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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  Chevy Blazer LS 4x4 - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Phil G. - September 17 - 9:42 pm

  Ive got about 45,000 on this SUV with no problems. Its the most functional vehicle Ive ever owned. The interior is not trendy but very driver-friendly. The size is great, not as big as my wifes new Trailblazer, but big enough to seat 4 with ease with plenty of cargo room. The truck frame and engine, the Vortec, make it less refined but more durable than many of the newer SUVs. Its great in the snow, and theres enough muscle in the engine to handle passing on the interstate. Ive been thinking of trading it in on a newer SUV, but its hard to find anything I like better. I also like the styling, its big but not imposing.

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  Great in the snow - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By 1of4boys - September 13 - 9:56 pm

  Driving in the snow has been a great experience. Although MD does not get much of it, the large snows proved to be quite enjoyable to drive in using the 4 wheel drive (both Hi & Low). The switch from 2 wheel to 4 is virtually seamless with the button controls. The height of the chassis allows the ease of going over high piles. 6 cylinder engine provides a great get-up-and go and the power to tote heavy loads around. Easy to maintain vehicle.

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  Boo - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J.B. - September 12 - 8:13 pm

  The worst thing I ever did was buy a beautifully kept up Blazer for a move across country. After over $1,000 in repairs before I got out of town (brakes, brakes, new radiator, brakes again.. egr shmee-g-r, oil change, etc) and another $350 on the road, in the middle of nowhere, for a new fuel pump, the thing lasted only 5 months thru the winter (without 4WD, which wouldnt work) before the engine blew. This car was very well taken care of by the previous owner and myself. Who knew? I knew there was a reason my Dad made that face when I said I was buying a Chevy. I guess after the Citation in the 80s he knew what was up.

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  ZR2 package is the way to go - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Andrew M - September 4 - 9:15 pm

  I bought this car as my second, and I have not had any major problems with it, only minor. Rust on rear rotor caused weird noise, along with washer on driver door causing water to leak. Plastics are cheap inside the car and come apart/ blemish easily. The ride is excellent and it handles better than a truck should. It is a monster through the snow and the clearance is tall enough for anything. I would recommend this car for anyone who has to deal with off-road use as a common thing. Amazing off road and bad weather car, but because of small gear ratio, not that great of a highway car.

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  Blazers Are The Best - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cus - August 28 - 6:25 pm

  Ive owned my Blazer for about 6 months now and it was my first car, and all I have to say is that I love it. It is a lot of fun to drive, but the fuel economy could be a little better. Overall, I think its a awesome truck and very reliable.

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  Not a bad SUV for a beginner - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tim - August 28 - 12:37 pm

  Bought used with 32k miles. In stock configuration it is a dog. After installing new exhaust, cold air intake and using a Hypertech programmer, it runs much better. Quite a bit of body flex when offroad on moderate to easy 4x4 trails. Decent clearance. Limited modification potential due to offset of wheels. Very comfortable on and off road ride.

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  May not be the best to some - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bryan - August 27 - 8:28 pm

  I bought my Blazer used when I graduated high school. I wanted something reliable and I wanted a Chevy. Ive only had minor problems with it of recent, but I still believe that its a dependable truck. It is very safe. The other day some lady smacked into it and I was mad because they considered it totalled. But I feel lucky of how safe it was in the impact, as the lady who hit me was excessivly speeding when she hit it. I feel it is a very reliable vechile and safe for younger drivers like myself

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  Love My Truck - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GWEN - August 22 - 11:58 pm

  I love driving my truck. It took 8 years for any major repair. Fuel pump, rear end bearing, brakes, water pump. Cost $4000 to fix, but I have not found another truck or any vehicle that I would rather have. I get 20 mpg.

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  Isnt bad, but needs improvment - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chris - August 18 - 8:00 am

  I have a black 2000 ZR2 Blazer with 53k on it now, had 24k when I bought it a little over 3 years ago. I like the looks and features, but have had a lot of the same problems others here have posted. Ball joint on passanger side went bad, seat level on passanger seat broke. Tons of rattling of panels of doors, and in the back, spare tire blocks 96% of view to the rear. Gas gauge broke, heater core went, cd player went dead, and the sun roof had to be changed out 3 times. The MPG for this SUV stinks and the power seems to be bad during the hot summer days, at least mine is like that. With all those problems, I still like the car, but would trade it in if I could.

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  Love my Blazer! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By alexandra - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I had spent 4 months researching and testdriving SUVs, and finally decided on a 2000 Blazer. It had 64K miles on it when I bought it, but in mint condition. Its only been a few months, but I am very happy with my purchase. No problems at all. I think I got more for my money than any other SUV. As for reliability, like I said, I have had it for only a few months, but my boyfriend has an 89 GMC Jimmy (identical twin of the Blazer) and it is still going strong. Highly recommended!