1987 Chevrolet Blazer Tahoe review from North America

Engine had been rebuilt when I bought it.

A/C system had previously been replaced.

The shocks had to be immediately replaced, 13-year old GM shocks don't ride to nice. The Napa replacements are marginally better and ran $30 apiece.

The torque converter in the transmission was shuttering (grinding and shaking) at highway speeds (anything over 50) and was generally sluggish. Finally, I had the tranny rebuilt and now it shifts crisply and firmly. The rebuild cost $1000.

Other items that have gone out and subsequently cost about $100 each to fix: smog pump, alternator, blown exhaust manifold, rusted-out exhaust system. The engine has a leaky rear main seal and head gasket, which cost $100 each to fix.

The parking break seized up and the rear drums were seized up as well. So I had the shoes replaced, as well as the front pads and discs.

Currently, the A/C is out (which a bad thing if you're leaving in the southern US in summer time). The cruise control and power locks have been out for several years, but I haven't bothered to fix them.

Additionally, the pain is completely oxidized (no rust, thankfully), the factory graphics cracked, and weatherstripping dried up.

I love this truck!

Despite the fact that I paid $3000 for the truck in 2000 and four years later, have sunk another $3000 into it for mechanical repairs on a truck with dead paint and dents, I can't bear to part with it. Thankfully, once you've fixed something; it's fixed for good.

The Blazer isn't exactly a performance machine, but with light engine mods, a sturdy transmission, stiff shocks, and grippy tires; it's a comfortable and fun truck to drive.

The seats and interior look showroom fresh after 17-years. The seats are comfortable, supportive, and give you a great view of the road. The controls are easy to figure out and within reach.

The 2-door S10 Blazers are an excellent size, as they're small enough to parallel park easily and big enough to haul lots of stuff.

One of the great things about the S10 series is that they're easy to work on. Pop open the hood and there are few unnecessary modern parts and every major mechanical part is easy to access. You can access anything you need to replace right in your driveway.

Unfortunately, crash test ratings on these trucks aren't great. The only reason that I'd give up this truck would be to get a safer vehicle with airbags.

If not for safety, I'd recommend these trucks to anyone looking for an inexpensive SUV that doesn't mind fixing things themselves.