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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Never own another Blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Blind sided - June 16 - 2:00 amI bought my Blazer used,with only 34,000 miles on it. I have had nothing but trouble with it from the very start. At 75,000 miles, my transmission went out,Cost to replace $1,600. My wipers front and rear quit working.Cost to fix $300.00. The front wipers quit working during a storm, almost causeing an accident, as I could not see. Most recently, my catoletic converter went out, causing me to be stranded on the turnpike with a small child in the dark. Cost $800.00. I have replace the front wheel bearings every year since Ive owned the Blazer.My A/C quit working, as the compressor has a leak. Cost$600.00 to repair. 4-sale 4 what ever I can get out of it.
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My Black Beauty - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By cel2854 - June 12 - 2:00 amI own a solid black 2004 Blazer,I traded in a 1987 blazer. You just cant kill them!! i have owned it since Jan. and have had absolutly no problems with it,not even in the breaking in period. The ride is very good,it has great pick- up...It wants to go,,your doing 70 and dont even know it!!
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Irish Review - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By jpk0344 - June 9 - 2:00 amIve had the SUV over six months and have no problems with it. I wish the fuel economy was better but other than that it has been a good vehicle.
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A Terrible Vehicle - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By golfgod550 - June 7 - 2:00 amWorst vehicle I have ever owned...I have put six batteries and three alternators in the truck and yet GM says there is no electrical problems with these trucks. The brakes failed and I ran into a sidewalk. The push- button 4WD had to be replaced. The heating system had to be fixed and now the AC does not get cold, despite a recent coolent recharging. Oh, and there have been countless recalls on top of these expensive repairs. This the last GM product I will ever own.
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perfect transportation - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By john r anderson - May 29 - 2:00 amThis was the second blazer for me and i cant be more pleased.It has the power to pull my boat yet i get high teens in town and hit 26 when kept at 65 mph on high way.I still find them very nice looking.I think the door hingesneed improvement.
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Cevy Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By April Odom - May 22 - 2:00 amThis has been a great car to own and drive.
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Mmmmm, ball joints!! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Robin Masters - May 21 - 2:00 amIf you would like to own a Chevrolet Blazer, prepare to set up a special savings account for the purchase of replacement ball joints. These things love em! And no I do not go off road and/or drive this vehicle hard at all. I had a 91 previously, and it was the same way. Every 5 to 10 thousand miles it needed ball joints, and a tailpipe.
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Not impressive! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By alahiri - May 17 - 2:00 amGood on snow. The audio is good. Side mirrors are large. Tires will last 100K miles easily (if you dont go off- road or dont tow too much). The high- way ride is pleasant. However, the reliability is at best average - expect $2000 in repair bills in first 5 years. Also, the interior is very poorly built and expect some rattles.
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Never Another Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By julie - May 13 - 2:00 amThis is the 2nd Blazer, also had one Tahoe, and all consistent. One bad transmission after another. So bad,cant depend on it for long distance driving. Completely fed up. Having to rebuild transmission multiple times before 3 yrs is, well, there just arent words. Was also backed into by a little Rav4, Blazer had extensize damage, $4000+. Going shopping for a Toyota.
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Lemon Nightmare! - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
By madmom - May 10 - 2:00 amI purchased my TrailBlazer in April of 2003, it broke down at least once a month. Both tail lights broke - twice. The car had an electrical short that no one could find. Every time I got out of the car it would shock me. Each time I took it into the dealership they would tell me it was static - yea right. I have never had a car with cloth seats shock me EVERY time I closed the door. The transmission broke - but the dealership didnt think their was a problem. Good news - as long as you dont mind punching it to 4000 rpms everytime you take off it will shift for you.
