1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet Tahoe. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet Tahoe.

1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Review

Chevy's full-size Blazer 4-wheel-drive sport utility and its GMC Yukon counterpart were redesigned for 1992. Passenger capacity rose from five to six. Wheelbase grew by five inches, overall length by three. A 2-door wagon was again the only body style, with a tailgate and top-hinged window at the rear. Standard antilock brakes now worked on all four wheels, in both 2- and 4-wheel drive. Only one engine was available: a 5.7-liter gasoline V8, delivering 210 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox replaced the 4-speed unit, with 4-speed automatic again optional. All models had Insta-Trac 4WD.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Chevrolet Tahoe: An electronically controlled automatic transmission went into '93 Blazers, and claimed to deliver smoother and more-precise shifts.

1994 Chevrolet Tahoe: A turbodiesel V8 engine option arrived in 1994. Side-door guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp were installed. The 2-door wagon was still the only Blazer body style.

1995 Chevrolet Tahoe: Chevrolet's version changed its name from Blazer to Tahoe, and a driver-side airbag was installed. A 4-door wagon arrived in spring 1995, available with either 2- or 4-wheel drive. The 4-door model rode a wheelbase six inches longer and measured 10.6 inches longer overall. The standard V8 dropped ten horsepower, to 210.

1996 Chevrolet Tahoe: The standard 5.7-liter V8 jumped from 200 to 250 horsepower for '96, when daytime running lights were installed. No more manual-shift Tahoes were available as all had a 4-speed automatic. A 2WD 2-door model joined the lineup, so both the 2-door and 4-door could have either 2WD or 4WD. A newly optional electronic transfer case allowed switching between 2WD and 4WD by touching dashboard buttons.

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe: A passenger-side airbag went into '97 models. Also, a new center console was included with bucket seats, and contained a fold out writing surface. The 5.7-liter V8 gained five horsepower.

1998 Chevrolet Tahoe: Tahoe's big news is a full-time 4WD system. Called Autotrac, the newly optional system allows the use of 4WD on any surface.

1999 Chevrolet Tahoe: The '99 Tahoe arrived early in 1998, but there were no changes.

2000 Chevrolet Tahoe: Chevrolet redesigned the Tahoe for 2000, with new V8 engines. However, specialty versions of the 1995-99 vintage Tahoes remained, sold alongside the all-new 2000 models. The Tahoe Limited and Z71 remained available only through part of the year. Both used the 5.7-liter, 255-horsepower V8. The Z71 featured off-road-oriented equipment, including Autotrac 4-wheel drive. The style-conscious Limited came only with rear-wheel drive and was built around police-package equipment.

1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Road Test

Pros	Cons

Driver-side and dual airbags (later models)	Fuel economy

Acceleration (5.7-liter)	Ride (2-door)

Passenger and cargo room	Entry/exit (2-door and 4WD)

Ride

Trailer-towing capability

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Blazers and their Tahoe successors are brawny but civilized, both on-road and off. Acceleration with Blazer/Tahoe gasoline V8s ranks as robust, and these models can pull a heavy trailer with ease. As for economy, an early 2-door Tahoe averaged 12.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Vortec engines of 1996-97 might be a bit more frugal. A 4-door 4WD returned 14.3 mpg. Road behavior isn't bad, though body lean is still noticeable--but not as much as in earlier models. When loaded, at least, the big Blazer handles rough pavement with less bouncing and pitching than before. Unladen, the tail still tends to judder sideways over closely spaced bumps. Steering is a bit overassisted, but precise, and this version is quieter on the road than its predecessors. Step-up into the interior isn't as high as before, and you get plenty of space for three abreast, with bountiful head and leg room. Dashboards have easy-to-read gauges and handy controls. Rear doors of the 4-door create unprecedented access to the back seat, but door openings are narrow at the bottom, and step-in height is tall. Cargo room in the 4-door benefits from the under-chassis location of the spare tire. Three-door models carry their spares inside.

Value for the Money
Sure, a compact sport utility is more sensible and economical for everyday driving. But if you require real muscle, especially for towing, try the 4-door Tahoe and also Ford's Expedition.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door 5.7-liter	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	5

Total:	50

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: Automatic transmissions may suffer harsh or shuddering shifts between first and second or may buzz or vibrate in park or neutral. (1992)

Climate control: The temperature-control lever may slide from hot to cold, usually when the blower is on high speed. (1992-94)

Dashboard lights: The oil-pressure gauge may read high, move erratically, or not work because the oil-pressure sensor is defective. (1990-93)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Transmission leak: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$555

Alternator	$220

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$750

Brakes	$260

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$730

Exhaust System	$380

Radiator	$650

Shocks and/or Struts	$340

Timing Chain or Belt	$415

Universal Joints	$225

NHTSA Recall History

1992 Blazer: Rotor sections may separate due to corrosion, resulting in loss of braking ability in the affected wheel.

1992-94 Blazer: The ABS switch can malfunction causing increased stopping distances while in 2-wheel-drive mode.

1993 Blazer: Vehicle may move unintentionally due to excessive wear to the low and reverse clutch.

1994 Blazer: Tow-hitch attaching bolts were not tightened to standard and could allow the hitch and trailer to separate from the vehicle when towing.

1995 w/M30/MT1 automatic transmission: When shift lever is placed in "Park" position, its indicator light may not illuminate.

1995-96 w/gasoline engine: Throttle cable may contact dash mat and bind; engine speed might then not return to idle.

1997: During a severe crash, seat belt buckles with an energy absorbing loop may malfunction, leading to full or partial ejection from the vehicle. Dealer will inspect and replace affected buckles.

1998 C10706: Rear brake line can contact left front fender wheelhouse inner panel; a hole could be worn in brake line, allowing loss of fluid and reducing rear-brake effectiveness.

1998: Lower steering pinch bolt may be "finger loose" or missing, resulting in off-center steering wheel or separation of shaft from steering gear.

1998: On some vehicles, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.

1999 Blazer: Seatbelts may not meet locking requirements, leaving occupants improperly restrained in a crash.

1999-00 Tahoe: In a crash, right front-passenger restraint systems may not meet neck extension requirements.

2000 Tahoe: Airbag sensing module may have an anomaly that could keep the airbags from deploying in a collision.

2000 Tahoe: Loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs could allow noxious gases to enter the cabin.

1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Blazer 4WD	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1993
Blazer 4WD	$2,200-2,900	$1,600-2,100	$400-600

1994
Blazer 4WD	$2,600-3,500	$1,900-2,600	$500-700

1995
Tahoe 4WD	$3,400-4,200	$2,700-3,300	$900-1,100
Tahoe LS, LT 2WD	$3,000-3,800	$2,300-2,900	$700-900
Tahoe LS, LT 4WD	$3,600-4,500	$2,900-3,600	$1,000-1,300

1996
Tahoe 2WD	$3,200-3,800	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000
Tahoe 4WD	$3,800-4,600	$3,100-3,800	$1,200-1,400
Tahoe LS, LT 2WD	$3,400-4,500	$2,700-3,600	$900-1,200
Tahoe LS, LT 4WD	$4,000-4,800	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1997
Tahoe 2WD	$3,700-4,400	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300
Tahoe 4WD	$4,300-5,200	$3,600-4,300	$1,500-1,800
Tahoe LS, LT 2WD	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500
Tahoe LS, LT 4WD	$4,800-5,600	$4,000-4,700	$1,800-2,100

1998
Tahoe 2WD	$4,300-5,000	$3,600-4,200	$1,500-1,700
Tahoe 4WD	$4,900-5,800	$4,200-4,900	$1,900-2,300
Tahoe LS, LT 2WD	$4,700-5,700	$3,900-4,800	$1,800-2,200
Tahoe LS, LT 4WD	$5,700-6,700	$4,900-5,800	$2,300-2,700

1999
Tahoe 2WD	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400
Tahoe 4WD	$6,000-7,000	$5,200-6,100	$2,500-2,900
Tahoe LS, LT 2WD	$5,700-7,000	$4,900-6,000	$2,300-2,900
Tahoe LS, LT 4WD	$6,800-7,900	$6,100-7,000	$3,200-3,700

2000
Tahoe Limited	$7,800-8,600	$7,000-7,700	$4,000-4,400
Tahoe Z71	$8,700-9,600	$7,800-8,600	$4,500-5,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	111.5	117.5

Overall Length, in.	188.5	199.1

Overall Width, in.	77.1	76.4

Overall Height, in.	72.4	70.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4731	5134

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	99.4	122.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	30.0	30.5

Seating Capacity	6	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.9	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.4	36.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The Blazer's 5.7-liter V8 developed 210 horsepower. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available. A 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 joined for 1994, rated 180 horsepower. For 1995, the gasoline V8 dropped 10 horsepower. In '96, it gained 50 horsepower; then five more the next year.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	210	300-310	5-speed manual: 12/16 4-speed automatic: 12/15	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 12.5

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	250-255	330-335	4-speed automatic: 13/17	4-speed automatic: 14.3

Turbodiesel ohv V8	6.5 / 400	180	360	4-speed automatic: 15/18	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1997 Blazer	1997 Blazer

Front Impact, Driver	3	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Mexico, USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-2000 Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Review:

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Road Test

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Reliability

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Prices

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Photos

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe Full Review