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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  350 Engine - 1992 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mike - February 28 - 3:45 pm

  Great all around truck. With the tailgate folded down, and the spare tire removed, it has a full size bed. The rear end went out at around 150,000 miles. That was the only major problem. Has 190,000 on it now and it still runs strong. Great for road trips, tons of rooms, and everything fits in. Will get around 17 or 18 mpg on highway, much less around town. Has plenty of power to tow anything, anywhere. 4WD is great in the snow and the sand. ABS system is rough on the feet. It takes a while for the cabin to heat up in winter, but once it does, its nice and warm inside. Plenty of room under the hood to make repairs in your garage easy and accessible.

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  Overall Good Small Suv - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By scarnips - February 9 - 3:29 pm

  I bought this suv used a year and a half ago with 53,000 miles. Ive had no problems so far. I have the ZR2 package and the truck is great in the snow. It handles well off-road for a smaller SUV. Minor problems are the factory speakers and plastic. The rear window latch squeaks from wear on the the latch bar, but if you wrap the latch bar with some tape it goes away. Gas mileage is not the best but its an SUV not a Toyota. Overall Im pleased with the Blazer.

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  Fun time in tuff little truck - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Lucie - February 5 - 1:26 am

  I have my 2nd ZR2 model. I love it. Of course the true ZR2 was Not made for luxury or comfort. It was made for 4 wheel drive fun. Not urban commute, car- pooling people that dont know what 4 wheel drive is about. Like remembering to lube the transmission, u joints,etc. Too many people buy these type of vehicles and dont know what they were intended for. To class it with some of these others is wrong. Yes, they are a dated style and as of this year will be no more They are cool, tough, & fun.

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  A great family vehicle - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By djwildcat19742 - January 29 - 12:44 pm

  Ive owned my Blazer for a little over a year now and when I bought it the truck had over 130,000 miles on it. It still runs and looks like a dream, and as a matter of fact, my husband and I show it. I think its a great value vehicle. Big enough for family and friends to ride along, and the ride is comfortable.

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  Love my Chevy truck - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By roxsann - January 26 - 5:36 pm

  I have ordered this truck twice. And I have had a great experience with it. I only drive Chevy trucks. THEYRE THE BEST! Im glad they will make them in 2005 because my lease is up soon and I plan on ordering another one.Need I say more?

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  A Solid Truck for a Good Price - 1990 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ALANR - January 25 - 5:11 pm

  This Blazer has served us well. We bought it with only 33,000 miles on it, and still love it. Its been extremely reliable, and build quality has held up well on the dirt roads that we live on. The 5.7 L 350 V8 is amazingly quiet, smooth, and powerful. For under 10,000, the Blazer is a relative value even in todays market. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. I wish that Chevrolet could bring these Blazers back.

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  My new Jimmy - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Mike - January 23 - 1:38 am

  I just got a new 05 Jimmy. I knew what to expect because my buddy has one. Great truck on a solid frame, not unibody. Rides rough, but that was expected. Simple and functional styling. Not your import with toys and whistles that cause problems and $$ down the road. It should perform well down the road I think. The price in Canada is awesome, $6000.00 instant rebate. Comes with air, ABS all wheel disk brakes, full am/fm CD. V6 Auto.

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  Happy with my truck - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By vince427 - January 21 - 7:43 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle since October 2000 and am very happy with it. I purchased it with the OEM towing package, but havent needed to use it. The 4x4 works well in the Long Island winter (as well as in Westchester!) The only problem I encountered was needing to replace the rotors after 25K miles (but Im in a lot of stop and go traffic)

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  Another TrailBlazer? Just maybe - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Robie - January 21 - 12:44 pm

  53,000 trouble free miles. Economical to drive, comfortable. Leather, CD, wished I had a sunroof. Will probably get a Tahoe next cause I need the vehicle to be a little larger for long trips that I take.

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  Surprisingly Good Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cori Martin - January 10 - 2:33 am

  I got this truck almost 2 years ago and am still in love with it. I normally wouldnt buy a Chevy, but was taken by a black Trailblazer with chrome rims, on the car lot. I thought I was going to end up with it, but it drove like a station wagon (yuk)and was very uncomfortable. I took the Blazer ZR2 out and knew instantly it was the truck for me. This is a TOUGH truck! It is an absolute beast in the snow/rain. Its one of the pricier vehicles Ive had, at $32,000. Sometimes Im even shocked at the price when I think about this little American made truck, but its definitely been well worth it.