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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  what a crap.... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Thiscarsucks - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is nicely designed and provides you with a quite ride - compared to other SUVs in its class. If it ever rides. I am driving this vehicle now since 12000 miles (bought it with 40k): extended break job, front bearring, front balljoint made noises, but was still tight, oil cooler line, idler and pitman arm, torsion bars are weak, transmission, RUSTY and BROKEN DOOR PINS and a TONN of undefined noises. Even my little french compact car I was driving in europe for 3 years (what was not good at all!!)was better in quality than this crapy car. Do yourself a favour (and your wallet) and just stay away from it. Dfenetly the last chevy in my life!

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  1998 Blazer LT - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Viking9950 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used from a dealer with 28K miles. Is in excellent condition. Everyone in the family wants to drive it. Traveling through mountain passes in the winter, this vehicle has done very well. Had trouble with wiper motor & front door speakers (replaced both). Fuel economy is pretty good. It pulls our 19 boat with ease. This is only a 4 passenger vehicle.

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  Want something squeky?? - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Thor7775 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck for 6 months and had no mechanical problems but hate the interior. It squeks soooo bad inside and havent gotten a chance to fix it.

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  excellent, but very bad. - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By thomasde - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Seems that what this vehicle does well, it does very well, and what it does poorly it does very poorly. I bought the vehicle with the extended road trip in mind, and it eats up highway miles very well. The car is very confortable, the seats provide good back support and the highway ride is quite smooth. Also, the fuel economy is as good as it gets for a mid-sized SUV. However, I have replaced my most of my front-end and cooling system components. Also, the car is too narrow and hence, too unstable, making city driving difficult and wind treacherous.

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  Chevy Wins Again - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Huryinhawks - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Dont be swayed by people who say "they dont like their Blazer" They are few and far between. I am 31 years old and my wife and i leased our 2001 white Xtreme Blazer. The only time we had to take it in to the shop was when the brake light switch went out, they had a recall and it was fixed. This is a great vehicle and we will most defintely buy another one when this lease is up, its nice seeing kids and grown adults admiring your vehicle when your out and about.

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  My Last Blazer - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bboydwil - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Since I have owned: Rebuilt Transmission, Power steering repair, starter repair, etc. Handles on both fronts seats broke off from poor design. Can not see over headrest to see to turn, etc. No overhead back seat light, very dark. Shocks for back hatch window came off. I have a friend who has a 1998 blazer and they dislike it as much as I do. If only I had read this review before I bought my Blazer.

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  My review - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By canddmeyer - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle til 55,000 miles at which time things broke one after another. Luckily, most were warranty items. I got stuck for the throttle body ($800). Already has had two brake jobs & 2 batteries. My buddies Jeep Cherokee will run circles around my Blazer with better handling & higher ground clearance. The Blazer was the best buy for the $ though & luckily I have a fantastic dealer which was 95% of the reason I purchased the vehicle. Turnaround on repairs is same day 90% of the time. Must get an extended warranty when purchased new. Despite the complaints, it was still the best buy for my $ in 1997, & Id buy another today unless Im towing.

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  OWNER OF SEVERAL BLAZERS - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By VINNIE - May 2 - 2:00 am

  PERFORMANCE,QUALITY, MECHANICAL,INTERIOR,EXTERIOR AND STYLE ARE EXCELLENT, ONLY FLAW IS LOW MILAGE OF FUEL CONSUMPTION OF THE 6 CY.

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  Good - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By James Davis - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I beleive that this car is a really nice suv for a teenager or doing things other than towing, needs a larger engine ro more horsepower and torque

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  junk truck - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By trebor - April 30 - 2:00 am

  started to fall apart after warenty expired. The transmission is shot at 65000 miles. alterner went out at 38000 miles. anything plastic inside has broken. windows stick shut in the heat.