Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Blazer was one of the most popular SUVs for five consecutive decades, though its name was shared by two completely unrelated model lines. Chevrolet first started affixing the "K5 Blazer" designation to two-door convertible SUV versions of its big trucks starting in 1969.

Today, most of the old-school K5 Blazers have long since rusted away or have otherwise been reclaimed by off-roading enthusiasts. Chevy continued to produce full-size, two-door Blazers through 1994, after which it rechristened these vehicles with the now-current Tahoe name.

In the early 1980s, however, Chevrolet started to call another one of its products the Blazer. And in actuality, the other Chevy Blazer -- the "S-10 Blazer" -- is the one consumers are most likely to come across in the used-car market due to its greater popularity and more recent place in history.

Born as a variant of Chevrolet's S-10 compact pickup in 1983, this S-10 Blazer was a pioneer of the modern small-SUV segment. Though initially limited in terms of body styles and often underpowered, it did eventually receive four doors and better engines. A redesigned second-generation model (without the S-10 moniker) arrived in 1995 with improvements in performance, styling and interior room.

As an inexpensive choice for a small or midsize SUV, a second-generation Chevy Blazer might be worth a look. However, compared to other vehicles of the time, this Blazer was let down by average driving dynamics, middling comfort and poor crash test scores.

Most Recent Chevrolet Blazer

The second-generation Chevrolet Blazer was produced from 1995 to 2005. In terms of size, it was bigger than its predecessor but smaller than competing midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The two-door version was sold throughout the model run, but the four-door was discontinued after 2004, with fleet sales continuing through '05. If you encounter an '05 four-door Blazer on the used market, chances are it used to be a rental car. (Consumers should note that four-door Blazers from this era are unrelated to the superseding TrailBlazer that arrived for '02.)

The second-gen Chevy Blazer's mechanicals were largely consistent throughout its lifetime. Under the hood was a 4.3-liter V6 producing 190 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It was typically connected to a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, though a five-speed manual transmission was available on two-door models. Rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive were offered.

The Blazer initially came in three trim lines: base, LS and LT. The base model started with little more than a radio, air-conditioning and antilock brakes, but the LS added the features most consumers expected: power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, a folding rear seat and cruise control. The luxurious four-door-only LT upgraded to leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a more deluxe stereo and an overhead console. A "TrailBlazer" trim line with two-tone leather and unique styling became the new range-topper in 1999. Chevrolet realigned the trim levels in 2000, dropping the base model and de-contenting the LT (leather seats became optional). In model year 2001 the Blazer Xtreme arrived. This 2WD, two-door model had a low-riding sport suspension, deep-dish wheels, a monochromatic exterior and tinted windows.

In our initial reviews of the Chevrolet Blazer, we found it quick (thanks to its robust V6), fun to drive around town, comfortable to ride in and decently capable off-road. However, as better competitors emerged, the Blazer's handling seemed sloppy and vague and its turning circle wide. We also found that rear-seat comfort was lacking due to a low bench and inadequate foot room. Other faults included spotty build quality and low-grade interior plastics.

Of the few changes to affect the Chevy Blazer during its long life, the most crucial came in 1998 when it gained revised inner and outer styling, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a passenger-side front airbag. The addition of a second airbag is especially important in light of the Blazer's very poor NHTSA one-star frontal crash test score for the passenger in prior years. After the revision, the score jumped to four. Another major change came for the 1999 model year when Chevrolet introduced a new AutoTrac four-wheel-drive system that could automatically sense wheel slippage and send power to the axle with the most traction.

Past Chevrolet Blazer models

The original Chevrolet S-10 Blazer was produced from 1983 to 1994. Through much of the 1980s, it relied on a variety of four-cylinder and V6 engines, all with meager outputs. The S-10 Blazer's first big improvement came in 1988 when it gained an optional 4.3-liter V6 with 160 hp. That V6 finally became standard in 1990.

The Chevrolet S-10 Blazer's second major improvement came in 1991 when Chevy introduced a four-door version based on a slightly longer body. This certainly helped improve the vehicle's appeal, as did an optional "Enhanced" version of the V6 engine that brought horsepower to 200.

Though popular, the S-10 Blazer was increasingly outclassed as the 1990s came about. In particular, the Blazer's sloppy handling, harsh ride, cramped backseat and poorly designed controls made it look crude compared to newer designs like the the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder of the time.

As for the full-size Chevrolet Blazer, the best models from the early '90s to look at would be those built from 1992 to 1994. These redesigned models were built using GM's then-new full-size truck platform. A 200-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 powered nearly all Blazers of this generation, though a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 with 180 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque was optional for '94. Four-wheel drive was standard across the board. In 1995, Chevy changed this model's name to Tahoe and introduced a four-door body, which in short time proved to be far more popular than the two-door.

User Reviews:

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  more costly to drive than you may think - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Greg - March 20 - 12:58 pm

  Though it would be better on fuel and save me some money, as it turns out I have been putting more repair money in it than fuel money. rear hatch wiper motor first then the ignition switch, followed by a computer,2 fuel injectors, wheel bearings, brake caliper, upper and lower ball joints, and the sun roof leaks (still). The check engine light has been on now again for 2 and a half months but I am afraid to take it in. even if it is the filters the dealer replaces every time it is more money than I want to spend on this lemon that now has 46000 miles, and about $5800 in repairs in the last 3 years

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  Love my Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jason - March 17 - 3:56 pm

  Bought used, now have 78,000 miles on it and still love it. Had one major problem with it, the heater core went out in the dead of winter. I live in the Pacific Northwest so, it wasnt very fun. Core was replaced under warranty. Love the engine! Has great power and love the exhaust note! Heated leather seats are awesome and the memory feature is great. Driven it on quite a few road trips and its very comfortable. Rides and handles nicely, I always feel safe. On the few times Ive had to engage the 4X4, it worked just like it should. Felt really surefooted in the snow this winter. Gas mileage is fine, Im not expecting high numbers, its a 4X4. I didnt buy it for the gas mileage.

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  163000 and still going strong! - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kansley - March 11 - 9:55 pm

  When I bought this Blazer I was getting rid of my 2001 Turbo Jetta and getting something cheaper to fix. However I have put 10000 miles on the truck and have only had to replace the serpentine belt. Had a transmission shutter but realized engine misfire was the problem. I deliver pizzas so the 4WD comes in handy were I live. However better gas mileage would be nice.

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  1997 4wd 4dr - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jessy - March 10 - 12:28 pm

  I love my Blazer. My family didnt want me to have a truck so I got a Blazer. It doesnt want to always start because I live in northern Minnesota with -30 degree weather on some days. Ive had to do some work on it because it has 160,000 miles but its working great.

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  Fantastic - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ineedgasrightnow - February 25 - 1:39 am

  This car is amazing. It has lasted thirteen years of merciless punishment, and come out spotless. I live in the mountains, and my car has to deal with storms, mudslides, fallen trees, potholes, and deer.

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  Great running SUV - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By raiderzfan422 - February 9 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased my 1996 Blazer 1 and 1/2 years ago with 108,000 on it. It has been very reliable and has had no major problems. If you maintain these vehicles they will run for a long time. Change oil every 3k, tune ups and make sure to grease all ball joints and fittings etc. Flush coolant as well becuase of the known problems with the cooling systems. I love my Blazer and maintain it very well. Vehicle now has 126000 on it and all I have replaced is battery, alternator, thermostat and a rear end seal.

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  No more Chevys for me, thanks. - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chris - January 6 - 5:43 pm

  Bought it with 18K miles. It was beautiful and a pleasure to drive. But then came the mechanical problems. Front suspension wears out prematurely (there was actually a NHTSA investigation into the ball joints). Coolant problems and engine seal/gasket failures. Lots of other problems. Were thankful for the extended warranty we bought. It cost us about $5k extra, but saved us an additional $10k in repairs later. In addition to regular maintenance, our repairs to date total just over $15k. Sad to admit this, but Im not planning on buying American again. Not until American car makers earn my trust back.

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  My Cadilliac - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By blazer02 - December 20 - 4:12 pm

  This Blazer is the most awesome truck Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive, it has great engine power. The gas mileage could be better but hey its got a big engine in it. I have the 02 loaded edition only 69k mint condition. I haul quads with it and it pulls them with no trouble.

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  Like it - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By amanda - December 16 - 1:11 pm

  I bought this vehicle 3 years ago. It had 49,000 miles at the time. It now has 98,000. Ive replaced the alternator, the driver window gets stuck open (usually when its raining) every once in a while but will work again a couple minutes later. Both front doors sag, window molding coming up, top compartment buttons are broken, mirror flap on both visors have broken off, there is now a leak in the intake manifold gasket, and the 4wd is not working now. i have not had any major issues with this vehicle until now. I really like it but i am thinking about parting with it due to the gas mileage. it gets 18mpg on the interstate.

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  2000 Blazer 2WD LT - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bobbyg - December 8 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Blazer has been a quality truck. The ride is smooth. The engine does its job, but wouldnt mind having a trailblazer engine in it. Didnt opt for the 4WD and havent really needed it even though I live in Chicago. Great cargo space and enjoy how the back seats fold all the way down not like other SUVs. Havent had any repairs other than the routine maintenance. The LT package was worth the money.