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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  price value of 1997 s10 blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By don sanders - October 8 - 12:27 pm

  my 1997 s10 blazer is a wonderful vehichle and i enjoy it everytime i get in it. i wish i would have bought one years ago.

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  More than I expected - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By rick - October 7 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this SUV about 4 months ago with 135,000 miles on it. When I bought it, I knew I had to replace the rear rotors and the drivers door pin. I went ahead and replaced all four rotors with cross drilled slotted ones which pull this thing to a stand still quickly. iI like the power from the 4.3 Vortech, but Im a guy and of course I would like more power. I did have to replace the fuel pump, but it has 140,000 miles on it now. The interior is the best. I have never had a vehicle more comfortable. The ride quality is top notch. I dont feel like Im driving an SUV. I have Goodyear Fortera tires, which are specifically designed for SUVs, and it feels like Im driving a Cadillac.

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  Problems with a lemon. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jim5959 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this wagon, in aug 2000 and we had water in the vehicle after the first ranin storm, the dealer said this was a common occurance, when I pay 30,000.oo for a vehicle I dont want excuses. Shortly after that i Had 3,000 miles on it it developed a noise in the front right passenger seat area,the dealer twice said there was no problem,after taking it to another dealer they said the heater box was broken...they fixed it and the repair,haha, lasted about three months. The steering shaft had to be replaced at 12,000 miles It made a terrible noise it sounded like it was going to shear off. Lastly the wagon rode like a pick-up truck with a plow package

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  Reliable Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Liz - October 4 - 7:58 am

  This is a reliable nice looking truck. I am a single mom and have felt very safe taking my son on long road trips in this vechile. Enough room for packing and shopping too. Great in snow.

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  Last One - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LASTONE - October 2 - 7:59 pm

  Poor quality in overall woorkmanship. Seat adjustment handle broke off. All brakes and calipers changed after 100,000 miles. Windshield wiper module replaced (not recalled). Waterpump replaced 110,000. Oil leak from hoses to filter (25,000miles. Transmission tubes replaced come loose.

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  202,000 and still going strong - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By P-diddy - September 30 - 8:22 pm

  This is the best car I have every had in my life. I dont ever want to let it go. It needs some work now that it is 13 years old, but it has never let me down in any situation, 4 wheel driving or towing my boat.

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  I love my Blazer! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Dave - September 25 - 6:37 pm

  Maybe I got a good one? Ive had my Blazer for a little over two years and havent had it in the shop for anything major other than the horn likes to honk for no reason in the winter time when I turn the wheel. The rear window used to rattle when going over small bumps, but I was able to fix it. This has been a really great vehicle despite these negative reviews. I do regular maintenance, and really test it to its limits. Ive added a lot to it like a hitch reciever, and skid plates, and a grill guard. All in all a great vehicle. Maybe I got lucky and got one that doesnt have any problems. Everywhere we drive, we always take the Blazer even though it has the worst gas mileage.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CAR MAN - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This Blazer has been solid as they come. What many fail to realize is that this is a truck, not a sports car, not a luxury car and its not a 454 Silverado. This is a 6 cylinder small SUV. The interior is tough and designed to be rugged. The ride is pretty good. Ive done a lot of off road driving and this little Blazer works well in those conditions. It also performs well during snow conditions on the highways. The gas mileage is a little less than what Id like but I accepted that fact the day I bought it.

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  Great SUV! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Great SUV!! - September 19 - 10:50 am

  Ive owned my Blazer for almost 11 years, and I am the original owner. With 218,000+ miles what can I say? We have had a recurring problem with the EGR valve and oxygen sensor but other than routine repairs we have had no problems. Replaced the main belt at 125,000 miles and finally replaced the muffler system at 210,000 miles. Also replaced the fuel pump at 212,000 miles. Rest of the equipment is still original.

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  Be Careful with this SUV! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Razorback Fan - September 18 - 5:48 am

  I bought this car in June of 2006 with 64,000 miles on it. By July 28, it was in the shop for a new heating core and radiator problems. It is now September 18 and it has been back in the shop since Labor Day getting a new motor. Labor Day we were taveling to see family, and it broke down on the side of the road. The rods and bearings were shot among other things. I love the features of this SUV, but should have had it inspected first. The mechanic says that Blazers are known for these type of problems. Warning: it does drive like a truck so expect rattles, squeaks, and a little rough riding etc.