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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  MY BLUE BLAZER - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By KITTNPUR - January 11 - 2:00 am

  IM QUITE HAPPY WITH HOW MY WHEELS DRIVES AND RIDES. I PLAN TO KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME.

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  built to last - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By leaper - January 10 - 2:00 am

  with the 4.3 motor it realy gets up and moves, low noise and great ride. have not used 4/4 yet but cant wait. the motor and transmition has a great pulling power, I have driven Jeep liberty and there is no conparison all I can say like a rock.

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  no better ride - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chevyrocks - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I got my blzer in November of 2001 and I love it. Ive had very few problems with it. When I got it ithad 100,000 miles on it and now it has 240,000 miles on it. Itis great off road and in the ice and snow. Great car for a long road trip or someone who is going to college. lots of cargo room!

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  Early Disappointment - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By WaveSailR - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I picked up the truck and drove 1300 miles to DC. The truck drove very nicely on the highway and had no problems accelerating at any time. The drivers side headlight was way out of alignment (pointing at the sky) and a spare bolt was found near the front windshield wiper. Twice during the drive, when the vehicle was placed into reverse,the whole truck felt like it backed into something. I think its a transmission problem, but its pretty major. An issue I am waiting to take to the dealer for service. The truck drives and handles very well. Pleasure to drive. Just a little hungry for fuel but way better than my old 1994 blazer. same engine

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  Stay Away from the Blazer - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Rennie - December 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but troubles with my Chevy Blazer LT 4WD. The truck has been to the dealership so many times I should have my own parking space. Be prepared for engine leaks, transmission leaks, coolant leaks, transfer case leaks, and on and on. I have replaced 6 air pumps in the emmissions system, and my Chev dealer cannot find the problem. Fuel economy is an average of 16 mpg. The only positive is that GM offered me a $1000 manufactures rebate off the next GM vehicle I buy, because of the endless problems. Do your homework, this is not the vehicle for you. 2 years in with 100k miles.

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  Good all around vechile - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chevy dude - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this SUV used with 80,000+ on it. I also had to replace EGR water pump, A/C compressor. I have about 123,000 on it now. It is the wifes main transportation with 2 kids in car seats. I have used for everything from towing a utility trailer with 4,000 lbs.of sand, to pulling out small trees stump and all. To pulling cut trees with a chain to the back of the property. Have not had it stuck but have come close ( buried in mud up to the rim). It is picky about the fuel I use. Likes BP the best, premium. Ran much better with new plugs, wires, and K&N air filter.

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  Tried, Tested and Truly Poor Quality! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Klobo - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I am very disappointed in this vehicle. It developed a series of problems after only 9,000 miles. They included pinion seal failures (7 times). Rear Differential was rebuilt at 27,000 miles. The oil cooler lines were replaced twice. The transfer case leaked. The cab has numerous rattles. Very poor build quality. GM should be ashamed of itself for producing a vehicle like this. It has approximately 33,000 miles on it now. I should get rid off it before the warrenty runs out. I do not recommend this vehicle as I have read other consumers complaints, and believe that there are numerous design faults with the truck that have never been solved.

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  Dont buy a Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By HombreSecreto - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost 3 years. I am very happy that my lease is almost up. It has been in the shop approximately 11 times (twice for the 4WD mechanism). I am not sure what the lemon laws in this state are, but if I had bought it, I would be finding out.

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  Wanted to Love It, But GM Workmanship? - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chiefmo - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Several electrical problems and major cooling-heating issues. I have had 4 heater core problems with this truck (Only 1 covered by the warranty) Every other year after 60k, I have lost heat. I have been arguing with the dealer- repair folks to no avail. I have played with the idea of getting a Tahoe or Yukon but have lost all confidence in GM products.

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  Mr. - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Keoni - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Extreme Version of this car. It has an awesome looks, people always ask me about my car. Its powerful, good torque and fun to drive.