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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  Throwing My Money Away - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By disappointed - July 9 - 12:16 am

  By far the worst car I have ever owned. I bought it with 80,000 miles on it, and it was great for 15,000 miles and then the problems started. Distributor wires, the infamous EGR valve 3 times, fan clutch, tension pulley, power brake booster, master cylinder, exhaust, etc. Pretty much the same problems as others have with this car. It now sits in my driveway waiting to be fixed again. It has a rough idle and almost stalls, the brakes randomly stop working, and the exhaust sounds horrible. Last time I really drove it was in January. This is the first and last GM vehicle I will ever own.

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  Chevys ABS brakes stink! - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nicky - June 25 - 11:58 am

  My 99 Blazer LS has only 79k miles and my ABS brakes are completeley shot. Most of the time I cannot come to a stop. I need a new ABS system, new shocks & struts, new CB joint, and new Wheel bearings and the transmission is starting to slip. I hate this car! My Mom had a "94 with the exact same problems when it was only 2yrs old. I would never buy a Chevrolet again.

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  My Chevy Blazer - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Kathaleen - June 14 - 10:17 pm

  I had problems within one year of ownership - ball joints had to be replaced - it failed inspection. Then I have had endless problems with the four wheel drive - somedays it works only in four low. Now, I am told that the axle is going. The windows also leak in the front. I will only say that my Blazer is a lemon.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By disappointed cunsum - May 18 - 6:40 pm

  When we bought ours, it had 52000 miles on it. It was great for a little while, then the transmission went bad (reverse). At 76,000miles, the radiator needed to be backflushed. The front wheel bearings went at 80,000 miles. A rear axle noise started at 81,000. The axle seals were bad when we got it. The rear u-joint was replaced at 60,000. Also had some other minor problems. I would probably never buy another one. I love Chevy, but dont care for the Blazer at all. At least not this one!

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  S10 Blazer let down - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By john - May 15 - 9:04 am

  I went through serious and expensive front ball joint repairs and wheel bearings. Check engine light goes on and off for a shift code. It has very bad blind spots, and a very noisy ride. The truck needs a stronger front end.

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  Not so blazin - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ZR2broke - May 10 - 6:51 am

  I`ve owned my Blazer for two years,had nothing but problems the first year and a half. The following has been fixed or replaced, 2 universal joints, idler arm, 2 lower ball joints, alternator, no heat in the dead of winter, CD player, front speaker, pass.side recliner lever, ABS is junk, 4wd works when it wants to.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CButte - April 22 - 1:12 am

  I dont know where to begin. Our Blazer has taken us deep into the back woods on 4WD trails, to the top of many 14,000 mountain peaks, and has always managed to get us home. With that said, it has also been the most unreliable, frustrating vehicle weve owned. Purchased used w/50k 4 years ago, it has required the following in the last 40k miles: Transmission, lwr ball joints, axle shaft, several seals, intake manifold gasket, pwr window motor, 4WD actuator, O2 sensor, rotors, etc. It has also suffered from the following common Blazer issues: Dexcool sludge requiring multiple flushes so the heater would work, multi-function switch gremlins, ghost- wipers & leaking oil filter lines.

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  Not worth the $$$ - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By KO - April 21 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this Blazer with about 20K miles on it. Within 4 months, things started failing. The washer pump is out and has a leak. The transmission is slipping and the motor is very weak with a lot of dead spots in the acceleration. This will be the last Chevy for me. The quality has dropped dramatically in the last few years.

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  Huge Mistake - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By onthefly - March 30 - 11:25 pm

  I purchased my Blazer used with only 8,500 miles on it. I had no problems at all until 32K. Alternator, battery, wiper motor, Dex-Cool sludge, engine oil cooler lines started leaking. I did all the repairs except I left the oil lines for the dealer. I really had no other problems until 72K. Oil cooler line leaking again, transmission slipping, brake caliper, 4WD semi engaging on its own, high speed vibration, heater core "crappy Dex-Cool". Spent $2300 and the dealer still cant fix the 4WD problem. I have taken very good care of this car,doing tune ups and fluid changes every year. I know I hate this car.

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  Mine is a lemon - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Santha - March 28 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2003 Chevrolet Blazer in July of 2003. My exhaust pops when it cools down, every single time you turn the car off. There is no "fix" for this problem. I am dealing with GM and the better business bureau. I am totally unhappy with GM and my Blazer. I have had the radio replaced. Terrible for blind spots.