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:

• 

  4wd nice, guzzles gas and breaks often - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gary - June 27 - 11:44 pm

  bought with 45000, since replaced brakes twice, engine, alternator, starter X 2, wiring problems numerous, check engine soon light has been on at least a half dozen times and required many different repairs. The Blazer just turned 100000 and I am having serious transmission problems. I have always loved Chevys, but I doubt Ill ever buy another after this one. The 4.3 is a slug. wife has a Saturn Vue with the 3.5 Honda engine and it will smoke the 4.3 and gets good MPG. Stay away from the Blazer.

• 

  A mixed bag but overall Ive liked it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cory H - June 19 - 3:51 pm

  I have the ZR2 off-road package, and overall this has been a dependable vehicle. Reasonably comfortable, low wind noise, rides well (for a 4x4), suspension package was a great investment - have gotten 70k miles w/o uneven wear on tires, fun little SUV for cross-country camping trips. 21 mpg highway, 15 city. It hasnt been without its issues. It does tend to have a lot of squeaks, cheap-o interior plastic doesnt help. The biggest problem I had was having to replace the transmission at 50,000 miles. Did have some premature ball joint replacement also. Heater core went out at about 110k miles, radiator cracked at 140k. Other minor problems such as malfunctioning thermometer and broken fuel ga

• 

  Perfect 1st TEEN car - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By justin - June 16 - 3:05 am

  Produces a decent amount of power from the 4.3L v6. It pumps out about 190hp, perfect for a teenage driver. Plus with the 4X4, it makes a pretty good off-road SUV. Pretty bad gas mileage The 4 doors are very convenient. And the big v6 gives it plenty of passing power. The cheap material for the interior rattles sometimes when you go on bumpy surfaces. And because its a Chevy, its gonna be in the shop alot if you drive it hard. I woulnt pay more than $6000 for a used Blazer. Its a good teen SUV, but thats about it.

• 

  trouble - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By becky - June 14 - 9:52 pm

  Bought car with 70,000 miles on it. Now has around 100,000. So, far have had to repair fuel tank, alternator, new tires, new brakes, new wheel bearings, new ball joints two batteries, the cd player doesnt work, the drivers window doesnt work, the drivers exterior molding keeps popping up, the passenger side set adjustment handle is broke off, and I am just waiting for more problems. Also, the gas mileage is terrible.

• 

  My Baby - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By R.T. - June 8 - 4:38 pm

  I just love it. Wanted a Blazer 16 years ago, but bought an s10 truck instead. The s10 went almost 200,000k, hope I have that luck again. Knock on wood, no problems as of yet. All regular main. Has been done, including killer 4x4 trans service and differential at 50,000. Try to keep it spotless, hard when on the jobsite, though.

• 

  Built to last - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ghess - June 4 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my 94 with 240,000 kms on bf Goodrich mud terrain tires 4 years ago. Now at 306,000 kms and still on same tires, original engine and trans. So much fun to drive. Worth the gas price. Ive had two radiators, an alternator, battery, front ball joints and tie rods and my driveshaft wore out so I had that refurbished. But still a great truck, like no other 2 door truck on the market today. Complaints are rear defog wire breaks off from window, and laying the back seats down for moving stuff its awkward to reach in with the tailgate down. I would prefer "barn" style doors but thats a small complaint. Beware my truck is 6,4" tall on 32" tires. Most rooftop/underground prkg. Is 6,4" to 6,6"

• 

  RED RIDER - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By raider - May 29 - 8:14 am

  I bought this from a person who had it from when it was new. Never had any major problems and now I have it and it rides great and is good in the snow.For me this Suv runs like a champ plenty of power.

• 

  Good Value Especially When Used - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Stape - May 28 - 9:49 pm

  This SUV is quiet and comfortable. The front bucket seats are soft and very comfortable. GM improved the engine design over the years and my 04 has port fuel injection which helps the throttle response and mileage. Power is adequate. The 4 speed auto tranny is well proven being developed in 1997. It has electronic control. I added a tranny oil cooler to extend life. The car has good visibility. I am impressed with the under carriage fiber glass covers, which will be useful for keeping snow off critical parts although they will not offer the protection of steel components. The Billstein shocks are outstanding! Front brakes with ceramic pads and dual piston nice with ABS! Average stereo. Buy!!

• 

  Great Ride! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By dcsevigne - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Trailblazer for 2 years now and put 20K miles on it. The ride has always been superior even to the Lexus RX300 that I left at the dealer. I guess the sport suspension is a must! So far Ive had the battery replaced and a rear pinion seal replaced under warranty. Good vehicle for the price $25K new.

• 

  BEST - 1990 Chevrolet Blazer
  By orca - May 16 - 3:39 am

  Have own this Blazer since 1990 right off the lot with 15 miles it now has 134 thousand miles and was rebuilt from the ground up in 2007. My father drove it for 18 years. I inherited it and now drive it. Still runs great and is like new. I did have the leak over mirror but with a coat of sealeant it is as good as new.