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 761 through 770 of 876.00-
Blazer works - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By LKing - November 13 - 2:00 amOverall satisfied with the package. Does well towing a ski boat and running through the snow. Although the turning radius needs to be shortened. I have had to get the main computer replaced on 3 different occasions though. I think most of it had to do with the MTBE in the Ca gas. The MTBE also destroyed my fuel injectors. All was under warrenty at no charge. Chevy sent a notice out warning consumers of the MTBE within 6 months of purchase. I am glad I kept that letter!
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Dont know whether to sell or not - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Calgarys Own - November 6 - 2:00 amI bought my Blazer with 36000 km on it . The reason I choose it was I am 6 5" and was the only vehicle I found comfortable. I just hit 70000 km. the lever to slide the front seats busted. then the rear windshield wipper The front windshield wippers are now intermittent. Then the horn. The nickle and dime stuff is now adding up but it doesnt look like I can trade it in and even get enough money to cover what I still owe on it.
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My Red Chevy Blazer 2000 4D LS 4WD - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By rick konopka - November 4 - 10:00 amNo problems. Very relable. Gets a little squeaky and louder by 35000 mi but sturdy as a rock.
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Great SUV - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By dan22000 - October 30 - 2:00 amMy father bought me a 1995 LT 4WD blazer, and i love it. Ive put about 8000 miles on it, and i have had no problems. The Vortec V6 is a great engine with so much power, the Delco sound system is also great. Off road it is a beast, but with a big engine the gas mileage is around 16-17 MPG, but other than that im am very happy with the SUV.
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Iains Review - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By iaind - October 30 - 2:00 amAlways starts and goes. Needed new brake rotors all round after 40000 miles and a new battery shortly after. Door speakers replaced due woofer blown.No other problems. Very comfortable with leather seats, I cant see the complaint about the rear seats - they feel just fine for me. Driving ondeeply rutted off-road tracks may set up an oscillation of the shocks/rear suspension but generally effective drive ability in 2&4 WD. Corners well enough if required.
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Money Drain - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By captain hook - October 25 - 2:00 amWe bought this car new and every thing was fine until the warranty ran out. With about 32000+ miles the fuel pump went out, cost to repair over 900.00, break job on front 300.00 and I believe every seal and gasket has been replaced.The car was back in the shop 2 weeks ago two more leaky gaskets and a cracked serptine belt cost 261.00. All I can say is good by GM hello Subru
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Squeaky - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Mike in MN - October 21 - 2:00 amgood 4x4 squeaky interior
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Pleased but need bigger - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
By 94 Blazer - October 19 - 2:00 amThe only large repair that Ive had was a faulty distributer. Its been very reliable.
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Good all-around SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By kaiser - October 19 - 2:00 amA good looking mid sized SUV. Reasonable offroad performance. Comfortable on long trips, MPG around 20. One of the interior plastic parts came off, but overall the interior is fine. Certainly better than expected considering the "cheesy" label applied to it. Except for the previously mentioned interior part, it has worked flawlessly.
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95 ST Blazer - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By timbo - October 16 - 2:00 amThe truck still runs like new-very smooth and doesnt use oil, but its loosing power and thats killing the gas milage. There were actually very few repairs until 140,000 miles and then several very major things went wrong. The egr valve which had been replaced one before, failed again. This time the dealer removed the intake and cleaned the cross over passage which was largly blocked. At the same time he noticed that the fuel regulator (or some related component) was leaking. The entire bill came to $900. ouch. We also had to replace the fuel pump. Twice. Luckly the dealer waranteed the pump the second time. $1,100. ouch.
