1996 Chevrolet Blazer LT review from North America
"High maintenance luxury SUV"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Oil cooler lines needed replaced.
Coolant contaminated causing engine damage.
Vehicle was totaled after unknown engine problem caught the engine compartment on fire.
General comments?
I like the blazer, but the 95-97 model years are probably the worst year to buy one. I have talked to numerous other owners and have heard nothing but bad remarks.
While driving the vehicle to work one day I began smelling smoke. Thinking my engine had overheated, I checked the gauges and it read fine. I still pulled over promptly and discovered that my engine compartment was on fire. Within minutes, my car was destroyed. I believe it happened due to some kind of defect from the design.
I would still recommend a blazer to people looking for an suv, but I would go with a '98 or newer, they seem to have gotten the bugs worked out in them. I bought a 2000 Bravada (same thing as the blazer) and it has been nothing but perfect so far.
Recommended reviews
| If you want a city/off road 4X4 with luxury at a good price, this is it |
|
| Okay if you are married to a Chevy dealer |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 62000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 77000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 22nd March, 2003 |