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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Positive Experience - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By trenaldi - July 1 - 2:00 amI was concerned when purchasing because of the Consumer Reports below average reliability rating but the price was right so we went for it. Well five years later Im happy to report that not one thing has gone wrong with my Blazer (other than the normal stuff brakes, battery, tires etc.) I change the oil every 3k miles and follow the suggested maintenance.
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Keeper! - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By BlazerFan - June 27 - 2:00 amWe bought this vehicle used - it had been a lease and was well-cared for. It has taken me cross-country and back as well as around town errands with absolutely no problems. We love this car and would like to keep it till the wheels fall off.
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Love My New Blazer! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By antPhoenix - June 27 - 2:00 amI just got my new Black 2002 Blazer and I love it! Its so much fun to drive and you get a real sense of power when you get behind the wheel. The engine was a little loud at first, which actually turned out to be a good thing in my opinion you get used to it though. If its your first time driving an SUV take it easy on the turns, its very different than a regular car. Aside from that, it handles and accellerates suprisingly well and gives you a comanding view of the road. Again, I LOVE MY BLAZER!
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Coops blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Coop - June 24 - 2:00 amI just bought it not too long ago. I havent had any problems except for the service engine light comes on for something that is in my transmission but i know what it is and it is an easy fixer. Besides that i love it.
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98 Blazer - Mine is a lemon - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Pamela Mann - June 24 - 2:00 amRear suspension problems from month one. Local dealer could/would not fix to my satisfaction and would not assist with further investigation. They did admit to suspension problem but did nothing to permanently solve the problem. Many additional shakes and rattles in car body and engine. I have since moved and received 200% better service from Team Chevrolet in Alpharetta Georgia. (although I still think the car is a lemon).
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My No-Problem Chevorlet - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Ken Preston - June 21 - 2:00 amMaybe Im lucky, but my 1997 Chevy Blazer has been an excellent car. The interior may leave something to be desired, but the performance has been without equal. Im approaching 100k with no major problems.
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Chevy Blazer is a joke - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Mike Reis - June 18 - 2:00 amIf you enjoy going to the repair shop, and being without your car for extended periods, this is the car for you. I treated my Blazer with kid gloves and performed regular maintenance. But it always broke down. Major repairs included the transmission, suspension, alternator, exhaust, and more. To add insult to injury, I had purchased an extended warranty. The only "guarantee" was that Chevy service would hassle you every time you brought it in and make you wait weeks at a time. Gas tank is far too small for such as guzzler, and the stereo broke three times to boot. Fun to drive, but it was in the shop so often, Im not sure.
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Very Pleased! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By Drew Allen - June 16 - 2:00 amAfter convincing my wife that we should go with an SUV rather than a Wagon (I barely won that won), we bought a Blazer. Since, she has been converted. Even my wife, the won who though an SUV would flip going around the first corner, has stated that she is very pleased. After we bought the Blazer in the DFW market, my wife drove it to the Washington D.C. area. She was very happy with every aspect of the vehicle.
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Chevrolet It just Makes Sense - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By Murphy - June 13 - 2:00 amI cant say enough about the value of my purchase. I bought from a private seller and came equipped with a CARFAX report. For a little over $7,000 Im in heaven. Designed for comfort and frontal visibility the vehicle has decent pickup and is easy to park and steer. The only slight drawback would be with the blind spots while backing but other than that Im recommited to the Chevy Line.
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BLAZER!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By Jeff905 - June 13 - 2:00 amThis is a great Truck to have!
