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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  Good SUV for kids and City Dwellers - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By todd_k - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Got my 200 ZR-2 Blazer for a birthday present and I love it. Good ground clearance and a competent 4wd system has gotten me into and out of places even friends with other SUVs have not been able to go. Small and easy to park which is important to me as a city dweler. Good sound system as well. and oh-so-cool. The build quality could be better though

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  Great for the price. - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Brian - August 29 - 1:09 am

  I bought this truck used just over a year ago and havent had a single problem. Replaced the Bilstein shocks at 60k miles with another pair of Bilstein. Change the oil regularly and go. Might not have enough rear leg room for three adults but for an average family with a couple kids it works fine. Plenty of storage in the back for weakend projects. My mileage has averaged just over 17 miles per gallon, not bad for an SUV.

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  You can do so much better - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ron - August 25 - 7:37 pm

  I so regret buying this car. Im stuck with it. I bought the vehicle in July 2001 for $22000. About 7 mos later I decided I really didnt like the vehicle and decided to trade it in. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the trade-in value was about $8000. It had depreciated $13000 in just 7 mos. I recently tried to trade it in again. The trade-in value is $5800. I owe more than the car is worth. There are many things I dont like about this vehicle. Visibility is terrible. Its hard to see out the rear view mirror. For a smaller SUV, its a major gas hog. Im getting about 18mpg. My insurance is high because the vehicle has low safety ratings. There are so many quality vehilcles around

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  Not sure if it will last! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By 1choice - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine as a GM certified used vehicle with 34400 on it. And like many others in the reviews, mine has been in the shop alot and I do take care of mine with routine maintenance! Shocks had to be replaced at 35000K, & seals at 36000K, pinion bearing, steering column problems, wheel bearing, rattles at the door trims, etc. The whole vehicle shudders at 60 - 65 MPH, and forget driving really fast like 75-80 MPH, it really shakes then! I bought this vehicle with the intent of keeping it for a long time, however, even with proper maintenance, I find myself wondering if it will last past 60000K!

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  1998 4wd Blazer - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Conrad - August 23 - 11:37 pm

  I keep thinking just one more repair and it will last me awhile. Door hinges replaced, oil lines replaced, intake manifold gaskets replaced , cat replaced, air cond replaced, blinker switch replaced, O2 sensor bad now the air conditioner is acting up again. Besides that, a decent auto, ha ha, Thinking of getting a full size. Gas mileage for the Blazer is the same as a full size truck these days. The newer 5.3 v-8s are getting close to 19 mpg on the highway, my Blazer is only 18 at best. I might as well have the room and power if the gas mileage is going to stink.

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  Black Beauty - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By marty - August 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought this Blazer mainly because my wife broke her wrist and couldnt shift her Grand Am..(She likes to shift) We both drove the car since weve had it. She likes it, with the exception of the many blind spots this vehicle has. I enjoyed driving it and loved the Acceleration the 4.3 6 cylinder has compared to my 2.2 S-10. The car is a 2 dr with a black exterior. It reminds me of a Lexus wagon...has those same kinda lines. I have had many people say: That sure is a sharp Blazer." Mileage isnt anywhere near the Grand Am 4 cyl or the S-10 4 cyl. This Black Beauty get at most 17 around out suburban area and maybe 23 on the highway. Its a nice SUV.

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  2000 blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By lavanah - August 15 - 1:02 pm

  It is in the shop for a lot of repairs. Bells and whistles means there is a lot to break. The tranny is gone at 113,000 and I have a porous engine block.

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  I drive on and like it - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By billy bob - August 12 - 8:59 pm

  Its fun to drive. Theres lots of noise from the plastic over time, but overall Im happy with my truck. However, resale value is poor.

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  Perfect Fit for people who want a truck - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By My Name Goes Here - August 12 - 3:44 pm

  I call this the last of the true trucks. Anything on todays market has been tuned to drive, handle, and ride like a car. Well guess what folks, this isnt a car. Its a truck, meant for the offroad, for plowing through muddy dirt roads and taking some abuse. My Blazer has handled everythhing I could throw at it with plenty left. Sure it has a couple of things that the dealer needed to fix, but nothing that was serious or even annoying to me as a driver/owner. In all the last of a dying breed (The Truck). Make sure to get one while they last!

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  Well pleased - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Paul Kemper - August 12 - 9:57 am

  Had transmission problem at 70K -a known problem. Covered by extendend warranty. No major problems for next 70000+ miles, just normal maintenance - belts, hoses, oil changes, etc. I haul a lot of electronic equipment, sometimes pull a boat. Vortec 6 cyl is a workhorse. Get 22 mpg on the road. I would buy another if they still made them.