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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Worst ever, do not buy! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By Joseph - November 12 - 9:02 pmReplaced upper and lower ball joints twice in three years- EGR sticking- over heats after replacing radiator, clutch fan, thermostat 3 times, water pump- catalytic converter twice- spider assembly- Ujoints due to rusting- brakes 4 or 5 times- oil coolant lines- fuel filter 4+ times- driver side mirror housing fell off- power mirror control does not work- 4 wheel drive works sometimes- fuel pump- heater core- plugs and wires half dozen times- battery twice The VIN letter to look out for is X.
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I love my Blazer but... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Michelle - October 18 - 12:11 pmI bought my truck in Novemember 2001 upgrading from a Cavalier. The truck does great in the snow in MD without being 4WD. I have never had a major problem with it other then the handles on the both seats broke until now. It is paid for and everything has gone wrong with it. ABS brake light wont go out even after numerous trips to the shop, service engine light comes on all the time, I have no heat or A/C. Shop cant figure it out. Occasionally over heats, blower motor went up, ball joints have been replaced 2 times now, transmission starting to fail at 120,000 miles. I love my truck. Handles great but it may be cheaper to go buy a Tahoe!
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Love The Heavy Chevy - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By robes_71 - October 3 - 11:13 pmI purchased my Blazer in 2006 with 136,000 miles on it with the intention of using it mostly for towing my boat. Baby came, sold the boat, now its a daily driver. Long story short, its been a great vehicle. I now have 185,000 miles on it and have only replaced the alternator. I average 20+ mpg on the highway, which I feel is excellent for an SUV with that many miles. The 4x4 is sure footed and has never failed me. My only beef would be the braking could be a little stiffer, but Ive had that complaint of all Chevys, so maybe its just me. My dad has a 98 blazer with close to 300k miles. The 4.3L runs forever! I will definitely keep my Blazer until it rusts into oblivion.
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Would be good. Just TOO MANY problems... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By C Dub - October 3 - 2:00 amFunny reading some of these reviews. All the same problems. 3 years, 12 times repairs. Took them awhile to fix the 4X4, the power sunroof, the rear electri noise tailgate, hub cap fell off, seat adjuster broke, would not go into 4X4, then stuck in 4X4. It was deffinatly a lemon. Mechanically, (other than the 4X4) it is an OK good truck. Always started on the first shot... never any engine problems. The rear wheel makes it impossible to see out the back window, and the 4X4 transfer case sits on the floor on the passenger side making it short of foot space. Too bad too cause I really did the look of the truck!
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Truck built as SUV! - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
By Eric - September 4 - 5:01 pmThis is by far the best vehicle Ive ever had. 365,000 kms and nothing has gone wrong, a true tribute to Chevy. Completly stock and still works great! power is good, 4x4 is sick. An impressive vehicle.
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13+ years with one family owner - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By DonnaMarie - August 22 - 12:14 pmThis vehicle has no rust - either garaged or in Florida I had very little mileage on it until 2005 - but now have about 195,000 miles on it (almost all highway miles). Put brakes on it (my driving?), a couple alternators and anything needed to care for a vehicle that has been dependable and took me anyplace I wanted to go. USA Chevy family!
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Dependable - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
By attilio - August 21 - 11:54 pmI have had 0 defects since I had my truck for 4 years. Plenty of room, pulls good and rides better than a normal truck. I maintain my vehicle on a monthly basis. I added an electric fan, K&N cool air kit, and under pulleys and get about 20 to 22 miles per gallon now so Im very happy about my SUV.
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Love My Blazer - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Kara - July 21 - 1:48 pmI bought my Blazer as a 1st car, and I love it. I dont like the gas mileage, but everything else is amazing. Ive been in a few ditches, and it gets right out. Its good with me being rough on a vehicle. Now I have 75000 mls on it, and it keeps going! Id recommend a Blazer to any new driver, aka teenagers. Its safe and reliable in the winter, and fun to drive. Its also fun for camping. Just pile it full of things and off we go! Last, for those of you interested in subwoofers, the sound is amazing in it. Buy the cheapest and they will still sound amazing. This SUV is built for quality.
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Love mine, will never trade in - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
By heather0325spring - July 11 - 5:31 pmBought my Blazer in 1999, love the way it looks and rides. It does sway a little in the wind but so used to it now I hardly notice. Handles great in the snow. Only major fixes to it was the fuel pump at 136,000 miles and the intake manifold gaskets needed replaced (involves taking the top of the engine off) If you have one and have problems with overheating check that out. Other than that just basic maintenance, spark plugs oil changes, alternator, water pump and battery, no major deal considering the miles on it.. No transmission problems at all
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Good little SUV - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By Dman - June 17 - 8:37 pmI own the ZR2 off road package Blazer. I would have to say its the best looking compact SUV ever made and its the LS so it has the nice over head screen and a power seat and power door locks and power windows and a alarm. I havent owned it for too long but it runs fine and it has over 107,000 miles on it
