2005 Chevrolet Blazer SUV Review

If you're a bit confused as to how there are two completely different Chevrolet sport-utilities with virtually the same name, allow us to explain. The Chevrolet Blazer was the original midsize SUV. Debuting way back in 1983 as the S-10 Blazer and based on the compact S-10 pickup, it was the vehicle that changed sport-utes from hunting and fishing companions into mainstream family vehicles.

As the years went by, the Chevrolet Blazer SUV was rehashed and reworked numerous times in a vain attempt to keep up with its growing number of competitors. In 1991, there were two Blazers -- a full-size based on the C/K line of GM pickups, and the S-10 Blazer. By 1995, the Blazer name had fully migrated from full-size to midsize SUV as the former S-10 model became simply Blazer (a far cry from the original V8-powered C/K-based Blazer with a removable top) and the vehicle that was the full-size Blazer became the Tahoe.

By the late '90s, it was clear that if Chevrolet was going to be competitive once again, it was going to have to come to market with a bigger, more powerful midsize utility vehicle. In late 2001, the TrailBlazer was introduced as a 2002 model (not to be confused with the TrailBlazer trim package already available as an option on the existing Blazer) to much acclaim, as it once again put Chevrolet on the sport-utility map. This was great for Chevrolet, but not so good for buyers who were looking for an affordable sport-ute that still had plenty of features and power. So instead of immediately killing off the Blazer, Chevrolet decided to keep it around for awhile and position it as a smaller, lower-cost alternative to the TrailBlazer.

Make no mistake; this is an aged truck with little going for it. If you really want a two-door SUV, the Chevy Blazer might be worth a look. Otherwise, we recommend considering a more refined, four-door 'ute, such as the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute or Kia Sorento.

[Source: Edmunds]