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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  Chevy - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Messner - December 18 - 2:00 am

  CHEVY, the best. I love my truck, its the best in 4wheel drive and the snow. I live to see it snow, cause I have no worries about driving in it. If I could I would move farther north or a place it snows more than Ohio. I do wish I could afford a newer SUV, but the one I have will do for know. Thanks

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  CHEEP IS THE NAME OF THE GAME - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By NOTTOHAPPY - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking vehicle. I have had many problems with this vehicle though, most of which can be atributed to a poor quality build. After the first month this vehicle was in the shop three times. I had problems with kinked fuel hoses, rear defroster which did not work (still does not after repeated attempts), 4WD froze up and would not change out of low, then after it was repaired it would not go into 4WD the following winter. Oil leaks out of the vehicle after only 60000 miles. GM service is the absolute worst in the industry also (they cant seem to fix anything the first time...)

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  2001 Blazer 4WD LT - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RDTMBA - December 16 - 2:00 am

  2nd Blazer owned, have had problems w/ air conditioning losing coolant, dealer fixed it 3 times still hasnt found leak but has always done it for free since problem 1st occurred 1 month after buying. No other problems to report. Would buy again but seems as if it is being phased out. Really like the fact that back seats fold down flat. No other SUVs seem to have this feature.

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  I have owned five Blazers - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By charles watson - December 13 - 2:00 am

  This is just a good solid well made all around vehicle. It is quite enough to hear the radio at freeway speeds and is very comfortable to drive. No rattles or squeeks. enough room to haul stuff and still fit in the garage.

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  I love my Blazer - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RAY RAY - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I hear alot of negative comments about the Blazer. I love it. It is American and I do believe that it is extremely comfortable. It seems that since the Trailblazer came around, it is not respected as it was. We LOVE it...would not trade it for the world!

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  My 2nd ZR2 - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jeffd74@aol.com - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ZR2, I absolutly love my truck, the exterior design is awesome, it has a very powerful look to it. I think the addition of the color yellow to the blazer line up was a very good choice as that was the color I picked and after 1 year it is still turning heads.

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  1992 Chevy Blazer - 1992 Chevrolet Blazer
  By hdiegel - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Performance of the Chevy Blazer is outstanding. My truck has 247000 miles on it and I just drove it from New York to Florida with no problems. Used only 70 gallons of Gas. My Truck does have a 25000 rebuilt 350 and also 3:73 Posi rear which I had rebuilt with Eaton Racing parts. It was 1251 miles traveled that came out to about 17 HIghway and it only gets about 11 in the city.

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  Heart beat of American CRAP - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By big dub 4 life - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a prime example of American CRAP. It is unreliable. After so many miles in this car, one thing after the other starts to break down. This car wont go the distance. From the transmission, belts you name it, it will break! This car had so many RECALLS. Just like all the other American cars CRAP. Save your money and stress dont belive the lies, go foriegn! Please if you want us to buy American put some heart into your products, at least try to make your products last more than 20,000 miles!

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  Great Price and Value SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GONE_FISHIN - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have used my Blazer extensively pulling my bassboat. It has been dependable with no major work. The 4.3L engine is smooth and the vehicle is very quiet at all speeds. Long trips make this SUV shine with comfort! I most enjoy loading it with camping/fishing gear and get outta town.

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  Ole Reliable - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By davd1958 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  AN Excellent Bargain for the Price, this Vehicle tows a 23 foot boat is excellent off road, goes Places those Make Believe SUVs from the Japanese cannot even think about. The 4.3 liter V6 has awesome torque and Power.