1999 Chevrolet Blazer LS review from North America

This seems like a long list, but I have considered the issues with my Blazer to be typical maintenance stuff:

I changed the plugs and wires around 40K ($80).

I changed out the fuel pump & filter at 45K ($400). I have heard this is common on Blazers, and I was a little frustrated because the pump was fine. It was my gauge/sensor that was broke, but the sensor is built into the pump. After almost a year of a non-working gas gauge, I finally gave in and fixed it.

I put on new tires and brake pads around 50K ($550).

I had to have the ball joints replaced at 75K ($450).

And yesterday, (77.5K) the driver side seat recline lever broke off ($?).

Last week, a rock cracked the windshield ($150).

I also need to replace the hatch lift shocks ($50).

I love my Blazer. I know the overwhelming majority of reviews I have read claim it to be a piece of junk, but mine has been great. I drive mine frequently and hard, but not long distances (about 11K/year). I really wanted a manual transmission and the 4WD was the best decision I ever made. This truck is extremely reliable in the winter and in bad conditions. I get around town when half the city is stranded on the side of the road.

The down sides are fairly obvious. I only get around 17 mpg in town, maybe 20-21 highway if I'm lucky. I bought the 2-dr (with the rear tire) before I had kids, which I think looks sporty, but it's a bear to get in the back seat. It's a little small inside, but it fits me well. The ride is not the smoothest, but that's not why I bought it.

Personally, I think this is a great vehicle. I don't spend a lot of time keeping it clean, but it still looks new to me. It's going on 8 years, and I hope to get at least 3-4 more and up to 120K. I will probably buy another GM product when this one bites the dust, or I'm ready to move on.