1996 Chevrolet Blazer Consumer Reviews

Cheap but gets the job done

Written by: Kev on 08/22/2007

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

This car was purchased brand new 11 years ago and since put 87000 miles on it. It has been fairly reliable throughout these mile. However, on the down side, performance and quality is on the poor side. Maintenance is a real biggy. Since it's American, fixing this car is a hassle thanks to poor design of the engine bay. The major problems that comes up are the fan and alignment issues. Frequently, my coolant tank will get dirty with grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned. Also, I noticed once I have the AC on, the car will sometimes overheat, going past the mid point of the temp gauge. This can be a result of a recall back in 1997 with the fan.

Favorite Features

ABS (works great in wet conditions), Off-road capabilities, Compact size is ideal in the city, Loads of low end torque (picks up nicely)

Suggested Improvements

Redesign everything from the ground up. This includes the new Trailblazer as well. Chevy trucks fall victim to traditional design and parts. Suspension and handling is a big issue as well as the plastic interior

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All down hill after this

Written by: Kenny on 02/23/2007

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 2 Dr LS 4WD Utility

Review

Well when I fist got it I thought oh man im in heaven. All the power I ever wanted but not too much. A good 4X4 for being so new. But just as it built up my hope it let me down time after time. So I'm saying forget the bowties.

Favorite Features

Power

Suggested Improvements

4X4 durability and starting unit.

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This Blazer is OK

Written by: stephen on 11/28/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LS Wagon

Review

I bought this '96 Blazer new and have found it to be very reliable. It now has 150,000 miles on it,and yes, I've had to put some money toward repairs, but overall it has been a very good vehicle and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. It still runs great and it has never made me walk. It's very comfortable and the body is holding up nicely. It's been a great car!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best Truck I Ever had

Written by: sean on 11/19/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

I just feel so sure when I am driving it that it is going to get me where I am going

Favorite Features

Push buton 4WD. Good engine. 190HP V6 has plenty of power to pull my boat and pop up camper. Nice ride and handling.

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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10 year slump

Written by: jax1202 on 01/22/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 2 Dr LS Utility

Review

Well, the Blazer is now 10 years old, I have only had it for 2 of them, but with in the last year I have had to get : All new tires ($500.00) a new radiator system ($1,400.00). I also have put in new shocks,The piece to move the seat back and forward was broke long ago, ... I need a new brake system, as well as a intake manifold gauge. The gas mileage isn't as bad as I expected for having a SUV though.

Favorite Features

I like that it makes me feel safe while on the road with a bunch of nuts

Suggested Improvements

None, Its a good vehicle, just need to fix a lot now- but it is 10 years old, with 104k miles

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Doomed from the factory

Written by: bf23 on 01/20/2006

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

These Blazers have problems. Cooling problems, engine problems, 4wd problems. They are expensive to fix. Spent over 2000 dollars in 2 months on the cooling system. Almost all Blazers build up coolant sludge, and the cooling system immediatly starts to break down. Not worth it. Do yourself a favor and buy another car. The used sale price may be enticing, but the repairs are ridiculous. It's impossible to work on this car! Almost impossible to change the spark plug wires, and impossible to change the spark plugs. The drivers side has a steering rack running right by the plug, thus you can't get in there with a wrench.

Favorite Features

Exterior is a classic design, and still modern looking. It's a pretty SUV. It is very spacious. Seats are extremely comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Don't buy this car. The coolant system. The Dexcool. The 4WD, the interior belongs in a museum because it's a perfect example of 1990's GM.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Cheap and Easy

Written by: Jeff on 08/09/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LT 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this vehicle used with 169k and have had no problems to date. I wanted a cheap SUV that was still in good condition. The body is good with no rust, the engine runs great, and the interior is still in very good condition. For $2,700, I know I got a great deal.

Favorite Features

Great styling, lots of features for the money, plenty of horsepower for that vintage.

Suggested Improvements

Ride is rough, handling could be tightened up a great deal. Lots of sway, especially when windy.

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Hope you're a mechanic!

Written by: anonabombga on 07/17/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 2 Dr LS 4WD Utility

Review

I bought this car four years ago and have had nothing but trouble. The air conditioning system is completly broken and stopped working three months after I bought it. I have replaced the radiator and thermostat twice. The brakes have always been difficult, and the transmission is slipping. The passenger seat recliner no longer works, and the rear door gets jammed all the time. It eats up gas and is constantly running hot.

Favorite Features

It's a fun car to drive

Suggested Improvements

I just wish it were reliable.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great overall vehichle

Written by: Frank on 06/25/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

I just bought this SUV, and replaced the 4X4 buttons, the A/C controls, and the fuel pump assembly ( after 155000 miles you can't expect it to be perfect). The sound system works great, the vehicle now runs and drives great, and it looks great. Paint is still shiny after 155,000 miles and 9 years of driving. Gas mileage isn't the best, but driving an SUV, you can't expect to get 25 miles to the gallon either. I would reccomend this vehicle to a friend.

Favorite Features

Push button 4X4, acceleration, durability, reliability

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Good drive, great looks

Written by: ashbellini on 03/28/2005

Vehicle

1996 Chevrolet Blazer 2 Dr LS 4WD Utility

Review

We bought this car after almost a month of hunting. With two small children it was not my first choice of vehicles, but I have grown to love the roomy interior and reliability. Plus we constantly get compliments on the how nice it looks. Now that we are hunting for another car we first check out the other Blazers on the lot.

Favorite Features

Ample leg room in back seat and plenty of cargo space.

Suggested Improvements

The only real probelm we have had is that it tends to run a little hot on occassion, but mechanic could not find a probelm.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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