1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

Lots of room and fun to drive

Faults:

Intermittent electrical problems.

Door buzzer stays on in cold weather.

Alternator replaced at 79,000 miles.

Both window motors have been replaced since I've owned the car.

Windshield wipers work intermittently, although I've recently learned there may have been a recall for this issue.

Clutch slave and master cylinders replaced at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

On the whole I've been quite pleased with this car. With the exception of the clutch components, the repairs I've had to make have seemed reasonable given the age and mileage of the car.

The five speed transmission makes the car a blast to drive, with more than sufficient power for any situation I've encountered.

My car was fitted with slightly taller road tires by the previous owner, and the ride is very good, especially for a narrow vehicle with such a short wheelbase.

I have relatively long legs and would appreciate another inch of seat travel, but otherwise the seats are very comfortable and easy to adjust.

Originally a New Mexico car, my Blazer was built without a rear wiper/washer or defroster, and those items have been sorely missed, as dirt and grime build up quickly on the rear window.

Factory sound system is terrific.

Rear seats fold flat with load floor quickly and easily. I have used this car to move twice, and have not been disappointed by its carrying capacity.

In summary, the car has been everything I expected it to be. It's not as reliable as a Toyota, but I'm willing to accept that in exchange for a little more personality. Plus, I got a great deal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2002

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

A wonderful piece of automobile mastery!!

Faults:

Windshield wipers quit working. As it turned out there was a recall notice out for this problem. It was a short in the control box.

General Comments:

Overall this is an excellent vehicle.

However the fuel mileage leaves a little to be desired, but what do expect it's not an import.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2002

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Best all around vehicle for the money

Faults:

My water pump has been replaced at about 60,000 miles.

The seat release on passenger side is stripped.

The wipers work only about 70 percent of the time.

Outside trim is in bad shape.

At exactly 64 miles an hour, the front end begins to shake, so much that the rear window hops enough for the interior lights to come on.

General Comments:

In general, outside of basic maintenance, my truck is terrific. The only time I have been stranded is when I left the lights on, hardly a manufacturer's problem. I will be buying a new version at the end of this loan, definitely. I love my truck and it loves me, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way with this vehicle. Gas mileage? Well it is not a Volkswagen, it is a SUV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2002

30th Nov 2002, 20:46

Is the 5 spd manual good in the blazer? I own a 96 S-10 5 spd. and that's all I prefer to drive, I would like to buy a 5 spd blazer for the winter, but I didn't know if they are good in the blazer. E-mail at Galax_65@hotmail.com if you don't mind and let me know. Thanks!

5th Mar 2004, 11:24

If your front end is shaking at high speeds like that, your tires are probably out of balance. I had the same problem in my blazer. Once I changed the tires, and got them balanced, it rode smooth as glass.

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS from North America

Summary:

High priced piece of garbage

Faults:

5/2001. Replaced alternator.

7/2001. Had to get an acid flush on the radiator, as it looked like it had mud in it.

12/01. Heater core replaced after it went and leaked inside.

12/01. Thermostat replaced.

12/01. Wipers would freeze up and not work; replaced wiper module.

12/01. Replaced rusty dipstick.

12/01. Transmission beginning to slip, replaced switch.

4/02. Gas gauge giving false reading, faulty sending unit replaced.

4/02. Transmission skips intermittently. Problem in valve body, valve body replaced.

4/02. EGR valve found faulty, replaced.

9/02. Smell of antifreeze inside, found coolant system clogged.

9/02. Water pump replaced.

9/02. Heater core had to be replaced (2nd time in a year).

9/02. Thermostat replaced (2nd in a year).

9/02. Radiator replaced.

9/02. Intake manifold leaking, replaced leaking manifold gaskets.

10/02. Battery light came on, took in to check if it was the battery or alternator; alternator had to be replaced (2nd within a year).

General Comments:

The Blazer is fantastic inside and out to look at. It gives an awesome ride. But it has too many problems, recurring problems, to hold on to.

I am currently looking for another vehicle, and am looking into an attorney who deals with Lemon Laws.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd October, 2002

2nd Mar 2003, 11:43

You did not get ripped off by your mechanic. You were ripped off by Chevy, who manufactured an inferior product. I own a 1997 Chevy Blazer and all of the problems that you describe also happened to my vehicle. In addition to all of your problems I had to replace the ignition switch and fuel pump. Had I known that this vehicle would be of such poor quality, I would have never purchased one.