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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  Great Used SUV for the Money - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
  By MICHAEL - July 27 - 6:40 pm

  This is a great auto if your income wont allow you to buy new. It is really reliable. Ive had some minor repairs, but nothing that broke the bank. It is a dream to drive in the winter in 4x4 mode! I have not fears of letting my girlfriend drive it in the snow! When my finance allow me to..I will buy another one...new!

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  Shocked it was made by Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Xtreme Blaze - July 13 - 8:34 pm

  I was surprised Chevy could pull something like this out of their minds. I enjoyed it from the second I drove it off the lot. Driver functions in ease with radio station changing to finding a spot to park.

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  Pleasure of having owned 1999 Blazer LS - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By eileen wolf - July 10 - 4:23 pm

  Have been extremely satisfied with performance, with most miles from long trips. It is solid, safe and most comfortable and has served me well since time of purchase. I have replaced water pump, had larger battery installed and new cables over the past two years. Also, two years had the four original tires replaced with identical issue, and U-Haul hitch installed, but only because I had planned a one time 600 mile trailering trip. At my age, I nolonger have need of a V-6 engine and the cargo space utilized in my travels. I have been the only driver of this vehicle.

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  Excelent Vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Job Taker - April 9 - 4:38 pm

  I have owned this truck for a little under a year. I have put nearly 11,000 miles on this with no problems. Great power band very smooth for an SUV. Very capable off road, but still refined enough that you wont look dumb at nice events either. When you step on the gas its very quiet inside but it sounds very nice outside. Most people think of the Blazer as a slow rig, I can tell you its not!

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  This Truck is the Greatest - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By CHEVY FOR LIFE - March 16 - 8:32 pm

  Havent had truck that long, had a few simple fixes (blinkers, rear windsheild wiper motor) and engine has a high idle when at operating temp. Other than that I love that little truck and it packs a lot more power than Explorers. They have no power whatsoever. My Dad has a 93 with 280,000 and tranny just began to slip in overdrive. Amazing trucks

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  The new great small SUV - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By docdre - March 8 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this SUV used in 2001 with less than 20k on it. Other than normal maintenance its been a great SUV to own. Great in the snow and ice and take it fishing on the beach as well and never have a problem. Like any self respecting American car you have a few rattles here and there but overall it has held up better than I ever imagined. I now have 95K on it and other than normal wear I have had nothing but great luck. The paint has held up exceptionally well although I do wax it up 3 times a year. I hope to keep this puppy until it has over 200k on it! Chevy tough!

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  Only Americants for me - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By My Country, My Truck - March 3 - 11:17 am

  90,000 miles and still going strong. Blazer has some competion though, my 86 S-10 is still going at 175,000 miles. I wanted a full size truck but will be happy hauling the family, plowing through the snow and pulling the camper with this little powerhouse ... for now. Of course gas mileage isnt as good as my Cavalier. Its a truck. Even if I could get 50 mpg I sure I would want 51. Fuel pump went out, 1 rear speaker and passenger seat lever went out. All three under warranty. Nice to see GM has increased warranty to 5 years/100,000 miles. Must be pretty confidant.

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  Excellent - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Linda & Charles - February 4 - 12:02 pm

  Driving the Blazer has been a blast. We purchased the Blazer in Oct, 2006 for mainly a vacation vehicle. But once we got into it and really started driving it around we fell in love. It is great on long distance trips as well as short trips to the grocery store. I hoping that you never discontinue this model because we have decided in a couple of years that we are going to trade in one of your other vehicles on a Chevy Blazer. We own all Chevys one is 47 years old and still runs like a champ. As a old fast lover Chevys. You have once again renewed my faith in Chevy. Thank you so much. It will always be a huge plus to own and drive a Chevy.

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  Love it - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By loonytoony - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems at all. I guess regular check ups help. Even get free oil changes since I bring it in regular.

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  Gotta love the ZR2 - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Schlact2004 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Well, first off being 17 years old, i do know a lot about cars. My father is a car dealer. We researched this car for a long time, compared it to other cars, and test drove many. The ZR2 by far was the best in reliability, engine power, and safety. My parents wanted me to drive something new, and safe. My 2002 ZR2 is a great buy, and I have had ZERO trouble with it. Hopefully if you want something that rides great, is very stylish, and can take you wherever you want to go, you will take my advice and choose the Chevrolet Blazer ZR2.