2000 Chevrolet Blazer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet's midsize SUV alters its 2000 lineup as it prepares for an early 2002-model-year redesign. Blazer drops base-trim models, leaving 2-door wagons in LS trim and 4-doors in LS, LT, and top-line TrailBlazer form. The 2-door's carried-over ZR2 package includes an elevated off-road suspension. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 2-doors. Automatic is optional on 2-doors and standard on 4-doors. All use a 190-horsepower V6 and offer rear-wheel drive or extra-cost 4-wheel drive. LTs and TrailBlazers get General Motors' Autotrac system, which can be used on dry pavement and automatically engages the front axle only when needed. Other 4x4s have GM's Insta-Trac, which is for use only on slippery surfaces. Both systems provide high- and low-range 4WD gearing.
For 2000, the Premium Ride suspension with its gas-charged shock absorbers is standard on all models. No-cost options now include the softer Smooth Ride suspension for 4-doors and the tauter Solid Smooth Ride setup for 2-doors. An in-dash CD player is added to uplevel audio options. GM's OnStar assistance system is available on LT and TrailBlazer, where it is standard.
Blazer is built from the same design as the GMC Jimmy and the Oldsmobile Bravada. All three are being redesigned for release as '02 models starting in early 2001. The new versions will be slightly larger and will offer an inline-6-cylinder engine.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.