. For traction on slippery trails away from pavement, Tracker also installs 4WD hardware on several models. It's optional for the four-door LT and standard on ZR2. Other trimmings range from tubular side steps and a brush guard to foglamps and ski and bike racks.

The minivan from Chevrolet shows up with two wheelbase lengths for regular and extended editions, all with two front doors and two sliding side slabs plus a rear liftgate. Regular-length Venture for 2004 segments into two trims, Plus and LS. The extended-length Venture also uses these designations but adds a deluxe tier - LT.

Standard seat arrangement shows two front buckets separated by a walk-through aisle and followed by a bench for two split in 60/40 sections as well as a third bench for three divided in half. Venture LT puts two captain's chairs on the second row instead of a bench, but these are now optional on LS grade.

Muscle to power Venture flows from a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 hp. The automatic Versatrak AWD system is optional. An available DVD-based video entertainment system (standard on AWD LT Venture) brings a flat seven-inch video screen, wireless headphones and a wireless remote unit.