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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  Love my ZR2! - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By dufmoney - October 25 - 10:24 pm

  I have put over 100,000 KMs on my 2003 Blazer ZR2 (current odometer reads 206,000 KMs) and the only thing other than maintenance I have ever had to do was the head gasket. This is is a fault on a lot of Chevy/GM vehicles from these years. She is so reliable though! Other than the tailgate squeak, which I am in the process of fixing, I have no complaints with this fast accelerating, smooth off-road driving, snow loving vehicle! If you want fuel economy, buy a Prius (lame). If you want a vehicle that is extremely reliable and comfortable, than buy a Blazer.

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  great machine - ive owned this car longer than any - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chevyonlyfon - March 2 - 1:24 am

  This has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. i usually et rid of cars around 5 years - because they are uncomfortable or just not pleasureable any longer. This car i have never tired of is so comfortable and ergonomic - i have yet to find a car that makes me feel at such ease driving - minus the poor breaking. The reliability has been nothing short of astounding . though i have put some into repairs.. 400 for an ignition switch - 700 for a fuel pump. i spent 55 bucks for a wiper motor - which later was reimbursed for under recall. and i did have the dex cool problem- cost me 141 bucks to replace the radiator - 1300 $ in 14 years.. amazing..

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  Good Camping Vehicle - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Blazer in 2008 (with 55,000 actual miles) to take camping and on long trips. I also own a 1999 Blazer two-door which was a trick to pack with tents, gazebos, coolers, and supplies for camping trips. This vehicle has tons of room for 2 of us and all our stuff. We looked at newer vehicles, and most of them do not hold nearly as much. The seats are not as comfortable as the 2-door, the ride is rougher, and it is a bit like a barge with respect to tight turns, but as a utility and camping vehicle - I have no major complaints.

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  GREAT dependable vehicle - 1993 Chevrolet Blazer
  By JT2109 - September 3 - 3:35 am

  I purchased this as my first vehicle. I LOVED IT. unfortunately I ran it into a tree. I tried so hard to save it but it was too much. Ive been looking for one just like it for the longest time. It will NEVER quit running and i had very minor problems with it. Excellent build quality. You wont be disappointed.

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  Solid Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By robnrachel - August 29 - 8:30 am

  Beautiful truck great to drive my truck has the heavy duty tow package so no front end problems 4x4 works amazing very capable truck. very comfortable to drive and lots of power. Would recommend to anyone wanting a capable SUV.

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  An old friend - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jgclark - July 21 - 1:26 am

  This is a testament to the fact that Chevy CAN put together a great vehicle. Ive owned my Blazer for over ten years and dropped nearly 200k on the engine, and other than a squeaky suspension from driving through flood waters more than once and replacing a couple of alternators and a water and fuel pump over a decade, my Chevy kept me safe, comfortable and free from car payments after I paid it off in 2004. It stayed good looking long after the model was replaced by the TrailBlazer, which says a lot about decent design. The engine was always strong and helped me out of traffic scrapes with its workhorse V6. I drove that truck to its limits, finally trading it in this year for a sedan.

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  Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Baker - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  I had purchased my blazer, i needed the extra room, so i got it. This blazer has everything electronic, and leather seats. All the bells. My engine is the 4.3 V6 Vortec. Now i got to drive for two weeks. Then the intake gaskets went out, followed by the whole head. I had to purchase a new motor. Then the rear brakes went out. For those who have this model Blazer, watch out , because it is VERY common for these things to go out.

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  One of My Favorites - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Venom274 - May 5 - 10:28 pm

  My Blazer isnt actually a 4x4, its one of the few 95s with AWD. I absolutely Love this truck. its currently my project. I honestly think its a lot more reliable than what people say it is for I havent had that many problems with it. The few things that did go like a fuel pump or pcv valve is expected at 160k miles. Other than that I am a huge off-road/muddying enthusiast and the blazer withstands its abuse and handles great while also maintaining a great grip on the road in wet conditions. I can take corners in the rain like its dry weather. the blazers body stabilizers make the blazer what it is. Im never getting rid of it.

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  Good Power, Reliability Questionable - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MJWACK - April 13 - 11:48 am

  Drove the Blazer for one-year and sold it thinking to upgrade, but probably let it go too cheap. The 4.3 V6 was a powerful engine, the LT trim was awesome, but I ran into drivetrain problems and it began to leak out of the rear main seal at around 115k, then it started leaking anti-freeze from the head gaskets. Also had to replace a leaky CV axle, then just started leaking again from the front differential. Also a vacuum line disconnected and the electronic 4x4 wouldnt engage. The AC had some problems too. Overall this was a good car, but with over 100k I wasnt ready to accept the maintenance costs and got sick of leaking fluids.

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  very pleased - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ashley - April 13 - 5:41 am

  I see everyones reviews and they just blow my mind. I must have got lucky. My Blazer I bought at 95,000 miles on it. Now it has almost 200,000. I have had to replace the fuel pump twice but that is my fault. I hate pumping gas and push every car I have owned to its limits on an empty tank. Every car I have owned has had to have that replaced other than that just BASIC ware and. Tear the transmission started slipping at 190,000 put some stop slip in and its pushing 200,000. No problem. Im sure the end to this cars life will come sooner than later but I have been satisfied with this car. I do agree with gas mileage needing improvement though it is a gas hog but it is a SUV so expected.