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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 876.00-
Biggest piece of scrap metal I own - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
By jano - March 23 - 2:00 amIn the 8 yrs that I have owned my Nissan, I have less problems with it than I have had with this hunk of scrap metal. A totally rebuilt engine at 38,000 miles? Left and right wheel hub assembly replaced b4 33000? I look at it and despise the day I bought it. Should have paid attention to the poor reviews for reliability and mechanical soundness.
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wish Id bought a Toyota - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By dissapointed dave - March 12 - 2:00 amOne of the poorest vehicle buys I have made: Brakes are terrible, replaced engine due to remote oil filter failure. Electrical problems plauge it. 15 mpg is nothing to write home about. Sways side to side too much. Interior rattles due to poor fit & finish. Plastic trim on exterior falling apart, door hinges broke on driver and passenger side. CD player died. Would not recommend to others.
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Junk - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By Gummersbach - March 4 - 2:00 amWorse vehicle I have ever owned. Major electrical issues, including multiple alternators, etc. I must carry around a box of fuses to re-energize the dash every couple weeks after the fuse blows. If I do not replace it, the battery drains and I have a dead vehicle. A total nightmare.
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Buyer Beware! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Alias Username - March 1 - 2:00 amDont buy one. The Dex-Cool Antifreeze that is required if you dont want to void the warranty causes premature engine failure by eroding the seals at around 60,000 miles. If you dont get the extended warranty this damage will cost you thousands for a new motor! The front wheel bearings also tend to go bad early. Check consumer websites before you buy.
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No more Blazers for me - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By No More Blazers - February 22 - 2:00 amThis SUV has been nothing but trouble. In addition to lots of small things (three horn relays, transmission seals bad at 40,000 miles, etc.) I just foudn out that I need a new transmission and oil coolant lines. I trading in this piece of junk for a foreign car. Ill never buy another Chevrolet again and will be sure to tell everyone I know about the poor quality and even poorer service that I received from Chevy.
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Glad to be rid of it. - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By jh98 - February 16 - 2:00 amNot much good to say about this vehicle. Had to replace the seat recliner handles (twice), thermostat, and wiper motor. Brakes are terrible and lock up for no reason. Radiator and oil leaks have also been a problem. By far the cheapest interior Ive seen in any vehicle. Traded it in before having to spend more cash on repairs.
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GM Junk-Chev Blazer 98 - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By k bryant - February 2 - 2:00 amHeres a list of things that have failed a vehicle that was well maintained. NOT at all happy with GM and have always been a GM buyer. Not likely to be this time around. -3 bad injectors -axle boots failed before 50K miles -cat and O2 sensor failed at 80K miles -transmission failed at just over 100K miles, $2,600 to rebuild, was serviced at 60K even though dealer said it didnt need it until 100K! -TPS sensor failed at 120K. -fuel pump failed-125K. -water pump-130K. -A/C compressor failed-130K. -heater core failed-138K. -both oil lines for remote oil filter have failed with leaks -And, to top it all off the head gasket finally decided it was time to go.
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Dont Wast Your Money - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By hixsonr - January 18 - 2:00 amI bought this truck used three years ago...first the trasmission went ($2000) then about a year later every front suspension part broke one at a time...once all the parts were repaced the factory weld failed in two places by the front left tire..the cooling system...turns out chevey put out a tech memo that they messed up the cooling system, but didnt recall it only fixed selected models...mine wasnt one of them...slowely all of the parts of the cooling system started to go. first it was the intake gasket, the heater core, the thermastate.etc...thousands of dollars in repare...dont wast your money oh and the tires their never on sale
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piece of junk - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By aaroonk277 - December 1 - 2:00 amthe interior rattles so bad i have to keep the volume up high, along with many many other problem that the dealer ship couldnt figure out. dealership said so sad to bad. I really got taken for in this buy. I should have paid alittle more for a nissan or a toyota and had fewer problems.
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Dont buy it ! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
By Scotty C - November 20 - 2:00 amAfetr this Blazer hit 50,000 miles it has been a roller coaster ride since. Always something wrong, one thing after another. Lots of road noise. Everything seems to be losse and making a noise. Its quit leaving us beside the road 3-4 times. I will never buy another GM product and recommend that no one else does either. When I leave home driving this auto Im not sure Ill get back home. Not the dependability you expect from a $30,000 car/truck. Poorly built, poor overall quality.
