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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  trying to get rid of it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By berdiddly - April 10 - 11:02 am

  This was my first car I bought on my own, second car to have. I bought it with 35,000miles, and a week later had to buy a new battery. Three months later had to buy a new alternator. A week later the seat adjustment handles broke off. At 40,000 miles the gas gauge went out. 60,000 miles, my heater went out and found out that I have a leak in my radiator so I have to fill that constantly, I also found an oil leak. Now at 72,000 miles, I have had to replace the bearings, brakes and rotors TWICE in one month. I wish I would have known about this web site before I bought my car. Be sure to research all cars.

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  more costly to drive than you may think - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Greg - March 20 - 12:58 pm

  Though it would be better on fuel and save me some money, as it turns out I have been putting more repair money in it than fuel money. rear hatch wiper motor first then the ignition switch, followed by a computer,2 fuel injectors, wheel bearings, brake caliper, upper and lower ball joints, and the sun roof leaks (still). The check engine light has been on now again for 2 and a half months but I am afraid to take it in. even if it is the filters the dealer replaces every time it is more money than I want to spend on this lemon that now has 46000 miles, and about $5800 in repairs in the last 3 years

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  No more Chevys for me, thanks. - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chris - January 6 - 5:43 pm

  Bought it with 18K miles. It was beautiful and a pleasure to drive. But then came the mechanical problems. Front suspension wears out prematurely (there was actually a NHTSA investigation into the ball joints). Coolant problems and engine seal/gasket failures. Lots of other problems. Were thankful for the extended warranty we bought. It cost us about $5k extra, but saved us an additional $10k in repairs later. In addition to regular maintenance, our repairs to date total just over $15k. Sad to admit this, but Im not planning on buying American again. Not until American car makers earn my trust back.

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  Bye-bye, Chev! Never again... - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Blazerhater - December 5 - 12:06 am

  Afvter the amount of issues with this vehicle - and past GMs - I will NEVER purchase another General Motors product. Right now I am replacing my third water pump. I have spent enough money at dealerships to have purchased this vehicle twice now. I have had seven things blow in the last 6 months - rear window wiper motor, water pump, ignition module, idler arm, vacuum heater, transmission, mirror console - and three oil leaks from somewhere. Always changed oil to reccomendations and always dealer serviced once per year.

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  Never buying GM again - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tiger - October 28 - 8:41 am

  Look up information before buying the 2000 or surrounding years. It has been nothing but problems. As soon as we hit 60k, things have just been in constant repair and I do all schedule maint. also. From Cheap alloy causing the recliner levels to snap off, Oil cooler lines going bad EVERY 14k miles (issue because of way GM routed them), Door hinges coming off after 130k. Clogged heater cores costing another $1k to fix, ball bearings and joints, Differentials. THis car is costing us an extra $100/month ever year to keep up but we cant afford another car loan at the same time. Do your research through google or anywhere else first. Worst vehicle I have ever owned. NO MORE GM for me.

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  Wont buy another one - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By PeterK - October 12 - 7:49 am

  Nothing but problems. Transmission had to be replace after 65,000 miles, passenger seat back handle broke twice, both CV joints replaced, gas tank pump and sending unit replaced, dashboard lights up like a christmas tree randomly.

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  Poor Choice for family vehicle - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ms.sills - September 13 - 8:15 pm

  Anything that could go wrong with this vehicle did go wrong. Although I was religious about regular maintance, there were always problems. Major Transmission problems, Major Brake problems and constant AC problems. I spent a good $3000 a year fixing and refixing the constant problems. Im not buying another one of these vehicles ever again

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  Cheap but gets the job done - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Kev - August 23 - 1:28 am

  This car was purchased brand new 11 years ago and since put 87000 miles on it. It has been fairly reliable throughout these mile. However, on the down side, performance and quality is on the poor side. Maintenance is a real biggy. Since its American, fixing this car is a hassle thanks to poor design of the engine bay. The major problems that comes up are the fan and alignment issues. Frequently, my coolant tank will get dirty with grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned. Also, I noticed once I have the AC on, the car will sometimes overheat, going past the mid point of the temp gauge. This can be a result of a recall back in 1997 with the fan.

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  GMs S-10 Blazer Disappointment - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Roger S. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my S-10 LT 4WD Wagon with 5,000 miles on it.At first I thought it was great,then things began to come up.First thing I noticed was the terrible Fuel mileage!I also noticed that the interior had more squeaks and noises than my Grandmothers old Rocking Chair! Next was the Mechanical problems.2 sets of Oil Cooler lines by 25,000 miles,the Muffler at 18,000,Seat recliner handle, Transfer case leaks.Now at 40,000 miles I have some kind of Suspension noise.Im now going to trade this dissappointment in.

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  Its a pain to drive - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By oilerfootball - July 22 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a challenge, this car is the one for you. I bought this in August and have had two wrecks that could be attributed to the mechanics of the car. It is very difficult to see out of with many blind spots, and it has very sloppy handling. Buy anything but this car.