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:
Showing 501 through 510 of 876.00-
s10 blazer junk - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By gmservicesucks - May 9 - 2:00 ammy problem is the 1870 shift code tranny slips from first too second all the time and on highway it slips in and out of over drive ..balls joints wont last ... the smell of antifreeze coming in vents . no leaks its benn pressure tested .. all this w/ 4200 miles on it talked to GM they know they have a problem but said if i fx yours i would have too fix everyones so cant do
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comfort on road - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By usarmy70 - May 9 - 2:00 amfun vehicle to drive on highway commute 100 miles a day, leather interior comfortable, power seats & lumbar nice feature, easy parking,
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Good truck - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By Crashundie - May 8 - 2:00 amI have drivin this vehicle in the coldest temperatures on the East Coast and through some of the hottest temps. Still this truck has only been very good. I tow with it, go through heavy snow/rain, no problems at all. Only things I have had to fix after 30,000 miles is the Pinions and an oil line.
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Last Chevy or GM Ill ever own - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By fedupwithchevy - May 7 - 2:00 amWorst vehicle Ive ever owned. Back to dealer 6 times for left rear door latch rattle. Told me they couldnt find it. Latches replaced finally, door still rattles and is pulled out of position, not lining up in frame. Window trim fell off in my hand on day one. Drivers seat squeeks. More rattles and squeeks than the 14 year old car I replaced. Chevy Email Customer Service says that district managers wont call customers, theyll only work with dealers. Cant wait to get rid of this car.
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98 Blazer a mixed bag - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By nitefaze - May 4 - 2:00 amBasically, the Blazer is a good car. For the most part reliable. One bad alternator took out the battery and self destructed at about 48K miles over warrantee in time, I ate $800 repair while away from home. At 68K the water pump went, in a heart beat engine over heated and froze before we could get the car off the highway. Melt down to the tune of $3400. When somethings goes, it goes suddenly without warning and it is very expensive. Repairs have been avg about $600 yr. For a US car that might be typical, but 6 1/2 years ownership I think its bad after the warrantee ran out. Economically not an experiece I want to repeat.
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Sweet to Drive - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By kim s. - May 1 - 2:00 amI love my truck..its comfortable and reliable...good on gas considering its size...Rides smooth and is very easy to switch to from 2wheel to 4 wheel....I cant think of anything bad about it
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Fun Chevy Blazer ZR2 - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By Grant F - May 1 - 2:00 amJust a fun 4x4 for city and off-road driving. Being a 2-door, it is nimble in city traffic and a great off-road vehicle, with its skid plate protective undercarriage. With the Factory 3" lift and 3" wider wheelbase, the ZR2 is the most stable SUV, that I have ever driven. The Chev Blazer ZR2 is a total fun SUV to drive !
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Chev Blazer Rules - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
By speed140 - April 29 - 2:00 amThis is my second Blazer. I also had a 2001 which I traded in for a Honda Element. Six months later I traded back into a Blazer. Yes I can prove it. The Element is better for the street as far as handlability and speed but I like the offroad ability of the Blazer a bit better.
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Guess I got lucky. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By FuzzyWuzzy - April 28 - 2:00 amI have had this vehicle for 3.5 yrs now, and it has 84k miles on it. Up to this point, I have had no major work performed aside from standard maintainance. The levers for both seats did break off and I had a few fuses blow for the power windows. A bit of an inconvenience, but nothing that wasnt easily remedied. The blind spots are aweful, and the suspension is terrible. There is a lot of rattling and the spare tire is positioned terribly. Pretty poor design and not that great of a ride. Im just glad I got one of the good ones.
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WORST CAR I EVER OWNED - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Brian Selepack - April 27 - 2:00 amNOTHING BUT TROUBLE!! I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. BUY SOMETHING ELSE..
