1994 Chevrolet Blazer Tahoe LT review from North America

Alignment issues that haven't been resolved.

EGR valve constantly plugs up with carbon.

Fuel regulator malfunction in fuel injection system.

Fuel injector plastic lines in spider under the plenum became brittle and the whole costly unit needed replacement.

Excessive rust on door edges, front wheel wells, and rear quarter panel.

Alternator replacement.

Replaced fuel pump twice and even yet it is noisy.

Exhaust system replaced twice.

Brake pads and shoes replaced twice.

The Chevy S10 Blazer for 1994 represented the last truck-like S10 Blazer that Chevrolet made. In 1995 they went with the more rounded car-like appearance. I like the older squared off look and my 94 Blazer feels more solid and truck-like than the newer S10 Blazers.

With the add-on running boards, the running lights on the outside windshield visor, and a neat maroon and gray exterior finish, my Blazer is eye-catching and attractive in either a work setting or a social setting. My major complaint with the body is rust. The newer Blazers seem to have a much better handle on the rust problem. My '96 Blazer is rust free after 10 Wisconsin winters and 210,000 miles while my '94 Blazer is plagued with rust after 144,000 miles in the less salted roads of Kentucky.

My major complaint with the mechanics of the '94 Blazer is the model "W" 4.3 engine and the central multi-port fuel injection system (uses the spider unit under the plenum). This engine has been a problem for GM and was replaced in 1996 with the sequential fuel injection system (4.3 engine - model Z) which is a much better design. If you buy a 1992 - 1994 Blazer with a model W 4.3 engine, plan to periodically replace the fuel injection system (very costly) and to have constant trouble with the egr valve. The egr valve periodically carbons up and needs to be cleaned or replaced. It is costly to replace.

My major complaints are the bad design of the 4.3 W engine and the excessive body rust. Other than these items, I find my '94 Blazer to be a nice vehicle. I like the spacious interior, the comfortable leather seats, the convenient instrument layout inside, and the good road manners.

The 4 wheel drive (shift on the fly) unit has functioned well and is a life-saver for me as I live in a remote rural setting. I have had trouble with the vacuum actuator for the 4 wheel drive unit (located under the battery), but this was an easy fix.

I do like the solid feel of this truck-like vehicle and the high-up driving position. I feel safe in having my wife drive this truck with it's solid build, yet comfortable road manners. The 15 inch tires are just right for this vehicle and tires of this size (235 X 15) are easy to obtain. My gas mileage is not fantastic, yet is acceptable for this type of vehicle. I get about 20 mpg.

I've had periodic routine tasks to do on my '94 Blazer including brake jobs, belt replacement, exhaust system replacement. I should add that Chevy changed to a stainless steel muffler and heavier exhaust system in 1996 and I never replaced any portion of my '96 exhaust system in over 210,000 miles of operation. My '94 has needed replacement twice in 144,000 miles.

I do like my '94 Blazer's style, but not some of it's poor design mechanical features. These poor design features centered around the 4.3 W engine. Once I realize that I will be plagued with emission control issues and a poor fuel injection system, I know what to expect in the road ahead and can adjust. The solid build of this vehicle, the solid 4 wheel drive unit, the deluxe leather interior, and the good road manners of my '94 Blazer makes it "worth the pain".