1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Chevrolet Blazer
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1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer ▼
- Price Range: $700 - $9,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
- Ride
- 4WD traction
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer.
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.
Our road test for the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer .
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:
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 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 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 2005 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $7,800-9,000 | $7,000-8,100 | $4,000-4,600 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $8,500-9,500 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,400-4,900 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| Blazer ZR2, Xtreme | $8,500-10,000 | $7,700-9,000 | $4,400-5,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $7,000-8,000 | $6,200-7,100 | $3,300-3,800 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| Blazer ZR2, Xtreme | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| 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 | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $6,700-7,700 | $5,900-6,800 | $3,100-3,500 |
| Blazer ZR2, Xtreme | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| 2002 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $4,300-5,300 | $3,600-4,400 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $5,100-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $4,800-5,700 | $4,000-4,800 | $1,800-2,200 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| Blazer ZR2, Xtreme | $5,000-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $3,500-4,500 | $2,800-3,600 | $900-1,200 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $4,200-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $3,900-4,800 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $4,400-5,400 | $3,700-4,500 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Blazer ZR2, Xtreme | $4,000-5,000 | $3,300-4,100 | $1,300-1,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| 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 | $3,100-4,000 | $2,400-3,100 | $700-1,000 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $3,700-4,700 | $3,000-3,800 | $1,100-1,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $2,300-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $2,900-3,900 | $2,200-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $2,600-3,500 | $1,900-2,600 | $500-700 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $3,200-4,200 | $2,500-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
| 1998 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $1,900-2,600 | $1,300-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $2,200-2,900 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $2,700-3,700 | $2,000-2,800 | $600-800 |
| 1997 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 1996 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $2,000-2,700 | $1,400-1,900 | $300-500 |
| 1995 | |||
| Blazer 2-dr 2WD | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Blazer 2-dr 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Blazer 4-dr 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Blazer 4-dr 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
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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.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Blazer |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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