2003 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 Liter Vortec

Summary:

'Johnny on the spot' never lets me down

Faults:

The truck had a blown radiator at about 175,000 miles.

Also, regular (typical) wear of the universal joints.

General Comments:

I have owned the car since brand new, and it's been wonderful.

It has never failed me outside of the blown radiator.

It now has 220k miles and still runs like a champ, in addition to having NO rust (in Michigan!).

The only real work outside of the radiator has been routine: brakes, oil changes, universal joints.

I even treated myself two years ago to a massively upgraded sound system, which made the car even better. It is a tragedy that GM no longer makes these workhorses.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2012

2003 Chevrolet Blazer LS 2.4

Summary:

Awsome cruising machine! Long live GM

Faults:

Simple things went bad at first, like tail lights, and that's it!

General Comments:

I love the vehicle. It is a great cruising machine, and very solid on road. Lots of room and great handling for an SUV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2011

2003 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 Liter V6

Summary:

Cheap to buy, reliable, but nothing fancy

Faults:

Ball joints have needed replacement.

Drivers side, behind the door completely has rusted out in just 7 years. Rust forming everywhere.

Headlight will just dim while driving for no reason, then kick back on.

Had to replace spark plugs and wires at 60000 miles.

Currently the front end shakes like the front tires are ovals instead of circles, don't know what is wrong.

Dome light in cabin stopped working for a while, then started again.

CD player broke and doesn't read CDs since about 50000 miles.

General Comments:

Let's start by saying this has overall been a good truck. Never has it stranded us, always delivers adequate performance.

I purchased this used as a rebuild because it had been in a bad collision.

Good:

With just a V6, this is spunky, the take off time is quick, has plenty of power to tow a 16 foot fiberglass boat, and gets around well.

Small enough to handle city driving.

Stops very quickly.

Plenty of room for the driver, I am over 6' 5" and love the seats because I can fit easily. However, I would rather walk than ride in the back seats.

BIGGEST DOWNSIDE: For the small engine it has, I get 15.7 miles per gallon, no matter what. Driving it easy or hard, that's it. This is not a big vehicle, and that is ridiculously low mileage for what the car is, engine revs up to about 3000 RPM before shifting. Thirsty thirsty vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2010

2003 Chevrolet Blazer

Summary:

Great truck, but too many problems for such a low mileage

Faults:

I love my truck --- but...

I have begun to have some real issues with it. I drive it daily, even up to OK from TX. Even so, I've managed to keep the mileage down -- less than 53000 at this time.

I was smart enough to buy a 6 year warranty -- good thing.

I'm now on my 4th battery -- not under warranty, so out of pocket.

At 4 years:

-- I heard a strange sound and found out the U-joints were rusted through. Very expensive, but thank God for 6-year warranties.

-- A/C unit made a loud whine, but not for the mechanic at the dealer. This went on for over a year. Finally, started throwing sparks so when I smelled something burning, they found the problem. Very expensive, but thank God for 6-year warranties.

-- Fuel pressure regulator leaking. Very expensive, but thank God for 6-year warranties.

Now, warranty has expired.

The heater core clogged by sediment. A chemical flush worked well enough that I can now have some heat.

I'm experiencing electrical issues. For example, the security light came on and stayed on for a while; the airbag light came on and stayed on for a day or so over the weekend, but when I took it to the dealer on the next Monday, it was off (figures) ; yesterday (Sunday), the gauges suddenly came on AFTER I had turned off the ignition and while I sat in the truck writing a note. I opened the door and the gauges turned off, but somewhat unnerving.

The service people at the dealer are wonderful, but they can't figure out what is causing the problem.

Finally, there are major creaks - sometimes.

Will I have a fire in my garage?

I love my Blazer and it's paid for, but I'm nervous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th December, 2009

30th Dec 2009, 02:54

While I am not a mechanic, it sounds like the issue you are having with the speedometer, gauges, airbag light etc. could be coming from a corroded wiring harness found under the driver's seat. There is a recall that I'm fairly sure covers your year. Check it out?

30th Dec 2009, 16:54

"Will I have a fire in my garage?"

No only Fords do that. :)