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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  Should Have Been Better - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By William Goulding - November 5 - 1:41 pm

  This Blazer 22000 miles on it. The grill bowtie bad had to be replaced the fuel tank over flow tube pinches replaced right front axle needed repair the rear window trim both left and right had to be replaced because of bad paint the water thermostat stuck open and needed to be replaced.

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  Good? Bad? - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GMJohn - November 3 - 12:55 am

  Bought this lease return (Carfax Info) vehicle used about 2 1/2 years ago. Has been good second vehicle until recently with failure of lower ball joints and discovery that the "noise" in the back I have heard for last 5-6 months is apparently the carrier bearings in the rear end which resulted in early failure of entire rear end (estimate of $1200 +/-). It may be time for a replacement vehicle especially since mileage has always been about 17mpg highway.

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  What A Dissappointment - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ferromaximus - November 2 - 8:57 pm

  Once again, my love for all things big and tough has fooled me again. Dont let this truck fool you. I got the zr2 package because I wanted the big, tough look of this truck. Ive had nothing but problems. Every time I take it in for an oil change, its costing me over $1000 to fix it. Its a 99 and I only have 55k miles on it, and it acts like theres 150k on it. New alternator, ball joints, bearings, rear brakes completely redone, front differential just went on it ($2500-$3000 new). Im ready to sign off trucks all together, but need them for the snow up here in NY. Interior rattles and shakes and is very cheaply put together. What an embaressment to GM. Do not buy this junker!

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  Feel Safe - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kimm - October 28 - 4:03 am

  I love my Blazer. I have had many vehicles in the past and this is by far the best. I feel safer driving this Blazer. The build is solid and it has the power needed to get where I want to go, especially on a camping trip. It has the space I need to haul equipment and can haul up to 5000lbs. If you know how to maintain the suspension and ABS system there are wont be any problems. The only gripe I have is that the ball joints and front have to be greased frequently and the spare tire blocks your rear view. The interior is right at hand and easy to operate from the 4wd to the CD player. I love this Blazer.

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  Mixed emotions - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ed - October 24 - 7:24 pm

  Bought it new and take excellent care of the vehicle, do not miss any maintenance appointments. Continual problem with drivers door hinge, locks and window. Repaired twice but still questionable. Paid $2300 to replace 4WD transfer case at only 68k miles. 4WD also still questionable. Love the look, the way it drives, plenty of power and room inside. Very disappointed in the tranny and the detailing of the vehicle. Would probably not buy another GM SUV.

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  My truck - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Zach Spowart - October 23 - 10:10 pm

  I love this truck. 135,000 with no problems ever. just change the oil every 3,000 miles and have always enjoyed it

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  1997 Chevy Blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By FRED - October 20 - 8:57 pm

  AC-bad compressor, bad fuel pump, bad wiper motor, blower motor, upper ball joints, tail gate jammed, bad transmission, outside mirror fell off truck, bad turn signal switch, bad rear wiper motor, bad catalytic converter, bad hazard switch, bad headlight switch, bad heater switch inside, strike plate on drivers door fell off truck and had to weld it back on. Bad gas mileage.

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  If the gas didnt go up! - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By BIGGUY - October 19 - 2:09 am

  This SUV is great and if the gas price didnt go up I... ,but while I could drive it I had a ball. The style is very macho and the vehicle really sat in the road when passed by a 18 wheeler ( which isnt very offen

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  No problems - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Big B - October 13 - 3:41 am

  Ive had my Blazer now for about six years and I havent had a single problem. Its run perfectly, havent had to put it in a shop, not once. The v-6 puts out great power and it runs very smoothly. It gets almost twenty miles to the gallon in the city and about twenty five on the highway. I love my Blazer and wouldnt sell it for anything.

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  Solid truck SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Eric - October 11 - 5:36 pm

  Ive owned my Blazer for just over a year and put 12,000 miles on it, no real complaints thus far. It actually rides quite nice considering the old chasis, and the cabin is very quiet on the highway. If you buy one, accept that you are buying a truck, not a Rav4 or CRV. The good news is it can handle truck-type work and moderate off-roading without a problem. I have a rare 5 speed model, my only complaint that it tends to grind 2nd until the fluid has warmed up. Ive also had it leak water twice on me - I chalked it up to not closing the sunroof the first time, but if it happens again its going to the dealer.