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 - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Luther56 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle ive ever owned, good for long trips, good for around town, and alot of fun off road.

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  Decent bang for the buck - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By rjf - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I disagree with those that say the car feels unstable - Ive had this thing on some uneven slopes and never had a problem. Overall, this has been a solid vehicle though not very exciting.

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  A great Suv - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By campbell - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2005 blazer a month ago. its a fun suv to drive. I took it off roding the first day i bought it. It handles better than most of my viechels do going through creeks.

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  2000 Blazer LT Hi-Mile - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mjvaca - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliable as they get, 90K miles and the factory brakes are still 50%. Rides a little rough but the suspension seems longlasting. Heating cooling electrical are all trouble free. LT model has power everything and leather. Maintance is minimal and I do it myself.The price was right and I think it will last a while longer

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  Its a TRUCK!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mtpd51 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Rides like truck, drives like a truck, must be a truck. Nice size for long trips, with decent gas mileage. If you want great gas milage buy a Honda. During 6 month ownership A/C compressor replaced under warranty, front ball joints replaced under warranty, oil coolant lines replaced under warranty, ignition harness replaced under warranty. Its a used car with 40k on it. I paid less than half for a new one, with an extended warranty lasting as long as a new car warranty does. For the $15,000 I saved I bought a boat!

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  Love my Blazer - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MoBeau - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV because I needed something to tow our boat. I used to say that I never wanted an SUV. I have been pleasantly surprised and I now love this vehicle. It gives such a great ride. It makes my life easier with the convenience and flexibilty of the fold down seats with the 4 doors. I like riding higher on the road - it makes me feel like I am more in control

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  What a piece of junk. - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gmsick - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this suv from my father, (the first owner) he had problems with it since it was new, It had 35,00 miles on when i took it, well, you name it has broke, transmission had to be replaced,contol switches, the outside mirrors just fell off,rattles,gas gauge dont work,alt,haz button,turn signal switch, window motors,cooling system,ac leaks,paint is peeling off,braking system is weak, washer bottle leaks, the four wheel drive stopped working (two repairs),and too many things to let me list here, it seems that my wife calls me a least once every two weeks and tells me something else is wrong with the blazer. I have always been a chevy fan, not anymore.

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  Great vehicle for the money! - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazer248 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been a great vehicle to own! Minor annoyances like chipping paint on the radio, and a piece of molding above the windshield flying off. I have not yet had a mechanical problem with this vehicle at all!

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  Not a Repeater - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bummed about Blazer - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My daughter and I both purchased Blazers at the same time. After 4 years of ownership, I have to say I would never buy another one. Every week there is a new interior squeek or rattle. Between my daughters car and mine, the vent adjustment broke off, rear differential is a constant problem, ball joints and wheel bearings had to be replaced ($500 x 5), cvc leak fixed ($300), outside moulding on drivers window kept popping out (husband finally glued it in place), seat adjustment lever broke off, strap on rear hatch broke off. . . and on and on. Was a BIG Toyota fan before this and will DEFINITELY go back.

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  Good Design - Needs Better Execution - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By oldcorvettefan - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 4WD, first Blazer. I really enjoy the easy way it moves into and out of traffic, and the V6 is better suited to the Blazer than it was my old S10. My biggest disappointment is how poorly the interior and door panels fit. The vehicle sounds like the doors are going to fall off if you hit a crease in the road just right. Nothing like our new Malibu Maxx, which is much tighter.