1999 Chevrolet Blazer LS review from North America

Water pump failed at 75,000.

Fuel pump failed at 100,000.

I replaced catalytic and muffler at 130,000.

Heater core may be about to go, which has outlasted my other two Chevy's. It's a Chevy... buy a heater core when you by one.

This is the second Blazer I have owned, and it may be my favorite from a reliability and comfort standpoint. I have used it from taking my girl (now wife) on dates to hauling scrap metal. It looks good going to the ballet and can climb like a billy goat in the woods.

Chevrolet finally got it right with the location of the oil filter. It is by far the easiest car I have ever seen to change the oil. Also, it does not leak oil at the rear main seal. 100 years of making cars and they finally got that right, too. The Vortec V-6 is a wonderful power plant. My first Blazer ('88 model) had a 4.3l, and, while good, it had problems with overheating and turning the oil into creosote. Eleven years of trial and error finally paid off.

I have run this vehicle absolutely through the wringer. From high revving 4wd excursions on the beach to 90 mph driving for 4 hours straight with a trailer in tow, it has done what I have asked it to do. Aside from a cigarette burn here and there, the interior looks brand new.

However, the fuel economy has finally gotten to me. My Blaze is up for sale, and I have a Samurai. I miss the power and comfort, but the old Blazer just is not economical.

Finally, until Blazers return to looking like trucks instead of mini-vans, I shall not own another late-model.