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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  Best and dependable! - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jadunb - January 8 - 12:41 pm

  This has been a wonderful car. There is little maintenance and it is perfect for our business and family. We can haul just about anything but load the family also.

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  Happy so far... - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Brian - January 6 - 11:11 am

  Purchased this summer. Quiet, sturdy, easy to drive. Suspension is a little soft but that makes for a better ride. Does not accelerate extremely fast, but its not suposed to be a sports car. Very nice interior. So far a front wheel bearing was replace but other than that everything has been good. I get about 19mpg city and 23mpg highway. EXCELENT in the snow.

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  Great Car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LP - January 2 - 6:49 pm

  Took the SUV on a mountain road with lots of snow. We were the first ones on the road. It was awesome. The car climbed the steeps very well and did a u- turn with ease. One the way down, the car geared down low enough so we didnt even need to use our brakes. What a fun car.

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  CHEVY BLAZER ZR2 ROCKS! - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CHRISTOPHER MCGUIRE - December 28 - 3:42 pm

  THE CHEVY BLAZER ZR2 IS BY FAR THE TOUGHEST VEHICLE IVE EVER DRIVEN. WHO CARES ABOUT GAS MILEAGE I WILL NEVER GET STUCK IN THIS VEHICLE. iT MIGHT NOT BE A LUXURY VEHICLE BUT DAMN ITS COOL. BRING YOUR CRV OUT OFFRADING AND ILL PULL YOU OUT WHEN YOU GET STUCK. cRV,ESCAPES HAVE NOTHING ON THIS VEHICLE....BRING IT!!

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  I like it - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By me - December 28 - 12:34 pm

  The best truck on the trail

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  What a Lemon! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tommy - December 28 - 1:15 am

  This 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is my second Chevrolet vehicle, and the LAST Chevrolet i will ever buy. I had many problems with my 1st Chevrolet (a 2000 Camaro) and even more with the Blazer. Tons of electrical problems, headlights continue shorting out, door locks, power mirrors, and power windows short out. Windows squeak and rattle when going up and down. Windshield wiper module has shorted out three times, Transmission is slipping at 58000 miles, and dealer can never figure out the problem, so the electronics keep shorting out. I hope people considering purchasing a Chevrolet read this and buy something else.

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  Money Pit - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chubbs - December 28 - 12:22 am

  Bought w/45K, average 10K per year. Awful mileage, constant laying out money. Needed FWD bearings right after buying it. Needed brakes. Now, its a money pit - both seat levers broke (white metal), needs e-brake, fuel injectors leak, 4WD Hi wont engage, leaks antifreeze (manifold gasket)

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  awesome vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By omega lianardo - December 27 - 6:44 pm

  This is an awesome suv it is great on offroad because it is built on a truck chasis. It is powerful and designed very well. this is a good buy.

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  Stay Away from Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By edhall20 - December 23 - 1:59 pm

  Bought my 4WD 2000 LS Blazer brand new, and didnt have any problems until about 25,000 miles. Now it seems like its falling apart. Just got a quote for $2400 to fix the door hindges and pins, replace a leaking oil line, and fix the ball joint on all the tires. Apparently the tires were in danger of falling off!! This seems ridiculous for a 4 year old car with only 30,000 miles on it. Oh yeah forgot to mention that it needed a whole new computer system (whatever that is), and needs a new sending unit for the gas tank. Thats right, we have no idea how much gas is left in it. Im now thinking of trading it in.

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  Stay Away - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By overpriced - December 11 - 7:02 pm

  This vehicle looks great inside and out but doesnt perform as great. I have had leaking windows in both quarter panel windows and the windshield above the rear view mirror. Supposedly they fixed it but the day after I took it home it was leaking again. Its still under warranty but being in the shop twice in one week is very inconvenient. Gas mileage is bad and ball joints are bad already after a year. This vehicle is overpriced