2002 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. 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 on 2-dr models, automatic only on 4 drs. 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 Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.

News

As planned, Chevy will drop remaining Blazers after the 2003 model run. Though these older SUVS have been repositioned as lower-cost alternative to the larger new upscale TrailBlazers, they're no longer essential to Chevy's overall truck business. That, plus General Motors' desire to pare its lineup for greater profitability, explains why Blazer will go away after a mostly successful 10-year run. Blazer sales were off nearly 31 percent for the first nine months of 2001, but that probably reflected a slumping economy and post-September 11th market jitters as much as the elderly basic design.

Chevy plans no direct replacement as far as we know, but could field a cost-effective entry in Blazer's price bracket by doing a bow-tie clone of the Suzuki XL-7, much as the little Tracker derives from Suzuki's Vitara, or an SUV spinoff of Chevy's redesigned S-10 pickup, being readied for 2004. The former scenario seems more likely to us, but we'll just have to wait and see.

2002 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 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Blazer's V6 isn't as strong as the '02 TrailBlazers' inline-6-cyl engine, but furnishes lively takeoffs and good midrange passing power.

Fuel Economy

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3.8

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

Ride Quality

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	3.5

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

Quietness

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4

Wind and road noise are moderate at highway speeds.

Controls

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6

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 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	6.2

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 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	5.1

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 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7.7

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 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	4.5

It's overshadowed by roomier successors and newer-design rivals, but a comfortable ride, capable engine, and regularly available discounts are Blazer assets.

Total Score

LS 2-dr 2WD, auto.	LS 4-dr 4WD, auto.	Class Average
39	43	49.5

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		49
High Score		65

2002 Chevrolet Blazer Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/15/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 2-door wagon, 2WD	$19,855	$17,969	$625

LS 2-door wagon, 4WD	$22,855	$20,684	$625

LS 4-door wagon, 2WD	$24,090	$21,801	$625

LS 4-door wagon, 4WD	$26,090	$23,611	$625

Xtreme 2-door wagon, 2WD	$21,920	$19,838	$625

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

Power steering, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat 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/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, passenger-side visor mirror, automatic headlights, variable-intermittent wipers, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rack, 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, rear defogger.

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.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
1SB Preferred Equipment Group
LS 2-door	$1,120	$963
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, floor-mounted shifter (w/automatic transmission), heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD 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 4-door	$1,550	$1,333
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, center console, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD w/automatic tone control, overhead console, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, power tailgate-window release, cargo net, deep-tinted rear glass.

1SH Preferred Equipment Group
2WD LS 4-door	$3,505	$3,014
4WD LS 4-door	$3,730	$3,208
1SC Preferred Equipment Group plus Autotrac 4WD transfer case (4WD), leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, cargo cover.

1SX Preferred Equipment Group
Xtreme	$915	$787
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, floor-mounted shifter (w/automatic transmission), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD w/automatic tone control, power tailgate window, rear wiper/washer.

1SY Preferred Equipment Group
Xtreme	$1,860	$1,600
1SX Preferred Equipment Group plus 6-way power driver seat, overhead console, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

ZR2 Wide Stance Performance Pkg.
4WD LS 2-door	$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	$210	$181
Includes platform hitch, heavy-duty flasher. 2WD models require automatic transmission. Std. Xtreme.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
LS 2-door, Xtreme	$1,000	$860


Limited-slip rear differential
LS, Xtreme	$270	$232


Autotrac 4WD transfer case
4WD LS	$225	$194


Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats
LS 4-door	$250	$215
Requires 1SH Preferred Equipment Group.

Power driver seat
LS 4-door	$240	$206
Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Power passenger seat
LS 4-door	$405	$348
Includes driver-seat memory. Requires 1SH Preferred Equipment Group.

Power sunroof
LS, Xtreme	$800	$688
Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Custom overhead console
LS 2-door, Xtreme	$147	$126
Includes compass, outside temperature indicator. Requires Preferred Equipment Group and power sunroof.

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

Remote keyless entry
LS	$170	$146
LS 2-door requires Preferred Equipment Group. LS 4-door requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS, Xtreme	$100	$86
Requires Preferred Equipment Group, automatic transmission.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LS, Xtreme	$395	$340
LS 4-door w/1SH Group	$295	$254
Requires Preferred Equipment Group, automatic transmission.

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

Cargo-management system
LS 4-door	$125	$107


Cargo cover
LS 4-door	$69	$59
Requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
LS	$115	$99
Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Gold Pkg.
Xtreme	$175	$151
Requires Hood and Tailgate stripes.

Hood and tailgate stripes
Xtreme	$125	$108


Cold Climate Pkg.
LS, 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, Xtreme	$56	$48


ZM6 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
4WD LS 2-door	$	$
Heavy-duty suspension and shock absorbers, jounce bumpers. Requires exterior spare-tire carrier, 235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires.

Exterior spare tire carrier
4WD LS 2-door	$159	$137
Includes cover. Requires 235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires.

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


235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires
4WD LS	$168	$144
2-door requires exterior spare-tire carrier.

2002 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	14/17

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

Front Impact, Driver	3	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

Rollover Resistance	2	2

Side Impact, Driver	5	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	5

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

< 2002 Chevrolet Blazer Photos

Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer Review:

Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet Blazer Road Test

Chevrolet Blazer Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Blazer Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Blazer Photos

Chevrolet Blazer Full Review

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