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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  4X4 Blazer owners UNITE! - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bulabula - June 30 - 10:28 am

  Wow, simply an amazing truck. I have had mine for about a year now and its the best truck I have had yet. Although the 5.7 does use a bit too much gas, it still does great for what I need it to do. It has no problem pulling either. I haul 2000 square foot hardwood floors which are very heavy and it drives like theres nothing behind me. I also do some off roading with the addition of 285/75/R16 Goodyear tires it still gets the average to poor gas mileage but it does great off road or in the mud. All in all I would say this is by far the greatest truck I have owned. All it takes is care. Change the oil and check the engine regularly and this truck is good for 200,000 miles easy.

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  My Blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kelley - June 9 - 10:33 pm

  I love my truck. Its 4wd so I can go off road. The miles that I have put on it are from driving from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC before and after my two deployments to Iraq. So I do a lot of freeway driving. And it pulls my trailer with no problem at all. The only thing that I have ever had go wrong with my truck was my mom ran over a stump one time in a field and dented the gas tank but that wasnt that much to fix. All in all I love my truck. and I realy dont want to get rid of it but I want a newer vehicle just like everyone on this earth does.

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  Favorite car, ever. - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By B. Lennon - June 9 - 8:21 pm

  I bought this car used off dealer lot with 36,006 miles on it. I have experienced no significant problems with it other then routine maintenance. In fact I went to change the brake pads at 50K miles and could find almost no wear! The vehicle is solid and well built, no sqeaks rattles or annoyances. The IP is well laid out and convenient, not fanciful just functional. I especially appreciate the handling of the car, well balanced and fairly light driving for a truck, very similar to rear wheel drive cars from sixties and seventies, if you go back that far! It handles exceptionally well in ice and snow (Michigan), and I only engage the 4wd to keep the transaxle lubed! All in all a great car!

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  Good for me. - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By John - June 7 - 4:49 pm

  As a student, I cant afford to waste money on repairs. So far with my Blazer, Ive only had to replace the wiper module($60). Everything else is running perfect at 53,000 miles. I do some city driving, but mostly highway and can get over 20 mpg if I drive it easy. Sometimes I haul friends around and Ive never had complaints with the interior space or cargo area. 4X4 is nice to have in the winter time.

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  Rattler - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RattleRide - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Several months after my purchase, I noticed rattling noise while driving. Sometimes I think the doors are going to fly open. Not a peaceful roadtrip vehicle!

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  Good bang for the buck - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RP - June 1 - 2:48 pm

  This is a solid vehicle for the price. I purchased mine when the 03 TrailBlazer came out and the price on them was great. Keep in mind that now as I consider replacing it, I see the opposite end with the low resale value. I I purchased mine with 26,000 miles and three years later have 98,500 on it. It has been solid. Ive had to replace both front hub assemblies, the rear pumpkin cover, replace the door hinges (the top one broke off) and replace the license light bulb wiring. The total of the repairs was around $2500, which is why anyone buying a SUV should definitely consider an extended warranty. It has great legroom (Im 65") and is wonderful in the snow where we get 150"/yr

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  Disappionted - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RKG - May 16 - 1:41 pm

  I bought this vehicle when it was 9 months old with 17,000. The mileage is now 51,000. I have spent considerable amount of money on repairs. Too many things to list. Everytime I go in for an oil change, they find another $500 worth of stuff. I just spent another $868. This vehicle has not been used to tow anything or for off road. The gas mileage is terrible. I just filled up and checked and I am getting 15.5 mpg. The only reason I keep it is because it is paid for!

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  Update to Old Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Old Reliable - May 11 - 3:36 pm

  Old Reliable now has 114,500 miles and still no major problems only routine stuff like battery and oil and filter changes. Had a tune up at 90K although vehicle was running fine. I finally had to have to rear brakes done at 95K but the fronts are still OK and original! Replaced tires at 84K although tread was adequate but with rainy weather coming bought Goodyear Aqua Tred 3. Great tires! Recently got 23 mpg on trip to Jacksonville, Fl and back. Paint and interior still looks great (garage kept) and no other complaints. Believe it or not this is probably the most reliable vehicle I have owned including Nissan, Toyota and Accura.

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  Cheaply Made - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Disappointed - May 7 - 12:44 pm

  At 15,000 miles both front seat levers broke (pot metal) At 68,000 miles heater core and water pump went out a month apart. 4wd has never been used and doesnt work. At 80,000 miles at 11pm on Thanksgiving eve all the trany fluid pushed out the dipstick and left us on the side of freeway. $2300 later using it for a trade in on anything but a Chevy. I have always owned Chevys but no more. No room for rear seat passengers.

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  towing - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ray salle - May 6 - 12:33 am

  it can be towed with your motor home