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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  What I never knew! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Michael O - January 26 - 10:39 pm

  Here I am in the 40s ownering the best of the best, meaning Ive always believed foreign cars were the best no matter what it was. So after the last foreign vehicle I experience (Isuzu) with breaking down and losing time from work, finally decided to buy American! And let me tell you what a different, the ride the performance the look the feeling and very proud of owning an american builded suv s-10 blazer 4wd zr2. Going on 3.5 years strong and recommend it to anyone whos planning on buying a car or truck!

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  10 year slump - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jax1202 - January 22 - 5:22 pm

  Well, the Blazer is now 10 years old, I have only had it for 2 of them, but with in the last year I have had to get : All new tires ($500.00) a new radiator system ($1,400.00). I also have put in new shocks,The piece to move the seat back and forward was broke long ago, ... I need a new brake system, as well as a intake manifold gauge. The gas mileage isnt as bad as I expected for having a SUV though.

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  Doomed from the factory - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bf23 - January 20 - 10:35 pm

  These Blazers have problems. Cooling problems, engine problems, 4wd problems. They are expensive to fix. Spent over 2000 dollars in 2 months on the cooling system. Almost all Blazers build up coolant sludge, and the cooling system immediatly starts to break down. Not worth it. Do yourself a favor and buy another car. The used sale price may be enticing, but the repairs are ridiculous. Its impossible to work on this car! Almost impossible to change the spark plug wires, and impossible to change the spark plugs. The drivers side has a steering rack running right by the plug, thus you cant get in there with a wrench.

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  Not sure? - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By raym2 - January 20 - 5:48 pm

  Ive owned both the Zr2 and the 4dr model. Should have kept the Zr2 and got rid of the 4dr. We went to Fla. on vacation in 04 and it got pretty good mileage(avg. 18.5 at an avg of 75 mph). Ive replaced a tie rod end, an idler arm and service engine light was on (under ext. war.), serp. belt, idler pulley and belt tensioner assembly due to sqeeking. Now service engine light is back on and in cold weather the service 4wd light comes on.

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  Incredibly Average - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MyothercarisanF-18 - January 18 - 12:28 pm

  Cars like the Blazer make me consider buying an import. Design is mundane, and at times poorly thought out- i.e. spare tire on 2DR either obstructs rear visibility or eats up too much cargo room. The car has required quite a bit of repair work for light duty use and consistent preventative maintenance. Brakes have twice required major work Ive replaced a couple of bearings, and installed new door hinges to keep it from leaking. There are numerous other "minor" problems, such as a defective fuel guage that Ive just decided to live because of their cost to repair. Bottom line: the Blazer is a reasonably priced SUV, but low expectations are the key to avoiding dissapointment.

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  Just a lemon on wheels - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Phlex - January 18 - 10:00 am

  My Blazer has been in the shop more times than I care to count. Ive had the catalytic converter replaced, the transfer case for the transmission replaced, oil leaks sealed, passenger seat handle replaced, driver side lumber replaced, third brake light replaced, roof rack and rear window molding re-painted, tire rack repainted, inside paneling reseated which still rattles with every bump. It also was leaning to one side in the front. My Blazer is at the dealer now because my driver side window does not work, and there is a loud thump that comes from the right wheel well. It barely as 17,000 miles on it. Not at all worth the headaches.

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  I Love my SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By M.H. - January 3 - 12:47 pm

  Just bought this with all the "bells and whistles" last month. No problems yet. I love it. Very comfortable, great power, and roomy. Exactly what we were looking for. I wanted a minivan and hubby wanted a pick up so this was the perfect compromise.

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  Great looks and practical - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Doron - January 1 - 7:51 pm

  This car is really reliable, like most GMs. The 4.3 is plenty powerful to tow or for merging into traffic. The fuel economy isnt that bad either, I average 16-17 city and 20-22 highway with a heavy foot. Overall I am really happy with this truck and plan on keeping it a long time.

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  Skeptical at first but then... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sjk - December 30 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this car after a few years with a sports sedan. Obviously lacking in power and acceleration but wins you over with its comfort and smoothness. I drive long to work and back and this car allows me to kick back and enjoy at least 2-3 hours of my day. Fully loaded doesnt miss anything except a navigation system and perhaps a remote starter. Love this vehicle even though at first I was very skeptical about buying it. Good choice for a first- time SUV buyer.

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  One Of The Best SUVs Ever Made. - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By K to the L - December 30 - 4:05 pm

  This is the first Blazer I ever owned, however Ive been around numerous Blazers throughout my life, and they really are good solid SUVs. I do agree that ever since the Trailblazer came along the Blazer is not respected the way it was back in the day, and it still should be. The engine and drivetrain are tough and were tuned for truck work. If you are looking for a reliable, dependable, solid, smooth running vehicle that has 4-wheel drive with a low price, the Blazer deserves a test drive. I probably would have purchased the Trailblazer since it is a bigger vehicle, however I dont care for the Vortec 4200 aluminum inline-6 as I feel that it will not hold up as good over time as the 4.3 does