Long Term: Chevrolet TrailBlazer LTZ 4WD: Now that's an engine.

When the General launched its Vortec 4200 inline-six, we knew we had to have one. How could we resist: With 270 horses and a Blue Flame bloodline, choosing the 4.2-liter-and the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer that came along with it- as our newest long-termer required little debate.

We selected the topof-the-line LTZ model for delivery of our new engine, a feature-laden trim package that includes an AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD and cassette players, driver message center, rear audio controls and eight-way power front seats. One of several two-tone exterior paint schemes also came standard with the LTZ group, but we opted for a more understated monochromatic look, in light pewter metallic.

The LTZ equipment group also gave us bigger, 245/65R-17 aluminum wheels and tires, the premium suspension package, dual-zone climate control, side airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and OnStar with one year of service. (Darn, we forgot to get butt-warmers.) All that equipment, however, as nicely as it's bundled together, also adds significantly to the base price of the TrailBlazer. Throw in our AutoTrac four-wheel-drive system and power sunroof, and what starts out as a $25,905 truck (for the base two-wheel- drive model) balloons to $35,130. That's a lot of cash for-some people feel-not as much truck as you might get elsewhere for this money. Despite its segment-leading power and tons of equipment, our TrailBlazer can't compete with the 2002 Ford Explorer in one key area: passenger capacity. Where the Explorer fits three rows of seating in its ...