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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  10 Years Old & Still Running Strong - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Carlos - December 1 - 2:19 pm

  With 182,000 miles this car has seved the family exceptionally well. Only a new tranny at 140,000 miles and the usual maintenance. Great in the snow and no problems what so ever with the AWD. Comfort and reliable to the max.

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  Just what I needed. - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Robert D. Crawford - November 24 - 3:25 pm

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I notice on the internet it did not get good reviews. I do not know why? Is is much better then the Ford Explorer. More power at start up and on Highway. Smooth ride-handles well- good springs. On the front ceiling has some good storage and the dial setting for garage doors and lights and temperature and direction. it has everything I need. I do not need fancy wood on the dash or any of the other things which are high priced and do nothing for what is important in a vehicle. It is simply great. I am very happy that I purchased this SUV.

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  Couldnt be happier - 1992 Chevrolet Blazer
  By modillard - November 20 - 1:27 am

  Ive always liked this truck so when I was looking at used vehicles with a BMW 3 in mind and came across my truck at a price I couldnt resist, I was all over it, plus I can do repairs on it, not so on the bimmer. This is a very fun truck to drive. It just turned 200k miles and still runs very strong, still looks great and up to date because Chevy used the body style until 99, Ive moved a full size couches in it and towed full size trailers as well the power and size are both amazing I love this truck if chevy made a full size 2 door suv Id buy it but since they dont Ill be very happy to keep mine until they do, they dont lie when they say like a rock

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  Love a Chevy Blazer - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By James - November 16 - 5:05 am

  I traded a brand new 500 mile Toyota Celica on a used Blazer... its the xtreme package, I havent ever regreted it, comfortable... very reliable, and honestly very safe. I have been rear ended twice once at around 10 mph the second time at around 25 mph, not significant damage to my Blazer. The motor like all of Chevys are easily fixed, and most people can do it themselves with a good manual (unlike Toyota)... Overall they are not the fastest SUVs but they ride nice, few problems, no recalls on them! I think they are good vehicles for young adults who need something safe that looks nice, and they can dabble with... worked for me!

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  Its alright - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By nate - November 15 - 2:11 am

  Its an alright truck all around but I still feel more comfortable driving an old beat up Civic. It doesnt feel stable off road and Im constantly having mechanical issues with it but it does all that its technically supposed to I guess.

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  Needs Some Work - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Working Man - November 13 - 6:58 pm

  Everyone knows that SUVs dont get the best gas mileage, but I expected to get a little better being I got a 2dr V6. I average about 14 to 15 mpg. Everything wears out really quick. The rear exterior tire carrier has to be lifted up about an inch or so to be latched. If your a home mechanic, youll have fun getting the oil filter off. Im upgrading to a brand new Explorer next week. Ill try another American made one more time.

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  My Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nicole - November 12 - 1:28 pm

  I bought this car expecting to get the best and that is exactly what i have gotten. The only thing I have replaced is the altenator which happens in most vehicles in their lifetime. My Blazer is gettting high in mileage but I wouldnt dream of trading it in. This is one very happy customer!!

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  Proud to be a Blazer owner - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blue Devil - November 9 - 1:00 am

  Purchased it this past week end its a great truck and anyone considering it should look for a low mileage example, which had been taken car of, mine is one of these and it runs great great pick up and go, 4x4 system easy to use, love the compass and temp. display as well as the overhead console. It is a great vehicle that when properly maintained will last a long time

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  ZR2 blues.... - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Barbara - November 6 - 2:53 am

  OK I owned a 2001 Chevy S 10 ZR2 truck and LOVED it, but lost it in my divorce,so thinking they was all built the same i got a 1998 ZR2 Blazer. BIG MISTAKE I have only had it barely 2 months and alreday have major issues. Let start with the 4x4 it kept switching in and out of 4 wheel drive on its own, and front end needs work, ball joints ect and now a MAJOR issue with running service engine light comes on and it will run REALLY bad, acting like its getting no gas, has no power wants to die but then bam it runs great again in a few days. Seems to be a common complaint with the 1998s i regret buying it BEFORE I really researched the issues. THINK TWICE...

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  Disapointment - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Hal - November 5 - 5:25 pm

  Bought this from original owner. Had 60000 miles on it. Had to put 3500 in it within 6 months. Heard that this was 1st year for this design and many problems. When it runs it is nice but A/C, ABS, radiator and brakes didnt last. Wouldnt recomend this particular year.