2006 TrailBlazer SS blazes trail to some major fun driving

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2006 | by James R. Healey

The sport part of sport-utility vehicles has been a reference to outdoor recreation, such as camping and fishing.

A General Motors specialty unit, the GM Performance Division, has redefined sport as the sort you get behind the wheel of a taut, crisp-handling vehicle. The 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS is a remarkable amount of fun. It's a high-performance, good-handling, good-looking vehicle able to carry five people and gear, available with all-wheel drive for those who want the treat in all weather.

It's the first time the Performance unit has massaged an SUV, and it hints at a way to keep some enthusiasm in the truck-based SUV segment: specialty models produced in small numbers and sold at high profits because they use many off-the-shelf parts.

To be...