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:

• 

  5 speed Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ct1274 - June 11 - 9:57 pm

  Fun to drive with 5 speed. Gas mileage hurts but dont drive far. Blind spots, seat handle broken. Nice looks and growl of the engine.

• 

  Too many repairs - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By lhenry16 - June 11 - 8:33 am

  I bought the car 3 years old and loved the look and roominess of the car. After about 5 years the car had many repairs. I now have 175,000 miles on it but it cost me to keep it running. Now am thinking about leasing a car so I can drive a new car and not worry about repairs. The check engine light has been on for years regardless of what I do to repair the car. Was a major pain trying to pass the Ohio E-Check inspection with it on permanently. Paid $200 to replace the light when it burned out. Ridiculous! Love the storage space and look but not the maintenance.

• 

  Great for age - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By matt - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  I purchased the Blazer with 93 grand on the ticker, not knowing any past info on the car. I have 126 grand on it now and its been a great vehicle other than the fuel pump dieing but what do you expect out of 11 years? All the options work great, I abuse a vehicle as it is my office on wheels every day in Atlanta. I miss the s-series truck line as Ive owned a few but I guess Ill keep my Blazer going and replace whatever it needs from years to come! You cant beat the styling and comfort! I love my truck!

• 

  My Little Red Blaze - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By chicks1960 - April 18 - 5:34 am

  I bought this one with 130000 miles on it. Had a lot of trouble with the fuel pump. Then the oil pump went, replaced the motor, still seems to miss on the highway. Have had it a year and it has spent more time in the shop, $800 or more at a time. Chevrolet dealership and service couldnt find out the problems. Paid as much for a new motor as I did for the whole truck. Replace sensors and relays Hope it will run for a while. Air conditioner quit - compressor went out $1200 to replace.

• 

  This SUV is OK - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kyle2004 - April 16 - 8:32 pm

  I purchased this car 8 months ago, and I am already looking to trade it in. It was a fun car at the beginning, but with 14 mpg and 16-18 on the highway, it is not worth it. Also, my 2003 looks exactly like every other Blazer model. Not complaining, but I would have liked some exterior updates to show some kind of evolution. I will hopefully be able to get some money out of it to trade it in.

• 

  Why did i buy this? - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick - April 9 - 8:45 pm

  I bought this truck for $2,500 back in 2006. I have put money into it than what I bought it for. Brakes 3 times, and theyre going again, water pump, heater core, ABS brakes dont work, 4wd doesnt work. Seat motor died, driver side window motor is dying. Both mirrors dont work electronically. Also, I had to replace my washer fluid pump, but the back windsheild washer still doesnt work, also replaced exhaust. Also, the frame rusts and paint chips off. Bad MPG as well. Word of advice...dont ever ever ever buy one unless you have the money and patience to maintain it

• 

  Not bad but a lot of repairs - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By maddiesmom - April 2 - 7:14 pm

  We got our 2000 Blazer with a V6 vortec it has 86,000 miles on it. We put 16,000 on in 8 months. Our engine light has been on since about 1 month after we got it. Weve had to replace the front drivers side wheel baring twice, our blower moter is going, sounds like a bird in our dash. Now we are having troubles with it lagging between 1st and 2nd gear. Garage said it was most likey our tranny. Passenger seat is very hard to move back and forth. The center arm rest is all dented in, cannot put a child car seat in the middle of the back seat. Head lights are very hard to see with at night. We also had to replace something cant remember the name, but it makes a loud humming noise when starte

• 

  A Great Vehicle - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By A normal guy - April 2 - 6:23 pm

  The 1998 Blazer is one of the most reliable cars you will own. I own a 4 door LT 2WD. Mine now has over 160,000 miles and it still rides great! Its comfy(it has leather seats with electric adjustment), gets pretty good gas mileage (16-20), and is fun to drive! However, the best part about this car is its reliability. This thing hasnt broken down on me one time in 160,000 miles. It has lasted through many trips, and still works good. Its a great car.

• 

  Comfortable Ride with Poor Relability - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Melissa Martin - April 1 - 12:16 am

  Bought a clean, well maintained car in good shape with 196K and Im now at 230K. Ive replaced:heater control switch,4X4 switch, wiper delay module,complete exhaust (inc. catalytic convertor & 02 sensors), brakes & lines, EGR valve,ECM,ignition wires,cap & rotor,fuel filter & tires. The truck also needs a gas tank & sending unit,front wheel bearing and a driver side door lock. Thank god my boyfriend is a mechanic - otherwise I would hate this car. Parts-wise its costing a fortune. I bought it cheap but Im paying for it. Dont buy this car used if you want something reliable. Look to something like a Toyota Rav4, I wish I did! A comfortable but expensive ride with poor gas mileage(16-20mpg)

• 

  Almost perfect - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By surfnantucket - March 26 - 9:53 am

  Bought my Blazer in 1998 and still use as my primary vehicle. Paid $15,000 and it had 32,000 miles on it. I have replaced the transfer case, I am on my third gas tank, 1 alternator, 2 EGR valves, On my 4th fuel pump, 2 batteries, 1 heater core, 1 Engine (my fault), 2 sets of oil cooling lines, 2 front brake jobs, I now have a problem with a fuel sensor, it comes and goes, light comes on and then goes off, runs bad then runs good? Body is rusting now but thats driving up and down the beach all spring, summer and fall plus New England winters. For the most part it starts 99.9 percent of the time and holds lots of snowboards and beach stuff.