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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  This Chevy is too heavy - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gerrit Christopher V - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck was an exciting new purchase that has turned into nothing but problmems. It is 7 years old and was bought new and has been babied to 49k miles. The door bottoms are rusted out after being garaged and waxed every month. Paint, what paint. I would almost be better off with bare metal. The wind and interior noise is attrotious at best. You have a sore throat after a highway conversation and the build quality of the interior and exterion is severly lacking with fabric tears, blow fuses and electrical problems every year. Id have to say this car is a lemon. Just like every other Blazer on the roads. Buy a CRV or a Mseries benz. Do yourself a favor!!!

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  blazer - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jim kuhn - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Has performed well in mixed use by various drivers in the family Getting older and its time for a change in the type of vehicle needed. Has done well in bad weather in four wheel drive. AC system works well. No trouble with transmission during life of vehicle. Some body work has been performed and colors not the best match

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  Having Fun - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cary Draper - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this suv and i can afford to own it. I love the fact at 6 foot 5 inches tall i can ride in cofortably. I have had no problems with this vehicle just fun.

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  amazing suv - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chlowin826 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  As a first time driver and first time car owner, owning a chevy blazer has been a great experience. I feel completely a ease driving it and I know that I would be safe if I were to be in a accident. Even though my car has 101,000 miles on it is still runs as if it were new. It is a comfortable ride and the the back seat is ten times more spacious then my parents jeeps. Thr gas mileage is also better then my parents jeeps. Overall I love this car and would recomend that anyone invest in owning a Chevy Blazer.

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  Ive tried to love it, BUT - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Sad in San Fran - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Like another reviewer, I really want to love this car, and I have. The size is perfect inside (plenty big enough) and out (not an SUV monstrosity) it handles well and is generally a pleasure to drive. BUT - just had to replace the alternator and tensioner belt, and the bladder for the power brakes, all separate events two weeks after my extended warranty expired. Sad to say, I got my moneys worth on the ext warrty too - ABS replacement at 40K numerous brake issues and recalls have never been happy with the braking on this car. At this point, I am getting rid of this poorly made vehicle as soon as I have time to buy somethng - no more chevys for me!

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  Unreliable SUV - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By NItia - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used in April 2001. Ever since, this truck has been nothing but TROUBLE! The EGR vavle went twice,the trucks main computer("brain") went,the fuel pump& tank went and needed to be replaced,all six fuses blew out,and those also needed to be replaced twice, plus I needed to add front and rear brakes amung MANY OTHER things that all failed in the matter of 1 year. Ive put well over $2500 worth of work on this truck and now my transmission is going, the car wont go past 5 mpr and the speedometer doesnt work sometimes. I cant wait to pay this off and get a new truck. I will NEVER buy a blazer again! Think before you do!!!!

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  Too many recalls and repairs - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Matt41053 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  There are to many recalls on this blazer. I think Ive had about 4-5 done to it. Ive also had to replace the 4 wheel drive servo, the control station(the 3 buttons on the dash) and the transfer case because it got stuck in 4 wheel drive. The armrest/compartment creaks and rattles pretty bad also and get VERY annoying. Id stay away from this model if I were you....

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  Definitely NOTa Ford - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By pitts666 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Out of all of the SUVS available, I believe the Blazer is best value for your money. I have had the opportunity to drive or ride in most that are available and the Blazer seems to be most comfortable. A few friends (Ford Owners- Sorry bout that) have commented on the comfort and power of my Blazer when pulling the boat or trailer. They were a bit impressed as they were comparing their experiences with their Fords and Toyotas.

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  performance - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sg - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Great off road vehicle, nice to be high up. Throttle response from a stop is horrible, however and it seems like the horsepower fails to make it to the rear without fading. Possibly due to wide stance package.

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  Blazers can be FUN - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By PATsFan - July 23 - 2:00 am

  After four years and 55,000 miles not a single problem and this SUV is still a head turner. Now, I babied it for sure garaged, oil changes, lube. But in return Ive had nothing but good times in this truck. Ill trade in soon (I like to change every 3 years or so) and I only hope my next vehicle is as reliable and fun as the Blazer.