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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  My Blazer - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kelley - June 9 - 10:33 pm

  I love my truck. Its 4wd so I can go off road. The miles that I have put on it are from driving from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC before and after my two deployments to Iraq. So I do a lot of freeway driving. And it pulls my trailer with no problem at all. The only thing that I have ever had go wrong with my truck was my mom ran over a stump one time in a field and dented the gas tank but that wasnt that much to fix. All in all I love my truck. and I realy dont want to get rid of it but I want a newer vehicle just like everyone on this earth does.

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  Update to Old Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Old Reliable - May 11 - 3:36 pm

  Old Reliable now has 114,500 miles and still no major problems only routine stuff like battery and oil and filter changes. Had a tune up at 90K although vehicle was running fine. I finally had to have to rear brakes done at 95K but the fronts are still OK and original! Replaced tires at 84K although tread was adequate but with rainy weather coming bought Goodyear Aqua Tred 3. Great tires! Recently got 23 mpg on trip to Jacksonville, Fl and back. Paint and interior still looks great (garage kept) and no other complaints. Believe it or not this is probably the most reliable vehicle I have owned including Nissan, Toyota and Accura.

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  2004 Chevrolet Blazer LS - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By GemballaCaymanGTR400 - April 4 - 6:49 pm

  So far no problems. Nice SUV. Excellent ride, performance, fuel economy. If you do the service when its supposed to be done then your blazer will last forever.For all you Blazer owners, just remeber these few words. Respect the Blazer. They have been making these great vehicles for about 50 years. Treat it like you would treat your child. I wash mine 4 days a week. bring it to the park 2 days a week. when she needs love i give it to her. she treats me well so I treat her well. she is my pride and joy.

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  No problems - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By nceguy - February 18 - 11:19 pm

  In 70k miles Ive made one $120 repair. And Ive driven repeatedly over several mountains over 11,000 feet elevation in New Mexico where the terrain is anything but friendly. What more could I ask for a vehicle that is as affordable as this one. Especially for someone who actually uses an SUV as an SUV and not just a gas hog.

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  What I never knew! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Michael O - January 26 - 10:39 pm

  Here I am in the 40s ownering the best of the best, meaning Ive always believed foreign cars were the best no matter what it was. So after the last foreign vehicle I experience (Isuzu) with breaking down and losing time from work, finally decided to buy American! And let me tell you what a different, the ride the performance the look the feeling and very proud of owning an american builded suv s-10 blazer 4wd zr2. Going on 3.5 years strong and recommend it to anyone whos planning on buying a car or truck!

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  I Love my SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By M.H. - January 3 - 12:47 pm

  Just bought this with all the "bells and whistles" last month. No problems yet. I love it. Very comfortable, great power, and roomy. Exactly what we were looking for. I wanted a minivan and hubby wanted a pick up so this was the perfect compromise.

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  Skeptical at first but then... - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By sjk - December 30 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this car after a few years with a sports sedan. Obviously lacking in power and acceleration but wins you over with its comfort and smoothness. I drive long to work and back and this car allows me to kick back and enjoy at least 2-3 hours of my day. Fully loaded doesnt miss anything except a navigation system and perhaps a remote starter. Love this vehicle even though at first I was very skeptical about buying it. Good choice for a first- time SUV buyer.

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  Able SUV - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By andy - December 22 - 3:15 am

  The Blazer 2dr SUV is a tight, comfortable and able SUV for the money. It has a very able tow rating of 3500 lbs, comes with the factory hitch and plenty of horsepower to do the job. Even though my Blazer was purchased 4 years old it is still a very tight body with no wind noise and excellent handling.

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  Works for me! - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By aiwn - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had absolutely no problems with my 00 Blazer. Its been very reliable since I got it. The interior is very functional and laid out to my liking. Engine has plenty of pep. The exterior has held up so far and its looks are better than other mid-size SUVs. Chevy trucks are almost always a good bet. Ive got a year left on my lease and Im probably going to miss this truck as I dont think there will be any Blazers left to lease now that the Trailblazer is available. Id buy this one, but the residual is way too high, which is how I got the great lease deal! I hope that Chevy can find a way to keep them around.

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  S-10 Blazer 1997 - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick - December 7 - 10:29 am

  The Blazer I drive has 205,000 miles and still runing strong with the original engine and transmission. I use synthetic Mobil 1 in it since 22,000miles.