2002 Chevrolet Blazer ZR2 LS review from North America

Despite the decorative (and expensive) fender flares (and aftermarket mud flaps), the truck throws stones all along the lower half and onto the rear flares.

At 20000 miles, each of the front flares cracked due to weather changes.

A plastic piece in the tailgate that allows the back window to open broke at around 25000. There was no other way to open the window (the emergency hole in the interior did not work without this piece) and I had to break the interior tailgate cover to open the window. I replaced the plastic piece with a piece of heavy guage metal wire and haven't had a problem since.

The paint started to flake off of the spare tire carrier at 30000. it had to be painted twice by a dealer before it was remedied.

At 40000 miles, a cable under the passenger seat (rarely used) broke, disabling the recline function in the seat. Found another at a junk yard.

The transmission blew at 54000 miles because of a faulty gear that Chevrolet has since changed in newer transmissions, but has not issued a recall on. Chevy paid 75% of the $2000 bill to rebuild the transmission, despite it being over warranty.

The power window motor in the driver's door broke all four of the rivets mounting it to the door at 56000 miles. I replaced the rivets with 5/16" bolts and it seems to be working fine.

The truck is very reliable in the winter and in off road conditions.

The clearance is great for oil changes (no jack necessary!).

The ride is stiff, but is to be expected of an "off-road" vehicle.

I get an average of 16-17 miles to the gallon (260 miles on a tank of gas).

It does not have as much pep as my 1992 Blazer. Both have the 4.3 Vortec.