2003 Chevrolet Blazer LS from North America - Comments

Almost from day one, things started to squeak and rattle much more than I had expected. I had figured with any new car, it would stay "tight" for quite a while before everything started to squeak and rattle. I have since put a good many miles on it (I'm a musician and travel constantly), and nothing has happened since then, but after about a hundred miles on any long trip the whole front end squeaks on any bump, but not enough that turning the radio up can't help.

I love the look of the Blazer and am saddened to hear that GM can't look past the idea that sometimes there's more value in maintaining a current model line than in creating a new line that looks like whatever happens to be popular today. The fit and finish of the interior could be much stronger... the upholstery looks like it was completed by a child. The seams behind the seats are uneven and in some cases expose inner-seat foam (towards the bottom). The engine functions well and is quick to pass people on the expressway. The manual transmission is a pleasure, is very responsive, and is quite smart... for example, you don't need the clutch to pop it out of 5th when you're coming up to a light... somehow it knows when you're decelerating that you'd want to come out of gear. So, mechanically and from the outside, I love it, but I think the inside could have been done simpler and more cleanly. In addition, the ride is many times smoother than that of the Cherokee (standard Cherokee) which rides like a pickup truck, where the Blazer feels like a car, but with more spunk. The gas mileage is fairly dismal, but what else is new?

I agree. I've had the 2003 for almost a year and have experienced a few rattling noises (partly due to the "plastic-y" interior). And yes, the gas mileage is quite a let down. I've actually been getting better gas mileage using air-conditioning frequently, than not using it at all. Go figure. I love the rear fold down seats. And the Blazer handles really well for a SUV (although it's built more like a car).

Let me just say I've owned a 1997 Blazer 4 door 4x4 for two years, it has never once let me down, I bought it with 59,000 on it and brought it up to 106,900 I replaced the transmission twice, the first because of a shop flushing it and never refilling the trans, it fried instantly, the second a defective planetary gearset in the new trans. The engine misses now due to a bad fuel pressure regulator, but until it gets worse or the gas mileage goes down, ill continue to drive it, yet I will say this, for a vhicle with a full frame and a solid rear axle it has the smoothest ride I've ever had the pleasyer of, and that's my 11th chevy. Good for the money.

For those of you referring to Pick-up trucks as having rough rides, go test drive any 99 or newer American Truck. Especially the 2004-current Ford F150. They ride better than most cars. The best ride in an Suv with a live rear end (leaf springs, not 4 link suspension) is the Jeep Grand Cherokee hands down, but next best is Toyota 4Runner (but who wants an import truck anyways?). The best ride in an suv is Lincoln Aviator for American, and Porsche Cayenne for import.

I personally have driven almost every new car, truck, and SUV on the market looking for ride quality. 4 link rear suspension will always be more comfortable than a Live axle. However if you are towing anything, do yourself a favour and get a live axle. Its stronger and built to tow.

Before you say anything more about pick-ups. Please, Go Drive one. You won't be disapointed.