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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Think Before You Buy. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By HateThisBlazer - February 23 - 10:00 amVery dissapointing car. It will be my last GM product. Have owned 9 GMs and none have been like this. Has two transmission vale bodies replaced. ($1400.00) Two front wheel bearings ($900.00) oil cooler lines replaced (Warranty) Broken seat adjusters (Warranty) Fuel gauge sending unit replaced to make fuel gauge work ($600.00) All of this before it hit 70,000 miles. Completely not exceptable. The vehicle has been driven easy and maintained exceptionally, just poor quality parts from the factory.
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Transmission Trouble - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By donmac - February 21 - 2:00 amWarranty was 3 yr./60m km. At3 1/2 yr. and 65m km. the transmission blew with no warning. Because I had no problems for 3 yr. I didnt buy extended warranty for Can.$2400. It cost me Can.$3600 to replace it. Seals let go and were chewed up. I now have 85m km. and do not trust that I wont have something else go.
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Traded it in for a Honda - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By BecRN - February 18 - 2:00 amThe Blazer looked great. Performance was always dependable in snow. But always something needing repair or replacement. And a very thirsty SUV. Rear visabilty obstructed with spare tire on back. I traded my Blazer in with 56,000 miles after 7 years and it was falling apart for no reason. It was cheaper to carry a new car payment then to upkeep the Blazer.
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Never GM again - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By LemonAid - February 18 - 2:00 amThis car was a huge disappointment. I bought it very excited. It was nice on the outside and the inside was great. I was extremely happy and loved my Blazer, for about a month. Then the problems came. One after another. I bought the car with only 36k on it, and brought it back to the dealer again and again and again etc.. Problems ranging from switches, seats, blower motor, oil leaking, heater core, water pump, etc. Problem was not always fixed after the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd time I brought it back to the dealer.
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Worst Chevy Ever Owned - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By Ken Harper - February 15 - 2:00 amIm on my-no less than-5th EGR valve! And 4 or 5 other problems related to carbon build-up. Talks with GM determined that they just dont care that they produced a lemon. They extended warr on egr to 75,000 miles, but wont solve the cause of the problem. Bought new and babied. Wish some good lawyer would file suit against Chevy and GM. re:EGR problem!!!
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very powerful - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By blazin212002 - February 12 - 2:00 ami use my blazer for my security company.If a guard needs my help im there as fast as i can. The truck is very powerful good i turns acceleration beats every other suv of the same class. Ofcourse every alt,gaspump,waterpump,and many other AC DELCO parts go bad after 100,000 miles. but look at Fords and Jeeps not even 40,000 miles the engine blows {ive had a couple new ones}.Ihave 160,000 miles!!
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Our 1995 Blazer - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By Traci & Rob - February 11 - 2:00 amWe bought our Blazer used with 72,000km on it and have had several major problems right from the begining. Transmission(shift kit), water pump, alternator, a/c condensor, brakes are spongey, universal joints. Starts off in 2nd gear since having the transmission fixed the first time. Alot of O2 sensors. All I can say is thank God for having an extended warranty.
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Leaks more oil than Exxon Valdez - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By Waterdog - February 9 - 2:00 amI love this vehicle, but I cant get it to stop leaking oil. Changed the oil lines, sent to the dealer twice. Still leaks oil from somewhere. If it wasnt for that, it would be perfect.
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Old Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Bill, Chris & Debbie - February 9 - 2:00 amI know that others may have had some issues with their Blazers but we have had nothing but routine maintenance and total reliability. Heck, even the original equipment tires look like they could go another 20K miles and they already have run 62K miles. Nothing but kudos for our Blazer!
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Great for the Michigan roads - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
By Joecool200 - February 7 - 2:00 amI love this SUV! The road noise, there is none! The power is great and it never feels like its straining. Its fast and can pull out of sand and snow drifts like a jewel! This car is the best!
