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:

• 

  Im iffy on this one - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Fred - March 21 - 2:36 pm

  When I first bought it - I was excited to have an SUV becasue of the space (I upgraded from a 92 Cavalier) But from the start I had problems getting it started (which turned out to be a fuel pump issue that we figured out 3 years later). I, like a lot of other people on here, had fuel gauge problems, even after the pump got fixed - and I replaced the wheel bearings and ball joints twice! Gas mileage stinks - even for an SUV - and it doesnt really handle that well. I was always replacing brakes and rotors -and the spare tire blocking all the rear visibilty was brutal. If you are not in 4WD, its terrible in the snow - and even in 4WD its marginal at best.

• 

  Piece of Junk - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Patrick - March 17 - 9:45 am

  My Blazer had some good attributes, but quality of manufacture was not one of them. Overall this vehicle was junk! It rattled almost from the day I bought it. The dealer never could find out what was causing it. I had a Toyota before this and I only bought this vehicle because the dealer made me a good offer. In the end, I really paid for that good deal. I meticulously maintained my Blazer, but I don’t think that it really helped. At 102,000 miles, the transmission went bad and I went back to Toyota and I will never buy another American car again.

• 

  This Truck is the Greatest - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CHEVY FOR LIFE - March 16 - 8:32 pm

  Havent had truck that long, had a few simple fixes (blinkers, rear windsheild wiper motor) and engine has a high idle when at operating temp. Other than that I love that little truck and it packs a lot more power than Explorers. They have no power whatsoever. My Dad has a 93 with 280,000 and tranny just began to slip in overdrive. Amazing trucks

• 

  Engine - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jaw - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Slow on take off. Also the engine and tires are noisy. Looking forward to trading it in.

• 

  Better then expected - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Rooster - March 13 - 6:24 pm

  I bought mine with 115,000 on it, changed the shocks right away but since then Ive had no problems what-so-ever. Started every morning through the Minneasota winter, heated up just fine and the 4 wheel drive was a blessing. Im just starting to see a little rust on the rear bumper but thats an easy fix. It could be a bit more comfortable ride but I have a bad back and for a SUV its not bad at all. Over all for the price I cant complain.

• 

  Chevy Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sandi777 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  very wobbly ride. needs better suspension. Everything needs to be changed and the dealerships themselves have never bent over backward to help. Dealerships not fun to work with.

• 

  The new great small SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By docdre - March 8 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this SUV used in 2001 with less than 20k on it. Other than normal maintenance its been a great SUV to own. Great in the snow and ice and take it fishing on the beach as well and never have a problem. Like any self respecting American car you have a few rattles here and there but overall it has held up better than I ever imagined. I now have 95K on it and other than normal wear I have had nothing but great luck. The paint has held up exceptionally well although I do wax it up 3 times a year. I hope to keep this puppy until it has over 200k on it! Chevy tough!

• 

  Only Americants for me - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By My Country, My Truck - March 3 - 11:17 am

  90,000 miles and still going strong. Blazer has some competion though, my 86 S-10 is still going at 175,000 miles. I wanted a full size truck but will be happy hauling the family, plowing through the snow and pulling the camper with this little powerhouse ... for now. Of course gas mileage isnt as good as my Cavalier. Its a truck. Even if I could get 50 mpg I sure I would want 51. Fuel pump went out, 1 rear speaker and passenger seat lever went out. All three under warranty. Nice to see GM has increased warranty to 5 years/100,000 miles. Must be pretty confidant.

• 

  98 Blazer - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Adame008 - February 27 - 8:44 pm

  I owned the Blazer for 4 years and it was a good truck. 4.3 is a tough little motor. I rolled it, and flipped it back over and kept driving, no serious problems even at 120,000 miles. Interior is cheap. But overall it was good. I put it through some tough off road terrain, and it always performed.

• 

  All down hill after this - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Kenny - February 24 - 1:39 am

  Well when I fist got it I thought oh man im in heaven. All the power I ever wanted but not too much. A good 4X4 for being so new. But just as it built up my hope it let me down time after time. So Im saying forget the bowties.