1997 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

LEMON

Faults:

Like many other reviews, it runs when it runs, but that's it..

As soon as I purchased it, the ABS failed, light came on and off as it pleased, so I didn't bother with it (thought it was a loose wire connection). I went to use my brakes at a three-way intersection, and the ABS kicked in for no apparent reason... but get this, they didn't work! The brake pedal seized up and my brakes weren't working, all while the ABS thudding was occurring. I had to jump a curb in order to avoid cars within the intersection - $450.

RUST; lots of RUST under all doors on both sides. Had to replace both with new sheets of metal for fear of the floor collapsing - $2,100.

A/C failed the month after I got it; it was the compressor. When replaced, it worked for all of two weeks, then went again. Have not bothered to repair it since - $240.

Engine noise jumpy; especially in cold weather. Once it's idling, weird noises come from the engine, more than likely cold or frozen parts.

EATS front brakes like no tomorrow with normal use, replaced them twice since I got the vehicle - $650.

Gas smell in the interior days after filling up the tank.

Gas gauge doesn't work, sensor in gas tank failed. Haven't replaced it, I fill it up every 300-400km or so. Gas lines and tank rusted to hell. Estimated cost to replace - $670.

Ball joints went at 179,000. - $460.

Rear wiper does not work at all.

Front wiper rarely works now, it will go at a regular pace, then stop in the middle of the windshield, go again for 10 minutes straight, then stop - estimate for new motors is $250.

Rust under back gate door.

Transmission slips.

GM's finest cheap plastic rattles over every bump, small crack by passenger dash area now.

Steering column and knuckle has some play. Estimate to replace including parts - $840.

No rear headrests, whiplash is good every once in a while, right?

General Comments:

It can run very well, but it sucks the gasoline.

Comfortable seats.

Expensive to keep running:

- Insurance

- Repairs

- Maintenance

- GAS

4x4 is good in the winter, but has some play with steering (it shutters) and transmission when in 4LO.

This is my first vehicle, a bad choice. I'm a student, and this definitely was not worth my money; may it be insurance, gas, repairs, etc. This vehicle completely ruined GM for me, and I probably won't buy another Chevy unless it's under warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th December, 2011

11th Apr 2013, 16:11

It doesn't sound like this Blazer had any kind of maintenance done to it and that it was abused. These vehicles are very popular and reliable. My 1997 Blazer does not give me problems, but then again, I do routine maintenance on it.

15th Nov 2014, 01:46

I have a 97 S10 Blazer 4x4 and it runs great. I bought it used and expected to put some money in it, as you do to any used vehicle, but I have not put in anywhere near as much as I had thought. Just routine maintenance will keep it running for a long time. The person I bought it from said that he kept routine maintenance on it, and it shows. I can't complain one bit about this. Just do your maintenance and don't let things get out of hand for too long, and you won't go wrong on any vehicle.

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 Vortec from North America

Summary:

Good

Faults:

Nothing so far. The vehicle had 205k upon purchase. Engine quiet as can be, everything normal.

A/C kaput, so I removed all unnecessary hardware under the hood.

Flushed transmission, old ATF quite brown, but no metal shavings & no burnt smell. Transmission shifts no different.

Greased all suspension/steering fittings. Steering quite good, have to say I'm impressed. Tracks well.

Original exhaust, who'd of thunk it from GM ?

Both ABS & Check Engine lights on. Removed bulbs.

This Blazer is getting 22 mpg combined city & highway. Gas gauge unreliable, but easy to live without.

General Comments:

What can I say, I'm content. 2 wheel drive makes a big difference in the precision of the ride. While the Blazer is a little top heavy, no big deal, I live with it.

Very quiet, nicely comfortable. Foot wells on the small side. I find the interior to be no more plasticky than plenty of Japanese. Like the shape of the dashboard, gauges nicely lit & designed. Seats slightly small but still comfortable. Vehicle well insulated.

I know reviews are all over the place on this vehicle, but I can only go by my Blazer. Mine is a LS model, 4 door with power seat & sunroof/foglights. White in color, grey cloth seats. Everything works except A/C. Has the upper/lower rear door. Very nice & well thought out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2011

19th Jul 2011, 18:46

The Blazer described here just turned 209 thousand miles. Nothing has changed, the vehicle has been reliable.

2nd Aug 2011, 19:22

I posted the review, & wanted to add that I received a handful of receipts upon purchase of my Blazer, revealing a bit of its past history.

Around 100/110k (receipt didn't have miles), it received a thorough tuneup (new wires as well), along with the intake manifold gasket replacement, the minor problem of this engine. Once replaced with a better aftermarket gasket (or newer GM one), the issue is over.

At 209k miles, my 4.3 is running fine. Amazingly quiet. All fluids have been changed, a new set of Champion Copper plugs & cheap Fram air filter. Walmart SuperTech oil, filter, ATF, wheel bearing grease. Advance Auto transmission filter kit $9.99. Cheap.

All in all, I think the 2 wheel drive models last far longer, & are more reliable than their 4 wheel counterparts. Of course, they are not going to work in the boonies.