1995 Chevrolet Blazer Review

Chevrolet's trend-setting sport utility vehicle blazed new trails over a decade ago. Now, its back with vengeance. When Chevrolet introduced the multi-purpose Blazer in 1983, it took showrooms and the car-buying public by storm. Chevrolet's rivals took notice too. During the past few years, Blazer sales have taken a pounding from such worthy domestic competitors as Ford's Explorer and Jeep's Grand Cherokee. Last year, both Explorer and Grand Cherokee outsold Blazer. Chevrolet is out to regain lost momentum by introducing the redesigned 1995 Blazer, which made its first public showing at the 1994 Chicago Auto Show. Chevrolet has dropped drop S-10 Blazer prefix. Originally, S-10 was used to differentiate compact- size Blazers from full-sized models. This year, Chevrolet designates full-size Blazers as 'Tahoe', while compact versions exclusively retain the Blazer name. Two-door Blazers have two trim levels: base and LS. Four-door models include base, LS and luxury LT version with optional leather seating. Two-door models have a shorter wheelbase (100.5 inches) than do four-door models (107 inches). Wheelbase is defined as the distance between the vehicle's front and rear axle. Four-door models are also seven inches longer in overall length. Base price ranges anywhere from $18,200 to $21,953, depending on body style and whether opting for two or four-wheel drive. We test drove a 1995 4-door, 4-wheel drive LS Blazer with a dark cherry red metallic exterior and gray deluxe cloth interior. Base price for our test drive vehicle checked in at $21,953. With a host of options, the bottom line including destination charge was $25, 639. Outside, Blazer's much anticipated facelift is evident. It's less boxy looking with more rounded styling cues than its predecessor. Inside, noise levels have been significantly reduced. Blazer packs a bigger punch under its hood. A 200-horsepower 4.3-liter V-6 engine with central port fuel injection is standard for '95. This year's more powerful standard engine was optional in '94 Blazers. Chevrolet claims its the most powerful standard engine in the compact sports utility vehicle segment. Five new suspension packages are available, depending on the type of driving desired. Blazer offers more suspension packages than any of its rivals. Suspension choices accommodate everyday commuters and serious off-roaders. Standard front and rear stabilizer bars enhance the car-like ride. Also standard on all 4-wheel drive models is the patented Insta-Trac system, which allows easy shifting in and out of 4-wheel drive with the simple push of a button. Inside, the cloth seats are comfortable and Scotchgarded. Head, shoulder and hip room have increased. Cruise control is activated and adjusted by a stalk located on the steering column's left side. The transmission gear shift is found on the steering column's right side. Drivers who frequently change radio stations have to maneuver around the gear shift. Easy-to-reach climate control dials have replaced sliding levers. Two permanent cup holders, which accommodate jumbo-sized mega-thrust cups are located between the two front bucket seats. A fold-up arm rest doubles as a storage bin for CDs, coins and other knick-knacks. Driver-side air bags are now standard. Kudos to Chevy engineers who efficiently merged the new air bag system with the vehicle's horn, an underrated safety feature. A simple tap anywhere on the steering wheel hub pad cover, provides a hearty warning for other drivers. Some other driver-side air bag designs place horns in less accessible areas. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, which help prevent wheel lock-up during panic-braking situations, are also standard for 1995 as are rear-door child security locks. Our Blazer weighs in at a hefty 4,071 lbs. As with most sport utility vehicles, fuel economy is less than spectacular. GM lists fuel economy at 17 mpg city, and 22 mpg highway. Our test drive vehicle registered 16.5 mpg combined city/highway driving. Four-door Blazers hold 19 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.