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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  Old faithful - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By teton - August 17 - 7:53 pm

  While I certainly have many gripes, it has been a very reliable vehicle. I bought it new and it now has 162,xxx miles. Its never quit on me! I drive it in all conditions including plenty of off-road and snow. Outside of the typical repairs for this many miles (fuel pump, ball joints, alternator) and routine maintenance, Ive had only a couple issues, but none major and it always starts. I keep expecting more problems but they havent come yet. I have felt a few hard shifts from the tranny, but considering the too-tall gearing Im amazed it got this far. Gas mileage is ok for a V6 SUV - avg about 20 combined.

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  Always have good luck with the Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bmdwags - August 14 - 10:00 am

  We have leased 2 Blazers...and we have been happy with them both. Comfortable and easy to drive. Rear doors swing open wide enough to get kids in and out of car seats. Plenty of space in the back for family trips with lots of luggage and the dogs.

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  My favorite appliance! - 1992 Chevrolet Blazer
  By cajemo - August 14 - 2:29 am

  I have previously owned a 1991 Caprice Classic, but it wouldnt handle snow, so I bought this beauty! It is reliable, comfortable, smooth and versatile! I have had a custom exhaust installed, repainted after original factory paint flaked off, chipped it with the JET brand chip, installed Denali wheels/ tires and upgrade spark plugs to the Platinum series. It is a Cheyenne with vinyl everything inside! Only power features are the steering and the ABS brakes. It looks sharp, rides smooth and sits high! If I were to do it again, I would try to find a 96 or newer with the Vortec engine, or a 95 or newer diesel. My 5.7 is only 210 HP stock.

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  Not soooo good - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By BMiller - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Many problems such as insulation in doors not installed properly, wheel barings bad, fuel injection problems, drivers window not working, and countless other things. Very dissappointed in the Blazer. Plus a recall on the rear turn signal.

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  Great Used SUV for the Money - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MICHAEL - July 27 - 6:40 pm

  This is a great auto if your income wont allow you to buy new. It is really reliable. Ive had some minor repairs, but nothing that broke the bank. It is a dream to drive in the winter in 4x4 mode! I have not fears of letting my girlfriend drive it in the snow! When my finance allow me to..I will buy another one...new!

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  Fits the bill - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick - July 27 - 9:27 am

  ZR2 spec Blazer. After 125,000 miles, the powertrain (original) is great--reliable and tough. I tow a boat and occasionally off road, and the Blazer does it well. The 5-speed manual shifts crisply, and on country roads especially I enjoy the drive. I average over 18mpg in general, which is really good for a truck-based SUV. City stop n go driving stinks. Build quality is rough, and I have had some problems, but nothing major or expensive. I really like the vehicles design and think it has worn well. I wish Chevy still built a "real truck" SUV smaller than the Tahoe. Used resale value is low, so they are a great used vehicle value.

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  GMs S-10 Blazer Disappointment - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Roger S. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S-10 LT 4WD Wagon with 5,000 miles on it.At first I thought it was great,then things began to come up.First thing I noticed was the terrible Fuel mileage!I also noticed that the interior had more squeaks and noises than my Grandmothers old Rocking Chair! Next was the Mechanical problems.2 sets of Oil Cooler lines by 25,000 miles,the Muffler at 18,000,Seat recliner handle, Transfer case leaks.Now at 40,000 miles I have some kind of Suspension noise.Im now going to trade this dissappointment in.

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  Its a pain to drive - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By oilerfootball - July 22 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a challenge, this car is the one for you. I bought this in August and have had two wrecks that could be attributed to the mechanics of the car. It is very difficult to see out of with many blind spots, and it has very sloppy handling. Buy anything but this car.

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  Shocked it was made by Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Xtreme Blaze - July 13 - 8:34 pm

  I was surprised Chevy could pull something like this out of their minds. I enjoyed it from the second I drove it off the lot. Driver functions in ease with radio station changing to finding a spot to park.

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  Pleasure of having owned 1999 Blazer LS - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By eileen wolf - July 10 - 4:23 pm

  Have been extremely satisfied with performance, with most miles from long trips. It is solid, safe and most comfortable and has served me well since time of purchase. I have replaced water pump, had larger battery installed and new cables over the past two years. Also, two years had the four original tires replaced with identical issue, and U-Haul hitch installed, but only because I had planned a one time 600 mile trailering trip. At my age, I nolonger have need of a V-6 engine and the cargo space utilized in my travels. I have been the only driver of this vehicle.