1998 Chevrolet Blazer LE V6 from North America

Summary:

Not a good bargain

Faults:

Seems like everything has gone wrong! The brakes smell every once in a while. I don't know whats wrong with them. The water pump went out 2 days after I bought it at 79,000 miles. Then the thing broke down on me one day at 82,000 miles. There were several things wrong with it. It needed a tune up, but it also needed a $100 part. Some valve needed to be replaced. I am not sure what it was called-my husband fixed it.

General Comments:

If you ask me, this this is a hunk of crap. We have had nothing, but problems with it. We are in the middle of trying to sell it now. We have taken good care of it- changing the oil when needed, washing and waxing, etc. Our door opens really hard too. It's never been wrecked, but it just started opening and shutting real hard. The engine runs really good though. That is the only good thing. The V6 Vortex engine really roars when you want it to. Overall, I would never buy one again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th June, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

2x4 performs much better than 4x4

Faults:

Emission control valve needed replacement within first 5000 miles. Covered by warranty.

Battery replaced at 35,000 miles.

Alternator replaced under warranty at 50,000.

Brake pads replaced at 65,000. Shortly after replacement, both rear calipers failed and needed replacement. Covered by extended warranty (which expires at $75,000 miles).

Air conditioner recharged at 76,000 miles. Still running strong at 85,000, but showing signs it may need to be recharged soon.

Seat recliner lever for driver side has broken 3 times. Passenger seat recliner lever has broken once. Brought into dealer for repair until warranty expired, now I replace myself for only $5.00 a pop. Have only had to replace the driver's side lever once since warranty expired, and I keep spare levers for both seats on hand so if one breaks on a long trip, I am not stuck with the seat position.

General Comments:

This vehicle looks, runs, and handles great. Good horsepower for a V-6, poor gas mileage for a V-6, averaging 18 to 20 mpg. Can get up to 23 mpg on highway. Have carefully maintained this vehicle with all recommended service, and at 85,000 miles, it still runs strong. The vehicle is the 2x4 4 door LS, and it's suspension is not plagued with the problems associated with the 4x4. Since the warranty has expired, I do all my own repairs except major mechanical work, and it has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th June, 2004

1st Dec 2005, 13:15

Just curious, how do you replace the seat handle's? Mine broke off to, and the dealer want's close to $150/each to fix.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS from North America

Summary:

Recurring problems plague Blazer

Faults:

Airbag light won't go off in spite of airbag being replaced.

Cruise control light won't go on, even if in cruise control mode on highway.

Had to replace transmission at 100,000 mile mark.

Seat handle on front seat broken off due to normal use.

Now air conditioning has gone out, need new air compressor.

Windshield wipers have a mind of their own; never seem to work when it's raining.

General Comments:

This is a comfortable vehicle, but a lot of things seem to keep going wrong with it. I bought it because I never had any problems whatsoever with my S10 that I had previously.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS Vortec from North America

Summary:

The Blazer is a reasonable first suv to own

Faults:

Windshield wipers are erratic and stop working out of the blue sometimes. They have been that way since right after the vehicle was purchased. Now, at 125,000 the rear wiper stopped working.

General Comments:

I find the Blazer to be comfortable in general. I would upgrade to a larger suv if you have a larger family. We have 2 children under the age of five. More seating is needed at times as car seats don't fit too easily in the rear with a third person.

It's still going strong at 126,000 miles, but I recommend keeping up with your oil changes etc.

The 4 wheel drive has never worked!!!

Neither have the wipers.

Also, it's expensive to maintain as far as being a gas guzzler on long trips and in stop and go traffic.

Overall, if you like a smaller suv, I would recommend the Chevy Blazer LS model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2004