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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  96 chevy s-10 - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By memphistiger - March 2 - 2:00 am

  would recommend this vehicle for a first-time driver (high school kid). after 7 years and 90,000 miles, it is still in great condition.

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  Another Typical GM product - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Capt. Jack - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this with 26,000 miles on it and 100,000 miles later... A transmission both wheel bearings Drivers Seat Adj Handle Power Window - Drivers side And now a constant check engine Light Its shot, GM / Chevy makes a cheap vehicle and like anything in life you get what you pay for. My next vehicle will be a foreign built, non union, quality built vehicle.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Alias Username - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy one. The Dex-Cool Antifreeze that is required if you dont want to void the warranty causes premature engine failure by eroding the seals at around 60,000 miles. If you dont get the extended warranty this damage will cost you thousands for a new motor! The front wheel bearings also tend to go bad early. Check consumer websites before you buy.

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  more trouble lately - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By iced tea - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This car was great at first. But as time went on we started having lots of trouble. Cooloing system is lousy. Aluminum parts mixed with metal parts causes deterioration in the cooling system and motor when you use the factory recommended coolant. This problem will always be here. Ive been told by my mechanic, ( after 4 major flushes and replacement of nearly everything in the coolant system) there is no recourse but to trade it in. Wont buy another.

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  2004 blazer - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Justen - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Blazer has owned up to my expectation in a suv,However the backseats are very uncomfortable.

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  No more Blazers for me - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By No More Blazers - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been nothing but trouble. In addition to lots of small things (three horn relays, transmission seals bad at 40,000 miles, etc.) I just foudn out that I need a new transmission and oil coolant lines. I trading in this piece of junk for a foreign car. Ill never buy another Chevrolet again and will be sure to tell everyone I know about the poor quality and even poorer service that I received from Chevy.

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  Standard 4 Door SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GlennPearl - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very good, except for two features. When I bought the car in 199, I checked the radiator 6 months later and there appeared to be a brown mudlike substance inside. Nothing like the usual green clear liquid I am used to. A radiotor shop tried to drain and fix, but the mud comes back. It has overheated in very hot tempatures. The other problem is the joints, they appear to make noise when backing out of a drive way. Nobody can fix that either. Other than that I enjoy the vehicle. Cheverlet has not backed this vehicle well. They refuse to fix the two things wrong, which makes me wonder on the next purchase who will back their vehicle.

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  94 Sport - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By enzo-at-home - February 19 - 2:00 am

  A classic Blazer:2dr,350/5spd! At 175000 Body is great. Interior is OK but drivers side seatback broke & needs total replacemt. Orig tranny replaced at 95K then rebuilt at 173K. ABS light stays on. Rear window defroster quit [wiring breaks at liftgate] Shes a good ol beast that keeps on goin

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  Lostlarge - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By not chevy - February 18 - 2:00 am

  after 18 months the entire front and rear suspension needed replaced. We took a month to decide to get rid of it and that month cost us $900 trade in value. Who can efford to run one of these?

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  Cool SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Organist - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for only a month, but it is a pleasure to drive. I traded a Cadillac in on it and Im STILL satisfied 100%. The paint is candy-apple red, the same as my Cad and is a beautiful car!