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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  Well... - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By dreddy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power. Reliability left something to be desired (b/c first year for this body style?). Stopping power was atrocious (main reason I got rid of this car). Smooth shifting automatic transmission. If towing heavy trailer (over 2000 lbs), recommend load balancing hitch (rear of car was uncomfortably low with 4600 lb load). Anti-lock brakes sound like a dying moose. Another reason for selling was I missed having a car (better handling, gas mileage).

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  BLAZERSTILLKICKIN - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CHEVYGIRL8 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Blazer since April of 1995. I have tried to trade the truck 2xs actually purchased a 2001 Pathfinder LE and went to get my Blazer back. The truck has needed maintenance:EGR problems,exhaust,brakes etc--all happened to me after truck was out of warranty--called Chevy to discuss and Chevy did refund part of the bill. This truck has never left me stranded in 8 yrs. Its putted home from NYC to Philadelphia but it always makes it home. Pickup and vortec are powerful. This truck performed better that a Pathfinder with 240 horsepower compared to Blazers 190. Also terrific gas mileage for an SUV (15" wheels help). I think Ill keep it.

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  Good Looks Bad Personality - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By brianku1 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  The Blazer looks really nice but buyer beware of good looks. I have had to replace the EGR valve twice. I had to have brake work done for 1,500. The transmission needed an overhaul for 2,000. Then the spider on the fuel pump went out. I am not waiting around to find out what will break next. I feel like I should send it off a cliff so no one has to go through all this again.

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  Good SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By robitaillex - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 23,000 miles. Had a few minor repairs made under warranty (ticking noise in spedometer, rear glass defog, transmission coolant hose leak). Now at 68K miles. All is fairly well except intermittant driver window failure and occasional oil drip at hose. Biggest problem is electronic 4WD sometmes fails to engage. "Service 4WD" light comes on. Not had it checked out yet. Worked about 50% this winter. Also, cruise control stopped working about 10K miles ago. Its not the fuse. All else has been good.

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  Dont buy a Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Paula Kays - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After 50,000 miles major things start to go wrong!

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  1990 Blazer S-10 - 1990 Chevrolet Blazer
  By cobrajet - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I still drive this vehicle daily and have for 5 years. I bought the vehicle with 88K on it and the problems didnt hit until 135k. Then they really hit. The oil cooler began leaking like a sive, the headliner fell down on my head, #6 cylinder developed blowby that I couldnt keep spark plugs from fouwling. In five years I drove her to North Carolina and back twice, South Carolina and back twice and Missouri and back twice and Gettysburg and back without a problem! It rides and handles like a dream. I bought it for $5,500 in 97 and it doesnt owe me a thin dime. I still love this vehicle.

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  Piece of junk - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By stateofcrisis - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I had purchased my Blazer ZR2 in March of 2002. I have had nothing but problems since. I have a slipping transmission, poor gas mileage 7-10 MPG doesnt matter city or highway. I most recently an electrical problem that cant seem to be found. Ive brought the blazer back to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do if no codes are coming up. What happened to the good ol mechanic? I would never buy another chevrolet again after the problems that I have experienced with GM and their products.

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  The Blazer from hell - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Laurie Lemon - April 4 - 2:00 am

  After 10000 miles had to replace the ball joints and the brakes. drivers door as rattled since day one: can not be repaired. At 30000 miles the pinion seal gasket leaked and was replaced only to have the rear pinion bearing go 30000 miles later. Windshield wiper modular board broke at 40K

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  Want a money pit? - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By mc - April 4 - 2:00 am

  New Right front wheel bearing - 55000km New brakes - 60000 km New transmission - 74 000km 4years NO power train warranty BUY JAPANESS NEVER NORTH AMERICAN AGAIN!!!

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  Blazer is on fire! - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Garth36 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Blazer ZR-2 for 2 years. It performs extrememly well and I love driving it! I have been through some rough weather, travel extensively and have never had a problem with the car itself. The tire on the back takes a little getting used to. The seats are comfortable and when the back seats fold down, the cargo space comes in handy! I would recommend this car to anyone interested in buying it.