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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  Garbage! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By blackhaus50 - June 2 - 10:28 pm

  Front suspension is just awful, the truck was all over the road, pulled to the right bad when I used the brake. The interior would make all sorts of noise with the cheap plastic parts. Oh and how about the seat recliner handle. How many times did that break off. Just stay away!

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  angry and bitter - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By angry and bitter - September 4 - 11:37 pm

  Used 03 Blazer has one issue after another since purchase over a year ago. I had to replace a ball joint, ignition switch,and now the mass air flow sensor after being tested for hesitation when accelerating. This does not include many minor repairs. These are just the most costly. I understand wear and tear, but this is ridiculous. Problems that just baffle me are the passenger seat belt doesnt clip every time you have to push in button. That to me is a major red flag for safety. The drivers seat wont tilt forward anymore. After about three months the cd player quit working. I was told by GM that it will be cheaper to replace. I think it will be cheaper to replace the car than parts!

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  Piece of Junk - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RP - March 5 - 9:38 pm

  This vehicle has been the worst, by far, of the eight cars Ive owned to date. 1st ball joint/hub kit at 43000 miles, the other at 63000, two sets of brakes, gas gauge breaks and needs to be replaced, driver seat tilt breaks off with normal use, cheap plastic emergency break handle breaks off stranding the vehicle in a snow storm as the breaks will not release, hood cable require replacing at 69000 at which time it was noted that the "engine oil cooler lines are leaking," and now as of 3/5/06 the Security light is on and the vehicle does not start on command with out a 10 minute wait due to electronic and fuel issues and the seats have terrible ergonomic design with zero lumbar support

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  Buyers Beware - Poor Quality, lost value - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Paratrooperwife - December 13 - 12:16 am

  This is my first and LAST Chevy purchase. I paid $21K and three years later I cant even get $7K, when comparable vehicles are going for $14K. First week I had it the vehicle leaked. A bad leak. I should have known then. Since then its been one thing after another, sure warranty covered them for a while. Then my extended warranty kicked in, but the $100 deductable has cost me over $400 this year alone. Leaks, serpentine belts (3 in 3 years), passenger and driver window motors, windshield wiper gadgets gone bad, and more. Poor design, extremely mind-bending trade in values so low that I cannot believe it. The 2-door allows poor access to back, and the big fat spare tire is hard to see around

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  What a Lemon! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tommy - December 28 - 1:15 am

  This 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is my second Chevrolet vehicle, and the LAST Chevrolet i will ever buy. I had many problems with my 1st Chevrolet (a 2000 Camaro) and even more with the Blazer. Tons of electrical problems, headlights continue shorting out, door locks, power mirrors, and power windows short out. Windows squeak and rattle when going up and down. Windshield wiper module has shorted out three times, Transmission is slipping at 58000 miles, and dealer can never figure out the problem, so the electronics keep shorting out. I hope people considering purchasing a Chevrolet read this and buy something else.

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  Dont get stuck like me - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By TonyTBone - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I currently own a 2002 Blazer, 4-door, I feel just I should warn potential buyers to stray away from this vehicle. I bought a 2002 Blazer brand new and the resale value is so poor I cant get out of it even to gotoa lesser valued car. Chevy is unwilling to negotiate a better deal for a different vehicle leaving me just plain stuck! I hate this vehicle and wouldnt wish its ugly interior looks and poor exterior styling on anyone. Its too bad chevy wont deal because I would dump it for a new vehicle in a second. Buyers beware, and stay away from the Blazer!

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  I hate this SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jenski - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I cannot tell you how much money I have spent in the 2 1/2 years that I have owned this vehicle. I have been through at least 6 sets of breaks/bearings and rotars. The motor blew up and the 4 wheel drive has not worked properly since that time. I cannot stress enough, do not buy a Blazer!!!

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  A Terrible Vehicle - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By golfgod550 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned...I have put six batteries and three alternators in the truck and yet GM says there is no electrical problems with these trucks. The brakes failed and I ran into a sidewalk. The push- button 4WD had to be replaced. The heating system had to be fixed and now the AC does not get cold, despite a recent coolent recharging. Oh, and there have been countless recalls on top of these expensive repairs. This the last GM product I will ever own.

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  WORST CAR I EVER OWNED - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Brian Selepack - April 27 - 2:00 am

  NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!! I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. BUY SOMETHING ELSE..

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  Poor Engineering and Build Quality!!! - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By NOMORECHEVYS - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Horrific ride but the worst thing is its POOR OVERALL QUALITY! Things that shouldnt leak @ 50K do oil lines, front differential etc... And worse yet, stuff that shouldnt "ever" break (even if its sitting in a junkyard), does door handles, seat adjustment knobs & levers. Not to mention, all the ball joints needing replacement before 50K. In fact, Im surprised the engineers that designed this piece of CRAP can sleep at night. No wait, its the Japanese who intentionally build in quality, right? I should have expected this from GM--needless to say, I sold mine and will be reading and believing these reviews "before" buying my next vehicle.