The Chevy Blazer has been around since 69’, and if you're in the market for a used one, then you're in luck. While it had a brief hiatus in the mid 2000s, it came back in 2019. Here is what to look for when buying a used Chevy Blazer to make sure you're getting what you want from this SUV.
Key Takeaways:
- The Blazer went through a hiatus, and when it did the sizing became different.
- If you're wanting some of the best tech available, then you need to look for 2023. Coming with larger screens, and even better safety features.
- If you're planning on towing, then you would want the VR2 trailer package, allowing you to tow 4,500 lbs.
First Generation (1983-2005)
While this isn't the true “first generation” of Blazers, thanks to a redesign, this is the first Blazer that is in the compact to mid-size class. It's also one that most newer drivers will be more familiar with thanks to it being around since the turn of the century.
Hitting the roads in 1983, this Blazer didn't come with removable hardtops, unlike the build before it. The first eight years of this generation only featured two-door models, but that changed in 1991.
When 1992 came around, the Blazer had some styling updates which included and updated rear back glass, and a front grille. The interior was largely a carryover from the 1991 model, with the only changes being to the center console, and steering wheel.
1993 saw a slight change to the Blazer name, now known as the S-Blazer rather than its official S-10 name. The center console was raised, and came with a dual cup holder.
Second Generation (1995-2005)
This is where the Blazer now has the name that we know it by today. The Blazer came with greater interior, and exterior sizes, now bumping it up to a mid-sized SUV. The 1995 Blazer took home Motor Trend's Truck of the Year title.
When this generation hit the roads, it only came with one engine, and that was the 4.3L V6. While most models featured four-wheel drive via an electronic transfer case, the 1997 model was the last year a manual transfer case for four-wheel drive was offered. This generation also saw a step in the right direction for safety by adding airbags for both front seats.
In 1998, the interior, and exterior saw some cosmetic changes. These come with a new dashboard that features larger buttons, and more ergonomically correct driving controls, as well as larger door handles.
The ZR2 package was offered on Blazers that came with 2-doors, as this package had a shorter wheelbase than the trims. This trim was lifted three inches higher, came with larger wheels and axle bearings, a stronger front anti-sway bar, skid plates, and Bilstein shocks were also added.
New Crossover Build (2019-2025)
After a hiatus, the newly designed, and class changing Blazer is here. The 2019 Blazer comes with Chevy's infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. To match the current generation of other models, this one also came with keyless entry with keyless access and push-button start. A real change from the previous build. If you find yourself looking at a 2019, you should keep in mind that Edmunds suggests “the optional 3.6-liter V6” as it “puts out more than 300 horsepower and is capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.”
The 2021 came with a new package called the VR2 Trailering package. This package came on models that have front-wheel-drive and the 3.6L V6 LGX engine. This package increased the maximum towing capacity to 4,500 pounds. This year also saw the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel replaced with a urethane steering wheel on the L, 1LT, and 2LT trim levels.
For 2022, the only big changes were the removal of two trim levels. These trims were the L, and 1LT. With this removal, the 2.5 I4 was also lost.
The 2023 model saw a facelift to the vehicle. This came with revised LED headlights, tail lights, and a new grille design. This year's model also brought a larger 10-inch infotainment screen, while other models from the years before only had an 8-inch screen. If you find an RS, or Premier trim, you will find that it comes with a wireless charger. To help with safety, Chevy made the Safety Assist package a standard feature.
Should You Purchase a Used Chevy Blazer?
With so many options to pick from, we encourage you to come on down to Jarrett to come see one in person! If you have purchased a used Chevy Blazer and it does have some issues, stop by our shop and our certified technicians would be happy to take a look at your SUV for you!