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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  Dont waste your money - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Dan in MN - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has more rattles and squeaks than imaginable. The plastic interior has a very poor fit and finish. After I hit 38,000 miles I had to replace my power steering pump, universal joints, and fuel pump. One morning there was oil on my grarage floor and I found out I had to replace all of the oil lines. I had to have my doors adjusted because I had to lift them to close. We finally removed the spare tire because the weight of carrier & tire bent the right side quarter panel. The car doenst drive straight even after it has been aligned multiple times. I finally sold the vehicle w/ 52,000 miles because the maintenance was killing me.

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  Hooked on Chevy, it works for me! - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Orrin - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I find the truck perfect for traveling up into the mountains of CO. It has pleanty of pick up and torque for going up the steap grades. The paint has stayed unusually shiny! The sound systems is great and does not distort. Its great off road and Ive never been stuck in the mud.

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  Solid, True Sport Utility - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J Fogle - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this great SUV new, before the term was around. Solid, great manuverability, and stable on and off road. Currently has 131,000 miles. Have replaced typical wear-out parts along the way, nothing serious. Original powertrain and engine, they work perfect. Replaced A/C compressor and radiator in 2000. Ive driven this brute over steep, mountain roads with rocks and boulders, thru deep mud, and over snow/ice covered roads, and have never been disappointed. I will never sell this vehicle.

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  Nice looking cool vehicle when it runs - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Glenn from Greentown - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Best thing about this vehicle is the cup holder, and its too small. Ive had nothing but problems with the suspension, alignment, and the computerized engine controlls. I had a perfectly good Ford Ranger pickup with 2WD, but wanted something with 4WD. I traded "up" to a newer and better vehicle??? Yeah, right. The Chevy dealer has no problem charging money to fix it, but the only part of the transaction that gets completed is me paying - no fixing involved.

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  Happy With Mine - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ziplin - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Had this Blazer for a few weeks (got it used as a cream-puff) put a thousand miles on it so far and it is out performing my expectations. will report further as I have more time in it to do a better evaluation. Thanks for all the previous input.

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  Id get another... - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chevy Man - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Great truck...sure some new model recalls came with it but people asked me constantly about my truck for the first 2 years I owned it! After 145,000 she still runs and looks great. No issues with the Transmission or engine (I only ran Mobil 1 5W-30 synthetic in her) . The Blazer was and is a GREAT Truck...Id do it again.

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  Broke faster than it could be fixed - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Leroy R - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved my blazer but it never seemed to be defect free. I had to replace the entire braking system three times, the transmission, the entire cooling system, even the windsheild wiper system. The truck had problems that would stump mechanics. About once every 2 months I had to put another $1000 into the truck. I did all of the preventive maintance I could and I had the car checked out every 3000 miles, but it just kept falling apart. I calculated that if I had leased a car last year instead of owning my blazer, I could have leased a Porsche instead and had an extra $2500 left over for the insurance.

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  GREAT SUV - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TONY75 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS VEHICAL USES AND IT HAS NEVER GIVEN ME A PROBLEM

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  BEST IN CLASS - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TONY76 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICAL IT GIVES ME GREAT DRIVING PLEASURE EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. ANOTHER GREAT SUV FROM CHEVY

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  I hate my blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tlid - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Blazer in december 2001. Its a4 Dr LS and it had 28,000 miles on it when i bought it. It appeared to be in great condition and relatively low mileage. Within 7 months of having the vehicle, I had to replace the engine coolant lines, rear drive train, front wheel bearings, front brakes, and the serpentine belt. The transmission may go anytime. Any car will start to have problems but the amount of major repairs it has needed is rediculous. Its a V-6 but drives like a V-4, and has problems climbing hills. It doesnt seem to handle bumps/off-roading all that well which is rediculous considering that is what it was designed for.