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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  Lostlarge - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By not chevy - February 18 - 2:00 am

  after 18 months the entire front and rear suspension needed replaced. We took a month to decide to get rid of it and that month cost us $900 trade in value. Who can efford to run one of these?

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  Balzers are awful - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By trkguy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  There is something wrong with the design of this vehicle. There absolutely should have been a recall for the front end of this car. I have replaced the ball joint on both front wheels twice on this car in 4 years. Now I have also had to replace both wheel bearings as well. I will never buy another Chevy SUV again.

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  if you have money to spend - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By maggie1 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  first 1200 (1996)miles blew a transmission seal, then air conditioner wouldnt work while 105 in Nevada. Costly tows (reimbursed) due to warranty many times in the garage due to transmission problems, replaced transmission in 2002 and the extended warrantly goes back to the original date of purchase not the date we had implemented. will not buy another GM blazer type vehicle, especially this kind. I have talked to many other owners and yes they too have had tranny problems.

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  I wouldnt buy one if I were you. - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Never buy one - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Blazer has cost twice as much to fix it as we paid for it. 2 motors, 1 tranny, AC compressor, catalytic converter, O2 sensor, water pump, ball joints, radiator, various electrical faults and much much more. It needs constant attention every time you fix something it breaks somewhere else. To make it worse the trim shakes rattles and squeaks over every bump.

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  Dont Ever Think About Buying One - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Big Bad Bob - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive reploaced the engine twice plus 1 transmission, 1 AC compressor, 1 rad, 1 water pump, ball joints, 1 catalytic converter, o2 sensor. Now all I need to fix is the brakes the funny clonking noise the interior rattle and the noisy fuel pump and it should be OK! I cant believe GM ever thought it was acceptable to sell it.

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  Biggest mistake of my life - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazer Hater - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This 2000 Blazer has been nothing but a headache. I dont have a tow package and most miles are highway. I dont ride it hard or off road, HOWEVER, by 60000 miles the transmission blew, the hub assembly had to be replaced and every little thing inside has fallen apart or off (ie the seat adjuster). Its been nothing but a money pit. I cant get ANYBODY to buy it and the dealerships almost laugh when I drive in asking about a trade. Big time money sucker. Dont ever buy one or any other GM vehicle. Im going back to a Honda. Forget this domestic crap.

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  Piece of junk - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By stateofcrisis - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I had purchased my Blazer ZR2 in March of 2002. I have had nothing but problems since. I have a slipping transmission, poor gas mileage 7-10 MPG doesnt matter city or highway. I most recently an electrical problem that cant seem to be found. Ive brought the blazer back to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do if no codes are coming up. What happened to the good ol mechanic? I would never buy another chevrolet again after the problems that I have experienced with GM and their products.

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  1999 Chevrolet Blazer 2D - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By disappointedagain - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Very poorly built suv. This automobile requires alot of maintenance. Poor quality. Would not buy again.

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  Worst Chevy Ever Owned - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ken Harper - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Im on my-no less than-5th EGR valve! And 4 or 5 other problems related to carbon build-up. Talks with GM determined that they just dont care that they produced a lemon. They extended warr on egr to 75,000 miles, but wont solve the cause of the problem. Bought new and babied. Wish some good lawyer would file suit against Chevy and GM. re:EGR problem!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Dave30327 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Please spare yourself the headache by not buying this piece of junk. Mine was in the shop six times in six months and the last couple of times was because they had to replace the gas tank because it was cracked. The dealer and Chevrolet could not have been more disinterested in my problems. I asked both what if this happened and the car blew up, they said did not deal in What ifs! It was so bad that I traded and lost a bundle just six months after I purchased it because I was so scared of it.