Used 1998 Chevrolet Blazer Consumer Reviews
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Best and dependable!
This has been a wonderful car. There is little maintenance and it is perfect for our business and family. We can haul just about anything but load the family also.
Huge Mistake
I purchased my Blazer used with only 8,500 miles on it. I had no problems at all until 32K. Alternator, battery, wiper motor, Dex-Cool sludge, engine oil cooler lines started leaking. I did all the repairs except I left the oil lines for the dealer. I really had no other problems until 72K. Oil cooler line leaking again, transmission slipping, brake caliper, 4WD semi engaging on its own, high speed vibration, heater core "crappy Dex-Cool". Spent $2300 and the dealer still can't fix the 4WD problem. I have taken very good care of this car,doing tune ups and fluid changes every year. I know I hate this car.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,99572 mi away
- LT 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,995342 mi away
- Base 2dr SUVMSRP: $5,995749 mi away
Blazers are the WORST
I own a 1998 Chevy Blazer ZR2 and is is by far the worstvehicle I have ever owned. I have no idea what the engineers where smoking when they let this one go, but I have owned it since October 2002 and it is now September 2005 and where do I start??? The cheap plastic interior is the loudest annoying thing ever. Seriously, the wind blows and it rattles. I don't even want to explain when going over gravel roads or railroad tracks!!! The next is the front ball joints are notorious for premature failure. Also, wheel bearings! I have replaced front ones 3 different times. I don't do much offroading besides ice fishing, so why so weak under "normal" conditions? I am a graduate of an Automotive Engineering program and a 3 yr. SAE member; take it from me, you don't want a Blazer.
My ZR2
Great looking, strong engine, and I love the fact that it's not a grocery- getter urban SUV. It's the real deal. Real 4x4, ground clearence, 2 door, 5 speed manual...not a family vehicle, but a perfect vehicle for the 20-something single outdoor enthusiast. Good performance on and off road. HOWEVER...atrocious interior build quality, possibly the worst I've ever seen. No wonder so many people buy Japanese
Never buy American again.
I bought this 1998 LT 4WD Blazer with all hope in the world that buying American would be a good thing. Anything but has been the case. I paid $31,000 with tax and this was my hard earned money as I am a nurse. The car is a beauty to look at but a poor quality mechanical car. It has been an electrical nightmare. I have been stranded 5 times, I've had to buy AAA for all times I've been towed. The alternator has been replaced twice. Chevrolet dealer put in a used one which then failed again. The battery cables had to be changed which cost $200. The alternators $400 each. The battery went dead, another $100.
ZR2 blues....
OK I owned a 2001 Chevy S 10 ZR2 truck and LOVED it, but lost it in my divorce,so thinking they was all built the same i got a 1998 ZR2 Blazer. BIG MISTAKE I have only had it barely 2 months and alreday have major issues. Let start with the 4x4 it kept switching in and out of 4 wheel drive on it's own, and front end needs work, ball joints ect and now a MAJOR issue with running service engine light comes on and it will run REALLY bad, acting like it's getting no gas, has no power wants to die but then bam it runs great again in a few days. Seems to be a common complaint with the 1998's i regret buying it BEFORE I really researched the issues. THINK TWICE...
GM Junk-Chev Blazer '98
Here's a list of things that have failed a vehicle that was well maintained. NOT at all happy with GM and have always been a GM buyer. Not likely to be this time around. -3 bad injectors -axle boots failed before 50K miles -cat and O2 sensor failed at 80K miles -transmission failed at just over 100K miles, $2,600 to rebuild, was serviced at 60K even though dealer said it didn't need it until 100K! -TPS sensor failed at 120K. -fuel pump failed-125K. -water pump-130K. -A/C compressor failed-130K. -heater core failed-138K. -both oil lines for remote oil filter have failed with leaks -And, to top it all off the head gasket finally decided it was time to go.
My blazer
Overall the car has done very well. It has required little repairs and handles long distance travel well. Through any weather this SUV has been reliable. My only beef with the car is the windshield wipers. They annoy me!
Good In The Snow
The Blazer is a great small SUV if you need a 4x4, however it leaves a lot to be desired in the suspension department. Power is sufficient but not excessive. The ride is harsh at best and any road inperfections are amplified throught the vast amount of interior plastic trim. It had been a reliable car besides some electrical gremlins that are there one day and not the next. A great looking, offroad capable SUV that could have used some major refining in the suspension, and interior materials department.
Fun SUV
I bought my 1998 Blazer with only 56,000 miles exatcly one year ago (March 2003) and I have had no problems. The back seat is kind of uncomfortable though.
98 Blazer a mixed bag
Basically, the Blazer is a good car. For the most part reliable. One bad alternator took out the battery and self destructed at about 48K miles over warrantee in time, I ate $800 repair while away from home. At 68K the water pump went, in a heart beat engine over heated and froze before we could get the car off the highway. Melt down to the tune of $3400. When somethings goes, it goes suddenly without warning and it is very expensive. Repairs have been avg about $600 yr. For a US car that might be typical, but 6 1/2 years ownership I think its bad after the warrantee ran out. Economically not an experiece I want to repeat.
Money Pit
Bought w/45K, average 10K per year. Awful mileage, constant laying out money. Needed FWD bearings right after buying it. Needed brakes. Now, it's a money pit - both seat levers broke (white metal), needs e-brake, fuel injectors leak, 4WD Hi won't engage, leaks antifreeze (manifold gasket)
Not so blazin'
I`ve owned my Blazer for two years,had nothing but problems the first year and a half. The following has been fixed or replaced, 2 universal joints, idler arm, 2 lower ball joints, alternator, no heat in the dead of winter, CD player, front speaker, pass.side recliner lever, ABS is junk, 4wd works when it wants to.
1998 4wd Blazer
I keep thinking just one more repair and it will last me awhile. Door hinges replaced, oil lines replaced, intake manifold gaskets replaced , cat replaced, air cond replaced, blinker switch replaced, O2 sensor bad now the air conditioner is acting up again. Besides that, a decent auto, ha ha, Thinking of getting a full size. Gas mileage for the Blazer is the same as a full size truck these days. The newer 5.3 v-8's are getting close to 19 mpg on the highway, my Blazer is only 18 at best. I might as well have the room and power if the gas mileage is going to stink.
Needs Some Work
Everyone knows that SUV's don't get the best gas mileage, but I expected to get a little better being I got a 2dr V6. I average about 14 to 15 mpg. Everything wears out really quick. The rear exterior tire carrier has to be lifted up about an inch or so to be latched. If your a home mechanic, you'll have fun getting the oil filter off. I'm upgrading to a brand new Explorer next week. I'll try another American made one more time.
Favorite car, ever.
I bought this car used off dealer lot with 36,006 miles on it. I have experienced no significant problems with it other then routine maintenance. In fact I went to change the brake pads at 50K miles and could find almost no wear! The vehicle is solid and well built, no sqeaks rattles or annoyances. The IP is well laid out and convenient, not fanciful just functional. I especially appreciate the handling of the car, well balanced and fairly light driving for a truck, very similar to rear wheel drive cars from sixties and seventies, if you go back that far! It handles exceptionally well in ice and snow (Michigan), and I only engage the 4wd to keep the transaxle lubed! All in all a great car!
May not be the best to some
I bought my Blazer used when I graduated high school. I wanted something reliable and I wanted a Chevy. I've only had minor problems with it of recent, but I still believe that it's a dependable truck. It is very safe. The other day some lady smacked into it and I was mad because they considered it totalled. But I feel lucky of how safe it was in the impact, as the lady who hit me was excessivly speeding when she hit it. I feel it is a very reliable vechile and safe for younger drivers like myself
Last One
Poor quality in overall woorkmanship. Seat adjustment handle broke off. All brakes and calipers changed after 100,000 miles. Windshield wiper module replaced (not recalled). Waterpump replaced 110,000. Oil leak from hoses to filter (25,000miles. Transmission tubes replaced come loose.
Want a money pit?
New Right front wheel bearing - 55000km New brakes - 60000 km New transmission - 74 000km 4years NO power train warranty BUY JAPANESS NEVER NORTH AMERICAN AGAIN!!!
'98 Blazer
I owned the Blazer for 4 years and it was a good truck. 4.3 is a tough little motor. I rolled it, and flipped it back over and kept driving, no serious problems even at 120,000 miles. Interior is cheap. But overall it was good. I put it through some tough off road terrain, and it always performed.
Fits the bill
ZR2 spec Blazer. After 125,000 miles, the powertrain (original) is great--reliable and tough. I tow a boat and occasionally off road, and the Blazer does it well. The 5-speed manual shifts crisply, and on country roads especially I enjoy the drive. I average over 18mpg in general, which is really good for a truck-based SUV. City stop n' go driving stinks. Build quality is rough, and I have had some problems, but nothing major or expensive. I really like the vehicle's design and think it has worn well. I wish Chevy still built a "real truck" SUV smaller than the Tahoe. Used resale value is low, so they are a great used vehicle value.
My Last Blazer
Since I have owned: Rebuilt Transmission, Power steering repair, starter repair, etc. Handles on both fronts seats broke off from poor design. Can not see over headrest to see to turn, etc. No overhead back seat light, very dark. Shocks for back hatch window came off. I have a friend who has a 1998 blazer and they dislike it as much as I do. If only I had read this review before I bought my Blazer.
Want something squeky??
I have had my truck for 6 months and had no mechanical problems but hate the interior. It squeks soooo bad inside and havent gotten a chance to fix it.
1998 Blazer LT
Purchased used from a dealer with 28K miles. Is in excellent condition. Everyone in the family wants to drive it. Traveling through mountain passes in the winter, this vehicle has done very well. Had trouble with wiper motor & front door speakers (replaced both). Fuel economy is pretty good. It pulls our 19' boat with ease. This is only a 4 passenger vehicle.
Great car
I love my Blazer. It's great.
What a Lemon
This car is in the shop every 3 - 6 months even during the warranty period. We have spend over 4000.00 on repairs since then and now an additional 1500.00 is required. Getting rid of it and will not buy another chevorlet product. My husband says they were drunk when they built my car. Non of my family or friends will buy this product after watching us shell out so much money on such a sorry product. Chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves.
A Great Vehicle
The 1998 Blazer is one of the most reliable cars you will own. I own a 4 door LT 2WD. Mine now has over 160,000 miles and it still rides great! Its comfy(it has leather seats with electric adjustment), gets pretty good gas mileage (16-20), and is fun to drive! However, the best part about this car is its reliability. This thing hasn't broken down on me one time in 160,000 miles. It has lasted through many trips, and still works good. It's a great car.
Just dont hit a deer!
Ran ok for the first 4 1/2 years. Had to replace the altenator, and belts,by the 5th year. But the interior didnt last 6 months. Vanity mirror cover on visors fell off. Handels on seats snapped off(cheap metal). Power seat motor gave out. Then the wiper motor, both front and rear wipers useless. A/C also. Then we hit the suicidal deer. Ball joints, rotors, bearings, basically the whole suspension. Internalized fuel pumps and sensors are a big mistake. 4wd works when it wants to. Power windows work one day then nothing the next. Repairs just seem to domino effect with this model. But all in all hanging in there given the milage and trauma
Chevy Blazer... What a disapointment!
Purchased my blazer with 18,000 miles on it as a one owner trade in. Being a fool I assumed based on appearance and the low milage this vehical was solid and every bit represenative of its appearance. Boy was I wrong... After two years of complete annoyance, I traded the turd in. In 24 months I replaced upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, brakes and rotors, heater motor twice, tensioner pulley twice, tires due to the ball joint problem. On trade it had a bad wheel bearing and the bearing was shot in the A/C clutch. This turd was purchased for my wife, to serve as the bus for her and my two young sons... The warranty of course ran out on time.
Blazer LT
This is the best SUV i ever owned. Hardly any problems.
They don't make Chevy's like they used to!
I recently bought my 1998 Blazer LS less than a year ago with 111K as a 2nd car. Soon I had the transmission rebuilt afterwards. After that the passenger side wheel front wheel bearing started to make noise. Fixed problem, and then a week later,driver's side wheel bearing went out. Radiator started plugging up and replaced it and noticed a huge oil leak starting from the back of the motor. I really don't understand this, I owned a 1970 Impala many years back in college. Drove it 5 years to nearly 300K with no problems at all! Drove it back in forth from college on the weekends 300 miles each way and managed 18 mpg with 100% reliability . After the Blazer,no more domestic cars for me
Yup there good
All around great vehicle if you take care of them.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
250,000 miles and still going.
I paid 2000 for this 1998 Chevy 4 door blazer. I bought it from a good friend of mine. It is the best SUV I have ever owned. Mostly what is wrong with my truck is cosmetic. It needs a new paint job. Living on the coast of Texas the salty air has started to eat away at the paint and make a few rust spots. But the engine and transmission are sound. I have had to replace the lower Ball joints. And 1 tie Rod. The bushing on the drivers door has gone out I've had to replace that also. But overall this is probably one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
98 Blazer - Mine is a lemon
Rear suspension problems from month one. Local dealer could/would not fix to my satisfaction and would not assist with further investigation. They did admit to suspension problem but did nothing to permanently solve the problem. Many additional shakes and rattles in car body and engine. I have since moved and received 200% better service from Team Chevrolet in Alpharetta Georgia. (although I still think the car is a lemon).
ok i suppose
just got from relative in houston, has engine issues=fuel, trans, did wires, service trans,fuel filter, still runs crappy no power, just learned =code=lean all banks=mass airflow sensor= kindy expensive part= current mileage 189,000 also has rear wiper issues not worky right.