1998 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4wd review from North America
"Never buy a Chevy"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Within the first 3 months a module in the 4WD quit, needed to be replaced (about 69,000 miles) We were two states from home at the time.
Some short time after that the windshield wiper module quit. I bought a used one and replaced it.
Alternator quit soon after. Bought a rebuilt and replaced myself.
Winter 2003 the radiator got blockage and the engine seized. About 90000 miles. We had the extended warranty, thank God. It took the mechanic (a VERY good one) 20 hours to change $2500.00.
Summer 2004 the transmission quit at 96,000 miles. Extended warranty saved us $2600. Later that year front bearings quit.
Somewhere in the midst the side view mirror circuits died as well as the rear wiper/washer.
Also, both seat levers broke off (white metal junk)
$58.00 each to replace myself (someday)
There's a known defect in the directional/cruise switch
assembly that causes a relay to incessantly click at odd times. Cost to replace: over $300.
Winter 2004 the environmental controls lost control (vacuum leaks)
Summer 2005 replace water pump. backyard mechanic style
Summer 2006 replaced alternator again and belt tensioner.
Summer 2007 replaced lower ball joints $425.00
Summer 2007 replaced starter. Bendix wouldn't go back into case. $325.00.
One door hinge wasn't quite right after purchase, but it held on till last winter (2007) The hinges are welded on (STUPID) That hinge has since broken and now the door just sways in the breeze till I find someone to cut off the hinge with a torch and weld another on.
Chevy forgot to find a place on the motor for an oil filter so they hooked up hoses and mounted it somewhere else.
Don't try to change the spark plugs yourself either. They're buried in stuff.
I don't know if the airbags will work because at odd times the light will come on.
General comments?
If you have money to burn on constant repairs, this piece of crap is for you.
The only way I'd had another Chevy product is if someone gave it to me (in good condition)
Recommended reviews
| Do not buy a Chevy Blazer, it will put your bank account in the hole |
| Great value, great performance, great comfort! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 66000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 144000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 26th November, 2007 |