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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  Chevy Blazer - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By docock - November 15 - 10:43 am

  All in all it is an OK SUV. I wouldnt purchase another one. The inside of the vechicle is not big enough to haul or carry enough people if you have to use car seats. It is not a family SUV. The gas mileage is terrible. I have to fill up the tank once a week just for grocery shopping and taking the kids to school.

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  Problems with a lemon. - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jim5959 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this wagon, in aug 2000 and we had water in the vehicle after the first ranin storm, the dealer said this was a common occurance, when I pay 30,000.oo for a vehicle I dont want excuses. Shortly after that i Had 3,000 miles on it it developed a noise in the front right passenger seat area,the dealer twice said there was no problem,after taking it to another dealer they said the heater box was broken...they fixed it and the repair,haha, lasted about three months. The steering shaft had to be replaced at 12,000 miles It made a terrible noise it sounded like it was going to shear off. Lastly the wagon rode like a pick-up truck with a plow package

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  Isnt bad, but needs improvment - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Chris - August 18 - 8:00 am

  I have a black 2000 ZR2 Blazer with 53k on it now, had 24k when I bought it a little over 3 years ago. I like the looks and features, but have had a lot of the same problems others here have posted. Ball joint on passanger side went bad, seat level on passanger seat broke. Tons of rattling of panels of doors, and in the back, spare tire blocks 96% of view to the rear. Gas gauge broke, heater core went, cd player went dead, and the sun roof had to be changed out 3 times. The MPG for this SUV stinks and the power seems to be bad during the hot summer days, at least mine is like that. With all those problems, I still like the car, but would trade it in if I could.

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  Rattler - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RattleRide - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Several months after my purchase, I noticed rattling noise while driving. Sometimes I think the doors are going to fly open. Not a peaceful roadtrip vehicle!

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  Disappionted - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RKG - May 16 - 1:41 pm

  I bought this vehicle when it was 9 months old with 17,000. The mileage is now 51,000. I have spent considerable amount of money on repairs. Too many things to list. Everytime I go in for an oil change, they find another $500 worth of stuff. I just spent another $868. This vehicle has not been used to tow anything or for off road. The gas mileage is terrible. I just filled up and checked and I am getting 15.5 mpg. The only reason I keep it is because it is paid for!

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  towing - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ray salle - May 6 - 12:33 am

  it can be towed with your motor home

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  2002 2-DR Blazer - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By KH1693 - April 25 - 1:28 pm

  Would not recommend this vehicle for purchase. It looks pretty good, inside and out, has plenty of room, but definitely not a safe vehicle. Also, several little electrical quirks, like radio stations changing on their own and guages sometimes erratic. Doesnt hold value. Overall, not a good purchase.

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  This SUV Stinks! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By RB14 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  4 Transmission Problems, starting at 12000 miles, transmission re-built at 43000 miles. Also other annoying problems, 3 recalls, expensive to maintain and rides rough even when brand new. Cant use lemon law because problems were all VERY SLIGHTLY different. My next car will be a Honda.

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  Good In The Snow - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By J.Meckley - April 6 - 2:13 pm

  The Blazer is a great small SUV if you need a 4x4, however it leaves a lot to be desired in the suspension department. Power is sufficient but not excessive. The ride is harsh at best and any road inperfections are amplified throught the vast amount of interior plastic trim. It had been a reliable car besides some electrical gremlins that are there one day and not the next. A great looking, offroad capable SUV that could have used some major refining in the suspension, and interior materials department.

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  High cost and frequent maintenance - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By knd911 - March 25 - 5:48 pm

  I bought this vehicle to help me get through the winter times and I quickly found out my little Elantra handled the winter better than this truck. Every scheduled maintenance costs at least $500 and these are supposed minor parts parts like turning signal, battery cable, gas gauge. The fuel economy is not the best as expected.