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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  Never Again! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Unhappy - April 6 - 10:49 am

  Has been a money pit! Front end is horrible and the electrical system has problems. Hard to start when it has been sitting a while. With gas at nearly $3/gal this is not a good vehicle to drive.

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  I got robbed - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tom - March 8 - 1:02 pm

  I purchased my Blazer at about 40000 miles. And what a let down it has been since. Ive actually considered seeing if it was a lemon but by the other reviews on here Im guessing I should have done the research and expected it. Every thing everyone has mentioned having problems with I have do the same and some more. Im a college student and constantly breaking the bank on repairs for this. I will never buy a Chevy again. I have spent close to $5000 on repair in 3 years of having it. Gas gauge, ball joints, rotors, bearings, rear axle, pittman arm, seat handle, wiring, lights on the dash, heater core. The repairs take all the fun out of this automobile unless you have deep pockets.

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  Incredibly Average - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MyothercarisanF-18 - January 18 - 12:28 pm

  Cars like the Blazer make me consider buying an import. Design is mundane, and at times poorly thought out- i.e. spare tire on 2DR either obstructs rear visibility or eats up too much cargo room. The car has required quite a bit of repair work for light duty use and consistent preventative maintenance. Brakes have twice required major work Ive replaced a couple of bearings, and installed new door hinges to keep it from leaking. There are numerous other "minor" problems, such as a defective fuel guage that Ive just decided to live because of their cost to repair. Bottom line: the Blazer is a reasonably priced SUV, but low expectations are the key to avoiding dissapointment.

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  Just a lemon on wheels - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Phlex - January 18 - 10:00 am

  My Blazer has been in the shop more times than I care to count. Ive had the catalytic converter replaced, the transfer case for the transmission replaced, oil leaks sealed, passenger seat handle replaced, driver side lumber replaced, third brake light replaced, roof rack and rear window molding re-painted, tire rack repainted, inside paneling reseated which still rattles with every bump. It also was leaning to one side in the front. My Blazer is at the dealer now because my driver side window does not work, and there is a loud thump that comes from the right wheel well. It barely as 17,000 miles on it. Not at all worth the headaches.

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  What A Dissappointment - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ferromaximus - November 2 - 8:57 pm

  Once again, my love for all things big and tough has fooled me again. Dont let this truck fool you. I got the zr2 package because I wanted the big, tough look of this truck. Ive had nothing but problems. Every time I take it in for an oil change, its costing me over $1000 to fix it. Its a 99 and I only have 55k miles on it, and it acts like theres 150k on it. New alternator, ball joints, bearings, rear brakes completely redone, front differential just went on it ($2500-$3000 new). Im ready to sign off trucks all together, but need them for the snow up here in NY. Interior rattles and shakes and is very cheaply put together. What an embaressment to GM. Do not buy this junker!

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  A sandlewood color lemon - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tj80 - October 9 - 11:55 pm

  Car rattles constantly, window trim is now loose, interior quality is very poor major gaps in plastic trim. Fold down seats no longer work after being worked on 3 times. Also transmission is slipping at high speeds, as well as the front bearings had to be replaced because either they wore away or were never put in in the first place. Also car is rusting from the inside out. Save your money. Buy something better than a GM piece of junk.

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  Ive been left stranded more than once.. - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Lynette - September 28 - 2:44 am

  This truck has left me stranded on more than one occassion. Have had problems with the alternator, ingnition coil springs and fuel pump. Rides very rough. Is not roomy...back seat is almost impossible to get into unless youre 52 and weigh 100 pounds. Squeaks and rattles and idles rough. Cant wait to trade this one in.

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  Blazers are the WORST - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nocturnal - September 26 - 11:12 pm

  I own a 1998 Chevy Blazer ZR2 and is is by far the worstvehicle I have ever owned. I have no idea what the engineers where smoking when they let this one go, but I have owned it since October 2002 and it is now September 2005 and where do I start??? The cheap plastic interior is the loudest annoying thing ever. Seriously, the wind blows and it rattles. I dont even want to explain when going over gravel roads or railroad tracks!!! The next is the front ball joints are notorious for premature failure. Also, wheel bearings! I have replaced front ones 3 different times. I dont do much offroading besides ice fishing, so why so weak under "normal" conditions? I am a graduate of an Automotive Engineering program and a 3 yr. SAE member take it from me, you dont want a Blazer.

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  You can do so much better - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Ron - August 25 - 7:37 pm

  I so regret buying this car. Im stuck with it. I bought the vehicle in July 2001 for $22000. About 7 mos later I decided I really didnt like the vehicle and decided to trade it in. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the trade-in value was about $8000. It had depreciated $13000 in just 7 mos. I recently tried to trade it in again. The trade-in value is $5800. I owe more than the car is worth. There are many things I dont like about this vehicle. Visibility is terrible. Its hard to see out the rear view mirror. For a smaller SUV, its a major gas hog. Im getting about 18mpg. My insurance is high because the vehicle has low safety ratings. There are so many quality vehilcles around

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  Will never buy again - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By finallygotridofit - July 21 - 5:42 pm

  This probably was a good vehicle in 1997, the day it rolled of the line, but it was a constant headache. Transmissions, yes plural, oil cooler lines, shocks, ball joints, electrical problems (no brake lights, have to jiggle the hazards to make them work) and the worst of all, gas mileage. It feels like you have a parachute strapped to the back of it!! Definitely not for one who doesnt like working for the gas pump. It looks great and does ride well, and the four wheel drive is great, but you cant really rely on it to get you anywhere without wondering if you have at least 40 bucks for gas and if its gonna arrive safely