1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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

1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Review

Chevrolet redesigned its compact sport utility for 1995, giving it new sheetmetal and a driver-side airbag. Overall length increased more than four inches; width by 2.4 inches. Instead of S10 Blazer, the name became Blazer. Similar to the GMC Jimmy, Blazers came in 2- and 4-door wagon body styles with either rear-wheel drive or on-demand, part-time 4-wheel drive. This 4WD setup is not intended for use on dry pavement. Permanently engaged 4WD became available in mid-1995, optional on the LT edition only. Both body styles came in base and LS price levels, but top-of-the-line LT trim was reserved for the 4-door. A 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 was the sole engine at first, hooked to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. Full-time 4-wheel antilock brakes returned as standard.

Year to Year Changes

1996 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: The Blazer's initial engine was replaced by a same-size Vortec V6 with five fewer horses for '96. Daytime running lights and a 5-speed manual-transmission option for 2-door Blazers became available later in the model year.

1997 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: New items for '97 included an available one-piece liftgate, a floor-mounted gearshift for the automatic transmission in models with bucket seats, and an optional power sunroof. The permanently engaged 4WD system, optional on the LT model, gained 4-wheel disc brakes. A special off-road edition of the 2-door 4WD became available. Called the Wide-Stance Sport Performance Package, it offered higher ground clearance, firmer shock absorbers, a wider stance, and larger tires.

1998 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: A revised interior with Blazer's first passenger-side airbag and the addition of standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes highlight the changes to the 1998 Blazer.

1999 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Autotrac was a newly available full-time 4WD system. It could be used on any surface. Chevy also added the 4-door TrailBlazer model in both 2- and 4WD. TrailBlazers had gold-accented exterior trim, alloy wheels, 2-tone leather interior, and, on 4WD models, Autotrac.

2000 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Blazer dropped its base-trim models, leaving 2-door wagons in LS form and 4-doors in LS, LT, and top-line TrailBlazer trim. Chevrolet claimed that internal changes made the Blazer's V6 engine quieter and smoother than before. The Premium Ride suspension with its gas-charged shock absorbers was standard on all 2000 models. No-cost options now included the softer Smooth Ride setup for 4-doors and the tauter Solid Smooth Ride for 2-doors. An in-dash CD player was added to the Blazer's uplevel audio options.

2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: The Xtreme, a 2WD 2-dr with low-riding sport suspension, unique 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, and special trim and cladding, was added for 2001.

2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: There were no significant changes for 2002.

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Two-and four-door models continue alongside the new Trailblazer. In midyear, 2WD versions got rear drum brakes in a cost-cutting move.

2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: There were no significant changes in '04.

2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Chevy consigns 4-dr Blazers to the fleet market for 2005, leaving retail buyers with an unchanged 2-dr model. 2005 is Blazer's last year.

1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Rear-seat comfort

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room

Ride

4WD traction

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is above average for a sport utility, livelier than a V6 Explorer from a standstill, with stronger passing power. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission pauses a moment before downshifting. Naturally, too, the Blazer's V6 cannot hope to match an Explorer's V8 when hitting the gas pedal hard. Fuel economy wins no prizes. A long-term test of a 4-door 4WD Blazer averaged 15.2 mpg. A variety of suspension choices have been offered, tailoring the ride from off-road firm to suburban-street soft. Of all the suspension packages available, we prefer the "premium ride" version, which absorbs most bumps easily and produces a comfortable, stable highway ride. In fact, that Blazer rides more like a car than a truck. Blazers actually steer and handle much like a midsize sedan. Body lean is moderate in tight corners. Steering feels more precise than on the old S10 Blazer. Stopping power is adequate, though our test vehicle suffered a mushy brake-pedal feel, as well as substantial nosedive in quick stops. Things improved with the 4-wheel disc brakes on the '98 model. Passenger space is about the same as before. That translates to good room for four adults in both body styles. In a pinch, five or even six can fit into the bigger 4-door. However, the rear seat has a short, hard backrest--bolt upright and uncomfortable. Cargo room is ample, improved in the 4-door by mounting the spare tire beneath the rear end. Visibility is fine in the 4-door, but obstructed by the 3-door's sloped roof pillars as well as the spare tire. The modern-looking dashboard has clear gauges and easy-to-use controls. Power window and lock buttons are large and helpfully backlit. The climate system uses rotary switches for selecting mode and temperature. Some engine roar remains in hard acceleration, but road and wind noise now are well-muffled, ranking as moderate.

Value for the Money
Blazers are competitive with the Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee in most areas, and beat them on price when new. Good buys also can be found in the secondhand market.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet Blazer 4WD 4-door	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	3

Total:	43

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.

1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer 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.

Air conditioner: The HVAC system mode switch gets stuck in the vent position as oil gets into the control head as a result of a leaking vacuum switch on the transfer case and a redesigned switch is available. (2001-03)

Engine misfire: The powertrain control module may cause a lack of power, early upshifts, late shifting in the 4WD-Low range. (1996)

Engine noise: Exhaust valves may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad. (1996)

Engine noise: Engine knock at startup is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. However, GM has revised PROMs and may even replace the main bearings if no other solution is found. (1995)

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	$520

Alternator	$225

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$850

Brakes	$220

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$410

Timing Chain or Belt	$230

Universal Joints	$270

NHTSA Recall History

1995 w/4WD: A few upper ball-joint nuts were undertorqued; stud can loosen and fracture, resulting in loss of steering control.

1995 w/air conditioning: Fan-blade rivets can break and allow blade to separate from hub.

1995: Brake-pedal bolt on some vehicles might disengage, causing loss of braking.

1995-96 w/4WD and ABS: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.

1995-96 w/4WD and ABS: Under certain conditions, stopping distances in 2WD mode could be excessive.

1995-96 w/AWD/4WD: During development testing, prop shaft contacted inboard side of fuel tank, rupturing the tank; fuel leakage was beyond permissible level.

1995-96: Windshield wipers may work intermittently.

1996-97 2-door w/manual-locking recliner bucket seats: Outboard seatbelt webbing can separate during frontal impact.

1996-97: Failure of an upper and lower control-arm ball-joint assembly could occur due to corrosion, resulting in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension.

1996-97: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1997: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998 w/4WD or AWD: On a few vehicles, one or both attaching nuts for lower control arm could separate from frame, resulting in loss of control.

1998: Daytime running lights do not meet FMVSS No. 108 requirements.

1998: Fatigue fracture of rear-axle brake pipe can occur, causing slow fluid leak and resulting in soft brake pedal; if pipe breaks, driver would face sudden loss of rear-brake performance.

2000 w/2WD: On certain vehicles, right-hand ABS module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts could have been tightened improperly; seal could have been broken, causing leakage and increasing stopping distance.

2000-01: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

2000-02: Brake lights and rear hazard flashers may fail if the multifunction switch develops an open-circuit condition.

1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$1,700-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$300
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$1,400-2,100	$900-1,300	$200-300
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$2,000-2,700	$1,400-1,900	$300-500

1996
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$2,100-2,700	$1,500-1,900	$400-500
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$1,800-2,500	$1,200-1,700	$300-400
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$2,400-3,300	$1,700-2,400	$500-700

1997
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$1,900-2,600	$1,300-1,800	$300-400
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$2,200-3,000	$1,600-2,100	$400-600
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$2,800-3,800	$2,100-2,900	$600-800

1998
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$2,300-3,100	$1,700-2,200	$400-600
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$3,000-3,800	$2,300-2,900	$700-900
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$2,600-3,600	$1,900-2,700	$500-800
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$3,300-4,300	$2,600-3,400	$800-1,100

1999
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$2,800-3,800	$2,100-2,900	$600-800
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$3,500-4,600	$2,800-3,700	$900-1,200
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$3,100-4,200	$2,400-3,300	$700-1,000
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$3,700-4,800	$3,000-3,900	$1,100-1,400

2000
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$3,500-4,400	$2,800-3,500	$900-1,200
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$4,500-5,600	$3,700-4,600	$1,600-2,000
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$3,900-4,800	$3,200-3,900	$1,200-1,500
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$4,800-5,800	$4,000-4,900	$1,800-2,200

2001
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$4,300-5,400	$3,600-4,500	$1,500-1,800
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$5,000-6,200	$4,300-5,300	$2,000-2,500
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$4,800-5,700	$4,000-4,800	$1,800-2,200
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$5,600-6,700	$4,800-5,800	$2,300-2,700
Blazer ZR2, Xtreme	$5,500-6,500	$4,700-5,600	$2,300-2,700

2002
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$5,300-6,300	$4,600-5,400	$2,200-2,600
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$6,200-7,200	$5,400-6,300	$2,700-3,100
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$6,000-7,000	$5,200-6,100	$2,500-2,900
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$6,800-7,800	$6,100-6,900	$3,200-3,700
Blazer ZR2, Xtreme	$6,700-7,700	$5,900-6,800	$3,100-3,500

2003
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$6,500-7,600	$5,700-6,700	$2,900-3,400
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$7,600-8,600	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$7,700-8,700	$6,900-7,800	$3,900-4,400
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$8,600-9,600	$7,700-8,600	$4,500-5,000
Blazer ZR2, Xtreme	$8,000-9,300	$7,200-8,400	$4,100-4,700

2004
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$8,000-9,200	$7,200-8,300	$4,100-4,700
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$9,200-10,300	$8,300-9,300	$4,800-5,400
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$9,500-10,500	$8,600-9,500	$4,900-5,500
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100
Blazer ZR2, Xtreme	$9,500-11,000	$8,600-9,900	$4,900-5,700

2005
Blazer 2-dr 2WD	$10,000-11,300	$9,000-10,200	$5,200-5,900
Blazer 2-dr 4WD	$11,500-12,700	$10,400-11,400	$6,300-7,000
Blazer 4-dr 2WD	$11,600-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,400-6,900
Blazer 4-dr 4WD	$13,000-14,200	$11,800-12,900	$7,500-8,200

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.

1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	100.5	107.0

Overall Length, in.	174.7	181.2

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.8

Overall Height, in.	66.9	67.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3867	4071

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	66.9	74.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	19.0

Seating Capacity	4	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3	36.2

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

A 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 was the sole engine at first, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Vortec V6 introduced in 1996 developed five fewer horsepower and 10 fewer pound-feet of torque (peaking at lower rpm than before). Not until late in the 1996 model year did a 5-speed manual transmission become available, in 2-door models, as a credit option.

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

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	190-195	250-260	5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 16/21	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.2

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Blazer	1999 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: USA

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

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Also in the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer Review:

Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet Blazer Road Test

Chevrolet Blazer Reliability

Chevrolet Blazer Prices

Chevrolet Blazer Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Blazer Photos

Chevrolet Blazer Full Review