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 701 through 710 of 876.00-
Lets see...... - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By Blazerowner - April 2 - 2:00 amI now have 104,000 miles on my Blazer LT. I bought the veh. with 6,000 miles on it and have replaced every thing from wiper motors to fuel injectors. Just when you enjoy a period of peaceful motoring, something crops up! The suv is great in the snow and rides nice. Just wish it were not such a money pit. Would be hard pressed to buy another Blazer. Redesigned or not.
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No Thanks on Blazers - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By swick - April 1 - 2:00 amThe quality and reliability issues make them not worth the price paid. Very bad value.
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1999 Chevrolet Blazer 2D - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By disappointedagain - March 30 - 2:00 amVery poorly built suv. This automobile requires alot of maintenance. Poor quality. Would not buy again.
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Satisfied - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By Satisfied Blazer Fan - March 29 - 2:00 amMy Blazer has 20K miles on it and havent had a moments trouble. It has never been back to the dealership for anything. Fit and function are better than the big three average. Paint job quality is excellext. I have driven 4 different Blazers in the last eight years and plan to continue this buying trend.
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Looks great but PIECE OF CRAP - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By horizon3 - March 26 - 2:00 amnothing but problems from the get go. Within the first 6 months i had the brakes, suspension, and upper console inside replaced. i had to replace...windshile wiper computer that was "fixed" 3 times....still is kinda wacky.... oil coller lines, passenger side seat adjustment lever snapped off twice...both wheel bearings had to be replaced...hmmmm $500 each side to fix, then theres the ball joints, differential leaks, front wheel bearings had to be done again... drivers side door sags had to be readjusted, heater works when it wants to. The 100,000 mile engine coolent gummed up at about 60,ooo miles
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Approaching 1/4 MILLION miles... - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By Milnecat - March 24 - 2:00 amYes, you read that right...this car has 238,000 miles...on the original engine and the original transmission! Yes, it has received extensive repairs to support these highway miles...but the car still looks & runs great! I just pulled over a ton of trailer (and furniture) up 7-8% grades without a problem...no overheating, no hesitation! All accessories work. This truck was built right!
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Beautiful!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
By Dave245 - March 22 - 2:00 amI love my new blazer I couldnt ask for more!
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Wonderful Suv - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By pleasedascanbe - March 20 - 2:00 amBest of the big 3 SUVs. More comfortable than our Jeep or Ford. Fuel mileage averages 23mpg on the highway. 4WD is much less intrusive than either above model. Ride is better than either. The interior has lots of nooks and crannies to store "stuff". The privacy glass keeps the interior cool in summer. A nice soft ride, smooth handling, and easy manuverability. Very quiet ride with the exception of a few rattles from the plastic dash. We will be buying a second one
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Blazer - ZR2 - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
By blazZR2 - March 16 - 2:00 amThis was a great car, although - there was a problem with the door on the passenger side - as I found in my last Chevy vehicle where the door seems to split from the frame and the window rattles.. which is very annoying. Otherwise, it has been a great car.
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ZR2 BEST VEHICLE EVER MADE! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Greg9900 - March 12 - 10:00 amI researched every truck made before I bought mine.I read alot of bad reviews on Blazers and mostly good ones for foreign trucks. Ive driven them all.But this 2000 ZR2 (not a pickup) is definitely the all around best truck Ive ever had. First, for an SUV it gets great gas mileage.Second, its just about as powerful as the Durango I had which also is good but I drive 50,000 miles a year so I needed better gas mileage. Its even faster than the Durango. It is by far the most agile and absolutely the best handling truck Ive ever driven including the Jeep GC. I also carry upwards of 800 lbs. on the worst roads in the country (NJ) and the suspension remains perfect.
