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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  Shari review - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Shari Votava - October 16 - 2:00 am

  It is fun to drive, it handles good and is a great vehicle to drive.

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  NO GOOD - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jp - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The same day that we bought this BLAZER we had to bring it back to the dealer because it was shaking. Wheels were balanced but it was still unstable. After bringing it to the dealer several times, about a year later the dealer did find out a rim was not round. It was replaced and for a while driving it was more stable, but not for too long. Now the dealer is saying the tires are out of spec & worn out. I went to Tires Plus & at least two other mechanics and the tires have threads for at least 20k more miles. The dealer fixed problems with the A/C & 4x4. I’m thinking about taken court action for the wheels.

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  Dont get stuck like me - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TonyTBone - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I currently own a 2002 Blazer, 4-door, I feel just I should warn potential buyers to stray away from this vehicle. I bought a 2002 Blazer brand new and the resale value is so poor I cant get out of it even to gotoa lesser valued car. Chevy is unwilling to negotiate a better deal for a different vehicle leaving me just plain stuck! I hate this vehicle and wouldnt wish its ugly interior looks and poor exterior styling on anyone. Its too bad chevy wont deal because I would dump it for a new vehicle in a second. Buyers beware, and stay away from the Blazer!

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  Blazer review - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Paul Wright - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has run great and is very comfortable for an SUV.

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  only American built for me. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By msnyder - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery 12-99. Most problems have been on the quirky side. Door weather strips, passenger seat handle, drivers door bushings have been replaced. Only major expense at 57,000 miles so far has been the fuel pump. I love extended warranty coverage. Backseat might be a little tight for three growing kids. Over all a good buy. Will keep until we outgrow it. Even then it might hang around as a second car. By that time my 86 S-10 with 170,000 miles might be ready for retirement.

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  I love my chevy blazer - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By raymond ashcraft - September 19 - 2:00 am

  this is the most comfortible ride that i have owned. we are very happy with our purchase. it is as close to a caddy in ride smoothness as i want. it is very stylish and durable.

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  Great SUV V6 engine but it works for me - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ericando - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have loved owning this car and would buy another soon but i am getting a company car through Progressive. It was pewrefect for me in my situation who worked hard construction during the day but wanted luxury at night.

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  never own a chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kathy lommler - September 11 - 2:00 am

  constant major repairs. 4wdrive, hubs, universal joint, new rear end, on and on. only owner,gentle driver.worst car i ever owned. will never purchase a chevy again,including my children.

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  2004 BLAZER CHEV - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By BELMARK100 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Jeep Cherokee owner for years, multiple Jeeps. Never owned a Chevy in my life, my family drives nothing but Chevy. I Decided to test drive the Blazer on a whim. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Its a very comfortable car, handles very well. Much smoother than my Cherokees ever where. Drove it on vacation right away great space & gas-on the highway and in the city. Then when you consider the savings on price, it was a no brainer, you save a bundle just for staying out of the popularity SUV race. (unless you want to impress people with paying more, thats another issue).

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  Selling my 97 Blazer after 2 years - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By C_Deep - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This was a good vehicle. I bought it with 162K miles and it now has 180k miles. It was very reliable and didnt leave me stranded. The motor is still powerful after 180K miles, but it could use new suspension parts.