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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  Good value, reliable all around Car. - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Whit - April 3 - 5:24 pm

  We bought the car with 15k in 02. Now has 78k. Had a few issues, breaks, tie rods, wheel bearings front, gas fill issues and vapor recovery stuff, oh ya, tie rods, did I mention tie rods. Over all a good ride, and reliable 4 wheel drive that works easily. Would buy again for the price. My wife loves if for the dogs, and the very muddy roads in Maine.

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  not as bad as you think - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By good rig - March 25 - 12:55 pm

  This car is a pack mule. I bought it with 146,000 miles and all thats gone wrong is fuel pump and heater core. The strong points in the vehicle are its beefy v6, reliable transmission, and decent gas mileage. The bad stuff is the wimpy axles, not so much the front but the back is terrible. I would recommend purchasing a crate axle with a bit more weight and wider stance, or jus rebuilding in the stock housing. Or just buy hub spacers, thats easy too. Unfortunately I think the transmission isnt going to make it to 200,000, but everything else Im sure. And fyi, if your 4x4 wont engage its most likely the vacuum lines that engages it.

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  solid - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By busdt - March 21 - 7:23 am

  This has been a very reliable truck. Great in bad weather and off road driving. The cargo space is nice with the seats down.

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  HOOD - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By BOB - March 6 - 9:48 pm

  I bought my 2004 Blazer used and I love it, the beefy tires and the fold down seats are great, I got a manual trans and I love it shifts smooth and the 190 hp isnt to bad either.

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  Her name is Betsy - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By R.T. - February 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive owned this truck a little more than a year and I love it. Yeah, it costs some money to drive, my 50000 mile trans service was ouch, but the 4 wheel drive, and feeling safe with my 3 yr old in the back is worth it. I didnt like the look of the 4 door, got the 2. Victory red. You know Ive waxed, and keep the underneath clean, these last few winters.

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  No Problems At All. Knock On Wood. - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Scaldy Dog - February 8 - 10:27 am

  My ZR2 has been great. Besides changing the oil, putting gas in it, and washing it, Ive never spent a dime in repairs. It is reliable to cut through the worst of Minnesota winters that Ive traveled through in the last 4 years. Its now Feb 2009 and I only have 1 payment left and Im going to keep this truck for years to come. There is nothing like it now on the market in comparison. I havent even put new brakes on, (I drive mostly highway miles). So wish me luck as Ive had good fortune with this truck. Hey Chevy! Start building them, or something close to ZR2s soon!

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  Pretty good Blazer - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By fireman25 - February 4 - 7:48 pm

  Bought this after I had a not at fault accident at a dealer down the road. Had no major problems yet...knock on wood. Replaced thermostat twice, did a flush cooling system. A little funky but can be fixed by putting in a new radiator or just JB Weld. Recommend to all who need a car for son or daughter to get to and from. Great body condition for age and mileage about 163,000. Runs great, just cooling system work

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  Loving it so far - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By loving it so far - January 8 - 2:11 am

  We had just purchased it a few weeks ago. I have owned a 1999 Chevy 1500 2wd with the same 4.3 Vortec, and I loved that truck. So far, our Blazer has been flawless. Bought it with 110,000 miles, and last week we drove it over 600 miles for the holidays. It was icy at times, and the 4wd worked great! A great price and a wonderful purchase.

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  Great Truck - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Jake - December 31 - 3:14 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008, for a little over 2000 dollars. It needed an egr valve that is relativly inexpensive to fix, and since I have had no problems and it has been very reliable and effecient. I drive in mostly backroads and almost no highway driving situations and it only cost about 20 bucks to fill each week, I would definitley reccommend this truck to anyone. It also has a great 4x4 stystem. I have driven with it in 6 inches of snow and have pulled a few Toyotas out of ditches in the rain and ice and I have no complaints on its power or ability.

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  Blazer LS - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GM Owner - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is very well insilated. Interior Elements: Great contrast in color, patterns, fabrics- better than the redesigned version for 2003. --too monotoned. Exterior:style wise, the rear wheels are pulled in to far in the wheel wells where as the front are almost flush with outside fender. looks weak in the rear. Shape: narrow body -- relax on the roundness. trucks are squared -- Cherokee Classics still havent changed the exterior for decades and yet continue to sell. Basically take care of your vehicle, do the maintence and your fine. things breaking and parts replaced that dont work --- complain to the dealer rather than the parts.