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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  95 ST Blazer - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Timbo - October 16 - 2:00 am

  The 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.

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  I love GM, But this is JUNK! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By azdbackfan1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Chevy/GM products all my life. This SUV is ready for the junk heap. I bought this SUV thinking that it would last. I have replaced the Alt.,Water pump, Starter, Idler arm, ball joints and had major tranny work done and things do not seem to work right yet! I am just hoping that it lasts until I can trade IT IN!

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  Quality transportation - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sperryrand - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had too many problems with my Blazer in the over two years I have had it. Purchased it from a dealer with 60,000 miles on the odometer, and now with 110,000 miles, I dont hesitate to take it anywhere. The fuel injector assembly failed shortly after purchase (a common failure on all the Vortec CPI/CMFI engines). Steering components on front tend to wear out somewhere before 100,000 miles and can be pricey to fix. I havent had transmission problems with mine. Get transmission service records if youre looking at one. Be especially leery of one equipped with a trailer hitch the 4L60E transmission doesnt seem to like heavy loads for extended periods.

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  Good when running, sucks when not! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ChevyGirl - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing the vehicle in 1999 I have had nothing but problems, replacing the transmission (twice),O2 sensors, EGR values, fuel injectors, major repairs to the frontend ... It has caused many of headaces over the years...however when running it is great, rides nice, comfy, lots of room for passengers and parcels.....

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  Good when running, sucks when not! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CHEVYGIRL - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing the vehicle in 1999 I have had nothing but problems, replacing the transmission (twice),O2 sensors, EGR values, fuel injectors, major repairs to the frontend ... It has caused many of headaces over the years...however when running it is great, rides nice, comfy, lots of room for passengers and parcels.....

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  Blazen - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazen - October 10 - 2:00 am

  paid about $8000 for this truck w/95k on it..runs excellent..however if you dont take care of it..as w/other cars (except honda) it will give u a hassel. like bending your crossmemeber..things like that. overall..its good, very pwrful, i love the insta trac 4x4..floor it off the line, in the rain, absolutely no skid at all! one set back..the wind shield wipers suck!

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  So far, so good... - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By FlghtMedic - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I would say this is one of the better vehicles I have owned. The engine has quite a bit of power and is great at excelerating. It is sporty and looks good too.

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  Overall very satisfied - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Trisor - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Blazer new and have been very satisfied for over 3 years now. It has been perfectly reliable and mechanically sound. Interior build quality is the only problem area we have seen. Front seat handles used to recline broke off on both front seats. We regularly go off-road in pretty rugged terrain and the Blazer performs flawlessly. I can get over 22 MPG city and highway combined...my wife usually gets about 20.5.

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  CRAP! - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ScottyPBDenver - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my s-10 blazer sport since 98 and all it has done was suck my checking account dry. It had problems even the dealer couldnt diagnose. It would overheat for no reason, stall for no reason - been through 3 fuel pumps, 2 alternators and something wrong with the ac that I could never afford to fix. Piece of crap - dealer wouldnt even give me more than $500 as a trade in value.

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  beware of this truck - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Pinky - October 1 - 2:00 am

  if your buying a used blazer from a dealer take it else were to get it certified, the one that i bought (supposed to have been cerified) had next to no brakes.....changed the fuel pump, egr valve.oxygene sensor,now my abs is acting up.........i DO NOT trust this truck to go out of town with....but it looks good and that is it...so beware people.not a good investment.....