Used 1996 Chevrolet Blazer Consumer Reviews
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Great overall vehichle
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.
A great family vehicle
I've owned my Blazer for a little over a year now and when I bought it the truck had over 130,000 miles on it. It still runs and looks like a dream, and as a matter of fact, my husband and I show it. I think it's a great value vehicle. Big enough for family and friends to ride along, and the ride is comfortable.
Best Truck I Ever had
I just feel so sure when I am driving it that it is going to get me where I am going
RED RIDER
I bought this from a person who had it from when it was new. Never had any major problems and now I have it and it rides great and is good in the snow.For me this Suv runs like a champ plenty of power.
This Blazer is OK
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!
Good drive, great looks
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.
Love mine, will never trade in
Bought my Blazer in 1999, love the way it looks and rides. It does sway a little in the wind but so used to it now I hardly notice. Handles great in the snow. Only major fixes to it was the fuel pump at 136,000 miles and the intake manifold gaskets needed replaced (involves taking the top of the engine off) If you have one and have problems with overheating check that out. Other than that just basic maintenance, spark plugs oil changes, alternator, water pump and battery, no major deal considering the miles on it.. No transmission problems at all
Cheap but gets the job done
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.
Still going strong!
I purchased this Blazer new in 1996. I now have 275,000 miles on it. I still do not burn oil and I get 25 mpg. I've had very few problems with it. Replaced the AC Compressor etc at about 125,000 miles. Replaced the heater core around the same time. Other than normal stuff like front end parts etc, I have not spent much money on this car at all. I use aftermarket beefy front end parts. One persistent problem is an oil leak. I've replaced the rear main seal twice and it never seems to fix it. It's a very small leak and more of a nuisance than anything else. I've had the 4.3L engine in an Astro Van too and it ran forever. I might keep this thing forever just to see how far it goes.
Wish I could Love It
I purchased this new when I could keep this vehicle out of the shop I have loved it -BUT- I have replaced 3 alternators, 2 air conditioners, fuel injector spider, front idler arm, rear differential seals and had to have brakes done about every 9K miles. Now it has metal to metal rattle in front end. The interior is designed nice other than rear seat lock disengage for folding down. Other than that I love the handle, the size, the comfort. Just wish GM could get their stuff together.
Don't Wast Your Money
I bought this truck used three years ago...first the trasmission went ($2000) then about a year later every front suspension part broke one at a time...once all the parts were repaced the factory weld failed in two places by the front left tire..the cooling system...turns out chevey put out a tech memo that they messed up the cooling system, but didn't recall it only fixed selected models...mine wasn't one of them...slowely all of the parts of the cooling system started to go. first it was the intake gasket, the heater core, the thermastate.etc...thousands of dollars in repare...don't wast your money oh and the tires their never on sale
275,000 miles and still running strong.
I've had my Blazer since it was new in 1996. First, the standard mileage charts are way low. In my experience, my car got 25 mpg highway from the first day. And it still gets that same mpg. With the exception of repairing the AC at about 125K and the stereo at 200K, all I've ever done to this car is change the oil and do basic maintenance. Obviously eventually you have to do a little front end work. Parts wear out. It can still pull a UHaul trailer full of stuff. It's not pretty, I've never been able to garage the car. Paint fine, Interior still looks great with no holes etc. At this point, the dash is cracking a bit. But overall, it's the most dependable car I've ever owned.
Doomed from the factory
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.
Hooked on Chevy, it works for me!
I find the truck perfect for traveling up into the mountains of CO. It has pleanty of pick up and torque for going up the steap grades. The paint has stayed unusually shiny! The sound systems is great and does not distort. It's great off road and I've never been stuck in the mud.
Chevrolet It just Makes Sense
I can't say enough about the value of my purchase. I bought from a private seller and came equipped with a CARFAX report. For a little over $7,000 I'm in heaven. Designed for comfort and frontal visibility the vehicle has decent pickup and is easy to park and steer. The only slight drawback would be with the blind spots while backing but other than that I'm recommited to the Chevy Line.
'96 Blazer is an amazing SUV
The Blazer runs great, I live in Michigan and the brutal cold weather doesnt hurt the car, it runs like a champ. The car is in great condition, No rust on it at all, the paint is still on, With no chips!. I would recommend this car to anyone who's looking to buy a new used SUV
Love The Heavy Chevy
I purchased my Blazer in 2006 with 136,000 miles on it with the intention of using it mostly for towing my boat. Baby came, sold the boat, now it's a daily driver. Long story short, it's been a great vehicle. I now have 185,000 miles on it and have only replaced the alternator. I average 20+ mpg on the highway, which I feel is excellent for an SUV with that many miles. The 4x4 is sure footed and has never failed me. My only beef would be the braking could be a little stiffer, but I've had that complaint of all Chevy's, so maybe it's just me. My dad has a 98' blazer with close to 300k miles. The 4.3L runs forever! I will definitely keep my Blazer until it rusts into oblivion.
Approaching 1/4 MILLION miles...
Yes, you read that right...this car has 238,000 miles...on the original engine and the original transmission! Yes, it has received extensive repairs to support these highway miles...but the car still looks & runs great! I just pulled over a ton of trailer (and furniture) up 7-8% grades without a problem...no overheating, no hesitation! All accessories work. This truck was built right!
Not a reliable car!
I bought this car thinking it would be the greatest thing ever! This has given me nothing but problems! It doesnt get very good gas mileage, i needed to replace the alternator, battery, head cylinder, brakes and more. It has 130k miles and many things are falling apart on the inside. The rear left door gets jammed shut, the drivers door hindge is falling apart, backseat drivers side power window button broke, and many other things are falling down hill! Everytime i get in the car i just hope it will get me from one place to another without dying. Do yourself a favor and get a different car, unless you plan on putting 5,000$+ into auto- parts!
96 chevy s-10
would recommend this vehicle for a first-time driver (high school kid). after 7 years and 90,000 miles, it is still in great condition.
1996 Chevy Blazer
I bought this car when it had about 168,000 miles on it. I needed a beater car to get back and forth to work..and trust me its a beater. I have had nothing but issues with it since I bought it. I had to replace the wheel bearings w/hub assembly, shocks (front and back), brakes, thermostat (twice), and now I am having major issues with the coolant system and the access tank running dry.
Blazer is better then exploder
What an awsome and fun truck to drive. gas mileage needs to be improved a little
It's a money pit!!!
This vehicle has needed more repairs than any other car I have ever owned. I too have had problems with oil leaks requiring high cost repairs. AC, engine, transmission problems. Each time I say I will sell it, another costly repair is required and then I keep it only to get back a little of what I put into it. I am very good about doing the routine maintenance so it is not that I just let this car go. I wil not buy one again, nor would I ever recommend it. --I also get poor gas mileage.
Chevy's For Life
I bought my blazer used and it had 45,000 miles on it I have put on 103,000 since then. Within 6 months I had a new tranny, Brake System, and Air Conditioning system. But you can't turn back time and redo what the person before you did. Since then I have had really no problems I have Had to replace the thermostat several times and a battery a couple of times and that is about it. It is Great for a Family.
I've tried to love it, BUT
Like another reviewer, I really want to love this car, and I have. The size is perfect inside (plenty big enough) and out (not an SUV monstrosity); it handles well and is generally a pleasure to drive. BUT - just had to replace the alternator and tensioner belt, and the bladder for the power brakes, all separate events two weeks after my extended warranty expired. Sad to say, I got my money's worth on the ext warrty too - ABS replacement at 40K; numerous brake issues and recalls; have never been happy with the braking on this car. At this point, I am getting rid of this poorly made vehicle as soon as I have time to buy somethng - no more chevy's for me!
Good looking truck
Purchased the truck new and in 12 years have driven 28,100 miles. I had to replace the alternator at 20,000 miles and upgraded the brake system with drilled and slotted rotors and high performance pads. Now the brakes are great. My 2nd battery died last nite. I needed to fix the leaking oil lines which also leaked in my 1994 Pontiac Gran Prix. Other than the above listed problems the truck rides great and has good acceleration, confort, looks and reliability.
This Chevy is too heavy
This truck was an exciting new purchase that has turned into nothing but problmems. It is 7 years old and was bought new and has been babied to 49k miles. The door bottoms are rusted out after being garaged and waxed every month. Paint, what paint. I would almost be better off with bare metal. The wind and interior noise is attrotious at best. You have a sore throat after a highway conversation and the build quality of the interior and exterion is severly lacking with fabric tears, blow fuses and electrical problems every year. I'd have to say this car is a lemon. Just like every other Blazer on the roads. Buy a CRV or a Mseries benz. Do yourself a favor!!!
4.3 Motor is Strong and Thats about It
this small unattractive suv is suppose to be more fuel efficient then the suburban, but this is not the case...its certainly not more reliable. transmission replaced at 120k, fuel pump at 150k, ac compressor at 160k, but thats it, so reliability isn't too bad. today the mileage is 215,000. though the paint is fading and the windows leak when it rains, the motor ignites and runs as it did at 90k miles, not too shabby!
chevy, like a rock
Bought my Blazer 2 years ago used. Buying it used, from an elderly woman I expected problems. Had to replace brakes and 2 rotors and water pump. From age, and not being maintained. Since then just the brake switch, heating core and a new distributor cap. Has 156,000 miles. Drive it to school and home all the time (130 miles) been off roading plenty. Great 4x4 for its size. With the right maintenance I feel anyone can keep any car running good. Its still as red as any 09 red car. No fading. Oh. The ac compressor doesn't work, but I prefer the Windows down anyways.
BEST IN CLASS
GREAT VEHICAL IT GIVES ME GREAT DRIVING PLEASURE EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. ANOTHER GREAT SUV FROM CHEVY
GREAT SUV
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICAL USES AND IT HAS NEVER GIVEN ME A PROBLEM
10 year slump
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.
more trouble lately
This car was great at first. But as time went on we started having lots of trouble. Cooloing system is lousy. Aluminum parts mixed with metal parts causes deterioration in the cooling system and motor when you use the factory recommended coolant. This problem will always be here. I've been told by my mechanic, ( after 4 major flushes and replacement of nearly everything in the coolant system) there is no recourse but to trade it in. Won't buy another.
Cheap and Easy
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.
Blazen
paid about $8000 for this truck w/95k on it..runs excellent..however if you dont take care of it..as w/other cars (except honda) it will give u a hassel. like bending your crossmemeber..things like that. overall..its good, very pwrful, i love the insta trac 4x4..floor it off the line, in the rain, absolutely no skid at all! one set back..the wind shield wipers suck!
OK SUV
No problems so far, replaced thermostat and rear window release. Transmission shifts extremely had when driven on the highway for an hour or more. Not easy to drive in the wind, reclining seat handle broke.
GOOD BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
bought it used, own it for 3+ years. no major problems. handles off-road well. thick snow and mud are no problem. rear seat is not comfortable, if you are taller your knees are even with your chin. the only good seat is the driver. front passenger needs better leg room. needs better stereo arrangement, steering wheel controls for radio, cruise control.
Time to buy a foreign Truck!
I had many problems with this vehicle from day one! Unfortunately, I purchase the used vehicle extended warranty! A year ago, at 93,000 miles.!. My engine ceazed up! The rod spun a bearing and that was it for this engine. Believe me this engine had it's oil changed every 3000 miles and I was very good with the schedule maintenance. Amazing by the manufacturerers, said that these vehicles are maintenance free until 100,000 miles!!!! FALSE!!! So, in a year if that I will be buying a Foreign Truck , for a quiet ride, no rattles, and engine that will last over 100,000 miles with no headaches! And a manufacturer that backs up their vehicles!!!
i love my blazer 96
i bought my blazer 4 days ago for 600 bucks i mean it pretty beat up but it still runs great for a 96 it has 140k miles and it has never had any real major stuff fix. i could brake down tomorrow and i could scrap it to get my money back. i love the power and suspension it takes turns great the oil in it hasn't been change in the last 7k miles so im going to flush that out. it starts on the turn of the key its an amazing car and i love it. i gets great gas milage for a suv too
CRAP!
I have had my s-10 blazer sport since 98 and all it has done was suck my checking account dry. It had problems even the dealer couldn't diagnose. It would overheat for no reason, stall for no reason - been through 3 fuel pumps, 2 alternators and something wrong with the ac that I could never afford to fix. Piece of crap - dealer wouldn't even give me more than $500 as a trade in value.
Hope you're a mechanic!
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.
A rough life Blazer gets a second chance.
I have a Black Chevrolet Blazer LT 4x4 that has been in my family for as is old. I'm the third person to hold it, and its had a rough life before I held it. It went from being hardly used sitting half its life, to being used rough and not being taken care of, as a result it blew a motor and was expensive to get replaced. Since its been with me its been a neat project car and daily driver. The physical condition is excellent, and the new motor has been plenty reliable, with a few ticks every now and then in the cold. Probably some piston slap. Note the second engine in it is used w/ 100k+ miles. With minor additions to the engine I've done, runs and drives like new. It's a great car for me.
I want another Toyota
I had a Toyota 4x4 for 12 years before this vehicle, and I am looking at Toyota again. We have put to much money into this 6 year old vehicle (AC compressor, Heater core, Battery, alternator, Rear latch) all of which were fine on my Toyota after 10 years. Not impressed with the workmanship and the reliability of American(at least Chevy) trucks.
1996 LT
BETTER THAN AVERAGE GAS MILAGE FOR THE ENGINE & HP. PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1987 BLAZER AND FIND MY 1996 LT PROVIDES A MORE COMFORTABLE RIDE. HANDLES MORE LIKE A MID-SIZE CAR THAN A TRUCK. THE NEGATIVE SIDE IS THAT THERE WERE 4 RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDED EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND ABS BRAKES.
Sweet
I love my blazer! I have had it for about 6 months! Althought the engine blew because it was wrecked before and the dealer did not flush the fluids, we replaced it and i love it more than anything! I feel very safe in it! Although i wish it had power door locks and power windows I love it!
Great running SUV
I purchased my 1996 Blazer 1 and 1/2 years ago with 108,000 on it. It has been very reliable and has had no major problems. If you maintain these vehicles they will run for a long time. Change oil every 3k, tune ups and make sure to grease all ball joints and fittings etc. Flush coolant as well becuase of the known problems with the cooling systems. I love my Blazer and maintain it very well. Vehicle now has 126000 on it and all I have replaced is battery, alternator, thermostat and a rear end seal.
Beware this car "could be a lemon!
Overall this is a great truck. The performance and comfort is exceptional. The reliability and build quality is very poor. Some people have not had to do to much maintainace to their blazer's; I have. Parts that have been replaced: Alternator 40K, AC (Compressor Condenser)50K, Radiator 56K, Water Pump 60K, Ignition switch and computer 65K. The transmission is rilled with rust that has been deposited by the corosion of the dipstick. Buy at your own risk!!!!!
you think u wouldent like it but u do
first of all the blazers is a well built truck that may not have the best colors and interior biuld but they are fully built trucks. they at first might look bad but in the long run they are really dependeble.there one of those trucks ghat don't really feel and sound like a truck but they can take the biggest weather conditions and enviroments of any kind and still this trick will push out to its Max power to keep you safe i have had two and the first was a 96 as is my current and it saved my family's life after getting hit by a huge semi and we were able to drive away and the blazed is a truck you can depend on year round. and i would prefer this than broncos 100% ive had both
Loved
I just got my Blazer in November '08. It has 162,200 miles on it and runs great! The only problem I had was the battery was loose, but it was easily fixed. Other than that, I lovev my Blazer.
Wanted to Love It, But GM Workmanship?
Several electrical problems and major cooling-heating issues. I have had 4 heater core problems with this truck (Only 1 covered by the warranty) Every other year after 60k, I have lost heat. I have been arguing with the dealer- repair folks to no avail. I have played with the idea of getting a Tahoe or Yukon but have lost all confidence in GM products.