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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  What a piece of junk. - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Gmsick - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this suv from my father, (the first owner) he had problems with it since it was new, It had 35,00 miles on when i took it, well, you name it has broke, transmission had to be replaced,contol switches, the outside mirrors just fell off,rattles,gas gauge dont work,alt,haz button,turn signal switch, window motors,cooling system,ac leaks,paint is peeling off,braking system is weak, washer bottle leaks, the four wheel drive stopped working (two repairs),and too many things to let me list here, it seems that my wife calls me a least once every two weeks and tells me something else is wrong with the blazer. I have always been a chevy fan, not anymore.

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  Not a Repeater - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bummed about Blazer - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My daughter and I both purchased Blazers at the same time. After 4 years of ownership, I have to say I would never buy another one. Every week there is a new interior squeek or rattle. Between my daughters car and mine, the vent adjustment broke off, rear differential is a constant problem, ball joints and wheel bearings had to be replaced ($500 x 5), cvc leak fixed ($300), outside moulding on drivers window kept popping out (husband finally glued it in place), seat adjustment lever broke off, strap on rear hatch broke off. . . and on and on. Was a BIG Toyota fan before this and will DEFINITELY go back.

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  Dont Buy It!!!! - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By KickerSolo - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was the fist chevy I have every owned and it will be the last. I had it for 1 year and got rid of it as soon as I could. I have never had so many problems.

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  Lemon Nightmare! - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By madmom - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my TrailBlazer in April of 2003, it broke down at least once a month. Both tail lights broke - twice. The car had an electrical short that no one could find. Every time I got out of the car it would shock me. Each time I took it into the dealership they would tell me it was static - yea right. I have never had a car with cloth seats shock me EVERY time I closed the door. The transmission broke - but the dealership didnt think their was a problem. Good news - as long as you dont mind punching it to 4000 rpms everytime you take off it will shift for you.

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  Guess I got lucky. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By FuzzyWuzzy - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 3.5 yrs now, and it has 84k miles on it. Up to this point, I have had no major work performed aside from standard maintainance. The levers for both seats did break off and I had a few fuses blow for the power windows. A bit of an inconvenience, but nothing that wasnt easily remedied. The blind spots are aweful, and the suspension is terrible. There is a lot of rattling and the spare tire is positioned terribly. Pretty poor design and not that great of a ride. Im just glad I got one of the good ones.

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  Built Like a Crock - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By LuigiGiovanni - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 96 Blazer. The truck ran fine until the warranty ran out. Don’t purchase this vehicle if you’re the kind of consumer that wish to keep this truck for more than 5 years. You better off trading it in after that, than faced with all the repair bills you can expect.

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  Word to the wise, buy something else! - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Spock2001 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Chevy Blazer Ive owned, and, most definitely, the last. The quality of this product leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, I have not had to have in for too many repairs - one bad switch, which was a recall, and leaky oil cooling lines. Why does it seem that all Chevys of the same make and model have the same issues over and over again? It does not seem stable or safe. The interior components are cheap and flimsy. The engine, although powerful, is extremely inefficient! They say it gets 17 MPG average, 21 MPG highway. That is an outright lie! Im lucky if I get 14 AVG! This will definitely be the LAST American car I purchase.

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  Needs Woork - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By fpkeegan - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Blazer new in 1999 it now has 79,000 miles on it. The plastic seat handle on the driver seat broke off in the first 5000 miles. I use the vehicle to drive to and from work and normal city driving, it has not been used for towing or any off road. In the last 10,000 miles the transmission has been replaced ($3300), the air conditioning compressor was replaced ($700) and the Heater coil was replaced ($700). The heater coil is located in the dash board, which required the removal of the dash board to replace it. The only saving grace is that I purchased an extended warranty on the vehicle at the time of purchase.

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  Beware the Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bill mydo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  In my effort to "Buy American" I got a brand new blazer - and been regretting it ever since. At only 70k has never gone more than several months without having to be in shop. Replaced a side mirror, alternator, two batteries, the front tri-boot, repairs for a turn signal switch that went on and off, leaking oil (hose), leaking coolant (pump) and leaking transmission fluid (various lines). Now the "service engine" light is on. Worst part is, Ive totally babied this vehicle - Ive taken it "off road" twice, park it in a garage at home and work, and followed manufacturers scheduled service/maintenance recommendations religiously. Vehicle is a piece of junk.

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  never again - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By arula219 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My blazer was fine for a year except for bad gas mileage (expected due to being SUV). Then at 53000 miles my transmission went out and I had a recall on some electrical stuff (blinkers, etc.).