2001 Chevrolet Blazer Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

With the debut of the 2002 TrailBlazer, the 1995-vintage Blazer is repositioned as a lower-priced companion to Chevrolet's larger, more-powerful new SUV. Blazer will be sold at least through 2003, though the similar GMC Jimmy has been discontinued. Blazer offers 2- and 4-dr models with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or General Motors' Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. A 4.3-liter V6 is the only engine and comes with automatic or manual transmission. ABS is standard. The Xtreme is a 2WD 2-dr with low-riding sport suspension, unique 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, and special trim and cladding.

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 Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.

News

Despite the arrival of the larger upscale TrailBlazer, Chevy plans to keep some of the older midsize Blazers through 2003 to counter the Ford Escape, Jeep's 2002 Liberty, Nissan Xterra, and other lower-priced midsize and compact SUVs. To avoid encroaching on TrailBlazer's market, offerings will be pared to lower-trim 2- and 4-dr models, likely with more aggressive "value" pricing and a much shorter options list. Appearance and mechanical changes will be few, if any.

What Chevy does after '03 is anyone's guess. Blazer could be replaced by a bow-tie clone of the recently introduced Suzuki XL-7, the stretched version of the Chevy Tracker/Suzuki Vitara wagon. Or Chevy could spin off a new low-end compact SUV from the redesigned S-10 pickup being readied for 2004. Whatever Chevy's decision, it will not be made lightly. Despite an elderly basic design, Blazer scored some 226,000 sales in calendar 2000, down about 3 percent from '99 but still a hefty chunk of business that Chevy can't afford to fumble.

2001 Chevrolet Blazer Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat comfort

Cargo room	Fuel economy

	Rear-seat entry/exit (2-door)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Proven V6 isn't as strong as the '02 models' engine, but furnishes lively takeoffs and good midrange passing power.

Fuel Economy

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3.7

About par for 6-cyl midsize SUVs: around 16.5 mpg overall in our tests.

Ride Quality

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	4	3.8

Not as comfortable as the TrailBlazer, but smoother than most truck-based midsize SUVs.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Firm steering, adequate stopping ability, and good overall handling.

Quietness

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Wind and road noise are moderate at highway speeds.

Controls

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Large, clear gauges. High-mounted audio and climate controls are easy to reach. Outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and, at night, by dark tinted rear windows. Lots of plastic detracts from cabin decor.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Seats are too soft for ideal support, and a floor hump intrudes into passenger foot space. Not as spacious as TrailBlazer or the '02 Ford Explorer, but adequately roomy.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	4.4

Head clearance is good, but leg room is stingy and seat is hard and too short to provide much comfort. Small door openings spell subpar entry/exit even in 4-dr models.

Cargo Room

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Only midsize SUV to offer two tailgate styles, both with independently opening upper glass. We prefer the liftgate to avoid stretching over a drop-down tailgate to reach into the cargo hold.

Value within Class

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	4.2

Overshadowed by roomier successors and newer-design rivals, but comfortable ride, capable engine, and regularly available discounts are Blazer assets.

Total Score

LS 2WD, auto.	LT 4WD, auto.	Class Average
40	43	47.3

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		47
High Score		64

2001 Chevrolet Blazer Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/22/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 2-door wagon, 2WD	$19,170	$17,349	$600

LS 2-door wagon, 4WD	$22,170	$20,064	$600

LS 4-door wagon, 2WD	$24,905	$22,539	$600

LS 4-door wagon, 4WD	$26,905	$24,349	$600

Xtreme 2-door wagon, 2WD	$21,235	$19,218	$600

LT 4-door wagon, 2WD	$27,060	$24,489	$600

LT 4-door wagon, 4WD	$29,260	$26,480	$600

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

4.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission (2-door), 4-speed automatic transmission w/column shift (4-door).

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Variable-assist power steering, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/manual lumbar adjustment (2-door), front console (2-door), split front bench seat with storage armrest (4-door), cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, passenger-side visor mirror, automatic headlights, variable intermittent wipers, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rack, dual outside mirrors, tailgate, 6-lead trailer wiring harness.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare tire, 235/70R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.

Xtreme adds to LS 2-door:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Color-keyed body cladding, fog lights, deep-tinted glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Heavy-duty trailer hitch, lowered sport suspension, 235/60R16 tires.

LT adds to LS 4-door:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, overhead console, compass, outside temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, power liftgate release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Liftgate/liftglass, deep-tinted rear glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
1SB Preferred Equipment Group
LS 2-door	$1,200	$1,032
LS 4-door	$1,050	$903
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, power tailgate window release, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside moldings (4WD).

1SC Preferred Equipment Group
LS 2-door	$2,300	$1,978
LS 4-door	$1,450	$1,247
1SB Preferred Equipment Group plus remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead console, compass, outside temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

1SX Preferred Equipment Group
Xtreme	$995	$856
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control, power tailgate window, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

1SY Preferred Equipment Group
Xtreme	$2,040	$1,754
1SX Preferred Equipment Group plus remote keyless entry, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM/CD player, overhead console, compass, outside temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

1SE Preferred Equipment Group
LT	$1,000	$860
Leather upholstery, automatic climate control, liftgate/liftglass.

1SF Preferred Equipment Group
LT	$1,900	$1,634
1SE Preferred Equipment Group plus driver seat memory, 8-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night driver-side mirror, trip computer, universal garage door opener, fog lights.

Power sunroof/Bose sound system discount
LS, Xtreme, LT (credit)	$-500	$-430
Requires power sunroof and Bose sound system. LS, Xtreme require Preferred Equipment Group.

ZR2 Wide Stance Performance Pkg.
2-door 4WD	$2,000	$1,720
Heavy-duty wide stance chassis, heavy-duty suspension, raised ride height, Bilstein shock absorbers, Shield Pkg., heavy-duty differential gears and axles, fender flares.

Trailering Special Equipment
LS, LT	$210	$181
Includes platform hitch, heavy-duty flasher. 2WD models require automatic transmission. Std. Xtreme.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
LS 2-door	$1,000	$860
Xtreme includes floor shifter when order w/1SX or 1SY Groups.

Locking rear differential
LS, LT, Xtreme	$270	$232


Autotrac 4WD transfer case
LS 4WD	$225	$194
Std. LT.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats
LT	$250	$215
Requires 1SF Preferred Equipment Group.

Power sunroof
LS, LT, Xtreme	$800	$688
LS 2-door, Xtreme require Preferred Equipment Group.

Custom overhead console
LS 2-door, Xtreme	$147	$126
Includes compass, outside temperature indicator. LS requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group. Xtreme requires 1SX Preferred Equipment Group.

Deluxe overhead console
LS 2-door, Xtreme	$332	$286
LS 4-door	$130	$112
Includes universal garage door opener, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors (2-door). LS requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group. Xtreme requires 1SY Preferred Equipment Group.

AM/FM/CD player
LS 4-door, Xtreme	$100	$86
LS, Xtreme require Preferred Equipment Group.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS w/1SB Group	$200	$172
LS 2-door w/1SC Group, LT	$100	$86
Requires automatic transmission.

6-disc CD changer
LS, LT, Xtreme	$395	$340
Requires AM/FM/cassette, automatic transmission. LS 4-door requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group. Xtreme requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Bose sound system
LS, LT, Xtreme	$495	$426
NA with AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Requires automatic transmission. LS 4-door requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group. Xtreme requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Steering-wheel radio controls
LS, LT, Xtreme	$125	$108
LS, Xtreme require automatic transmission, Preferred Equipment Group.

Cargo management system
4-door	$125	$107


Cargo cover
LS 4-door	$69	$59
Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
LS 2-door 2WD, LS 4-door, LT	$115	$99
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Rear liftgate/liftglass
LS 4-door	$0	$0
Requires a Preferred Equipment Group.

Tailgate
LT	$0	$0


Special paint
4-door	$95	$82


Cold Climate Pkg.
LS, LT, Xtreme	$90	$77
Includes heavy duty battery, engine block heater.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Shield Pkg.
4WD	$126	$108
Includes transfer case and front differential skid plates, fuel tank and steering linkage shields.

Heavy-duty battery
LS, LT, Xtreme	$56	$48


Exterior spare tire carrier
4WD LS 2-door	$159	$137
Includes cover.

235/70R15 white-letter tires
LS, LT	$133	$114


235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires
4WD LS, 4WD LT	$168	$144

2001 Chevrolet Blazer Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Blazer 2-door wagon	Chevrolet Blazer 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	100.5	107.0

Overall Length, in.	177.3	183.3

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.8

Overall Height, in.	64.7	64.6

Curb Weight, lbs.	3848	4049

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	60.6	67.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	4	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.6	36.3

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

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.3 /262

Horsepower @ rpm.	190 @ 4400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	250 @ 2800

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	15/18

4-speed automatic	15/20

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Blazer 2-door wagon	Chevrolet Blazer 4-door wagon

Collision	3	4

Collision (HLDI)	104	77

Front Impact, Driver	NA	3

Front Impact, Passenger	NA	4

Injury	3	4

Injury (HLDI)	85	74

Side Impact, Driver	NA	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	NA	5

Theft	3	3

Theft (HLDI)	114	94

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2001 Chevrolet Blazer Photos

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Chevrolet Blazer Road Test

Chevrolet Blazer Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Blazer Specs & Safety

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