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:

• 

  Rear still hurts - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chevro-neveragain - May 25 - 1:01 am

  Bad purchase! Car looked great with a 3 year warranty, and nice black paint job. It has been a money pit ever since that first day. Ive had everything replaced ranging from rear wiper pump, to the drivers side door motor, u-joint, both front wheel hubs. The rear trim panel, is fried up. The drivers side seat doesnt work right, rear seat doesnt fold down, handle broke. Water from front windshield leak sitting under passenger side carpet. Loose steering. The car honestly feels like it is going to fall apart when I drive it. Although, its really realible.....for the mechanic.

• 

  Maintenance not worth the price - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ed - April 23 - 1:39 pm

  Drives like a bad truck. Didnt hit 20,000 before repair costs started hitting. Now at 45,000 miles replaced axles, replaced wheel bearings, replaced CV boots, replaced blower motor, replaced intake manifold, replaced alternator and battery. Front differential fluid leak, oil leak. Drivers side door squeaks. Avoid this car, unless youre buying my used one.

• 

  Chevy Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sandi777 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  very wobbly ride. needs better suspension. Everything needs to be changed and the dealerships themselves have never bent over backward to help. Dealerships not fun to work with.

• 

  Never Again - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Neveragain - December 22 - 11:09 pm

  This was the worst car I have ever owed. I was stranded many times due do the EGR issue. I have 16 service write-ups for the same issue and this does not include the times I had to immediately return to dealer because problem was not fixed or car died when exiting dealers service area. This vehicle was purchased new and it was a piece of junk. When I finally got rid of it I had to have it towed to the dealer. This was a common problem that GM was aware and they were not helpful.

• 

  Itll get me by for a while. - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tommy - November 29 - 5:27 am

  I bought it because it was cheap and I needed a little work truck/commuter. The tranny has been replaced, the AC has a leak but works if charged, the gas guage doesnt work so I have to keep an eye on mileage (270 miles per tank on average 15-16 MPG in town) The driver door spring broke off but the door still works. The ball joints need to be replaced, and the engine leaks oil pretty bad. Other than that the engine runs strong (especially after injector cleaner added to fuel). Overall, I dont mind my little beater, but it is definitely a short term solution.

• 

  Cant wait to be rid of it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Rick - November 13 - 9:44 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems and repairs. Has 80,000 miles and my mechanic tells me this thing is having problems that shouldnt be happening until well over 100,000 miles. Replaced altenator twice, replaced fuel pump, gauges dont work, every little thing in the passenger compartment rattles when you are going down the road. Started changing oil at 2,000 mile intervals, because of the incredible amount of sludge I had draining from the oil filter when I would change the oil. Just an overall piece of junk.

• 

  Last GM for me - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By j smith - October 11 - 12:03 am

  In the last 10 years I have bought 10 new GM cars or trucks, and I have owned 25 GMs in my life, This Blazer is the main reason I will no longer buy GM. It had two sections of the body repainted in the factoy. Can now be seen due to low clear coat mils that have lost their gloss and some over spray. When I reported the problem to GM, they told me the paint only had a 2 year warranty. It has what feels like an out of balance tire since day one that has never gone away no mater who or how offen the tires were balanced, same for the second set of tires. The seats will not stay locked down and will slide back and forth if gas or brakes are applied hard.

• 

  Last One - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LASTONE - October 2 - 7:59 pm

  Poor quality in overall woorkmanship. Seat adjustment handle broke off. All brakes and calipers changed after 100,000 miles. Windshield wiper module replaced (not recalled). Waterpump replaced 110,000. Oil leak from hoses to filter (25,000miles. Transmission tubes replaced come loose.

• 

  Boo - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J.B. - September 12 - 8:13 pm

  The worst thing I ever did was buy a beautifully kept up Blazer for a move across country. After over $1,000 in repairs before I got out of town (brakes, brakes, new radiator, brakes again.. egr shmee-g-r, oil change, etc) and another $350 on the road, in the middle of nowhere, for a new fuel pump, the thing lasted only 5 months thru the winter (without 4WD, which wouldnt work) before the engine blew. This car was very well taken care of by the previous owner and myself. Who knew? I knew there was a reason my Dad made that face when I said I was buying a Chevy. I guess after the Citation in the 80s he knew what was up.

• 

  Cheaply Made - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Disappointed - May 7 - 12:44 pm

  At 15,000 miles both front seat levers broke (pot metal) At 68,000 miles heater core and water pump went out a month apart. 4wd has never been used and doesnt work. At 80,000 miles at 11pm on Thanksgiving eve all the trany fluid pushed out the dipstick and left us on the side of freeway. $2300 later using it for a trade in on anything but a Chevy. I have always owned Chevys but no more. No room for rear seat passengers.