1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4-door
11/14/1996
Greg A. Godsell
The Chevrolet Blazer was one of the first mid-sized sport utility vehicles that helped to define the segment when it was released in 1983. While Ford missed the mark early with the Bronco II, Chevrolet found success with their S10 Blazer. However, as times changed, the S-Blazer found itself in a market dominated by the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Following a redesign in 1995, the Blazer has once again become a factor in the ever growing sport utility market. Updated styling, solid design and value pricing help the Blazer compete within a crowded segment that includes the Explorer, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, and 4-Runner.
General
The Blazer is offered as either a 2-door or 4-door vehicle. Both body styles are available with two wheel drive (2WD) and four wheel drive (4WD). All wheel drive (AWD) is available only on the high-line LT 4-door. Whether a 2-door or a 4-door, a hatchback provides access to the rear storage area. The 2-door comes in standard and LS trim levels. The 4-door is available in standard, LS and LT trim levels.
Pricing of the models is very competitive. The 2-door model is the price leader with a MSRP of about $21,000 for 2WD and $22,600 for 4WD. The LS trim package on the 2-door model adds $2,000-$3,000 more to this base price. The 4-door model costs more with a price range of $24,600 (standard) to $28,700 (LT). The 2WD 4-door models range in price from $22,500 to $27,100.
Drivetrain
All 1997 Blazers are equipped with the Vortec 4300 V6 engine. The Vortec is rated at 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Engine tuning favors low-end torque with maximum torque at 2800 RPM. Fuel delivery is achieved by a sequential fuel injection system. The engine is equipped with the latest OBD-II diagnostic computer to aid in detection, diagnosis and repair of problems. For 1997, the engine cooling fan has been replaced with a new, quieter version.
A 4-speed electronic transmission is offered as standard equipment in every configuration. The automatic transmission ratios are: 3.06, 1.63, 1.00, and 0.70 to deliver both low-end acceleration and high mileage. For 1997 the transmission has been mildly revised to improve serviceability and efficiency. In 2-door form, prospective buyers can opt for a 5-speed manual transmission geared from 3.49 in first to 0.78 in fifth gear.
The four wheel drive system in the Blazer is called Insta-Trac. Drive modes for 4WD Hi/Low and 2WD can be made from within the vehicle. An electronic shift transfer case is available that adds push button convenience to the process. Full-time AWD is available only on 4-door LS models.
While ABS is standard on all vehicles, four wheel disc brakes are only available in the top of the line 4-door model as part of the AWD package. Numerous tire and wheel combinations are available. The wheels are 15 inches and are available in seven styles ranging from the standard steel wheel to the top-end styled aluminum. Tires are 205/75 for standard vehicles and all 2WD models with 235/75 supplied for 4WD models.
Body & Suspension Details
The Blazer's chassis is a ladder frame design. The front suspension is an independent suspension in all variations. All rear suspensions are leaf spring and stabilizer bar arrangements. In an effort to make sure there is a Blazer for everyone, Chevrolet offers no fewer than 6 different chassis packages. These packages range from the most basic setup to a special ZR2 wide-stance package intended for the 2-door model.
Interior Details
Bucket seats are standard in the 2-door model. All 4-door models come with a 60/40 split bench by default with the ability to upgrade to bucket seats in the LS model. The LT model adds high-back bucket seats and a center console.
The interior is available with an optional overhead console. The console contains storage compartments, map lights, and a garage door opener compartment. Buyers of 1997 models now have the option of a power moonroof in all trim levels.
Form
The styling is conservative but is wearing well even as the vehicle enters its third year of production. Paint quality and color selection are above average for vehicles in this class. This year a body colored grille has been added to the LT model to help differentiate it from the other models. Fit and finish quality of exterior body panels is very good. Interestingly, the vehicle's overall length is somewhat deceiving. High ground clearance and a somewhat squat body give the appearance of a vehicle that looks smaller than it feels while driving.
Access to the engine bay and the interior is much improved over previous generations of the S-Blazer. An optional version of the lift gate on the 4-door model allows you to open just the glass for inserting objects like shopping bags. One of the biggest improvements of late has been the introduction of dual-cut, dual-purpose keys into the GM product lines. This reduces the maddening key fiddling while trying to figure out which key and orientation is necessary to get in the car.
According to Chevrolet the design goal for cargo area storage was the ability to load a washing machine carton through the hatch. Although this claim wasn't tested, the storage area of the Blazer is more than adequate to haul the kinds of things you would expect to load into the back of a SUV.
The interior of the Blazer is very pleasing. Monochrome matte materials were chosen for all of the dashboard components. Unfortunately, the choice of dashboard plastics do not have the quality feel other manufacturer's have achieved with material selection.
All controls are visible and easy to read. Switch gear feel is adequate, but could still use improvement. Overall, the weakest interior design element is the door panel. Bizarre-looking grille covers and unusually curved power window buttons detract from the overall good looks of the interior.
Seat position and steering wheel feel are good, as is the visibility from the drivers seat. One thing that needs attention is the placement of the pedals. There is a wide gap between the brake pedal and the gas pedal that swallowed a foot on several occasions.
Overall the Blazer is a pleasant place to sit and drive. The structure of the vehicle is very solid and few squeaks or rattles are noticeable from the driver's seat.
Function
Mechanically, the Blazer feels sound. The engine's low-end torque characteristics are apparent while driving. High speed passing power is lacking at times. Power delivery of the engine is smooth, and the 4 speed electronic transmission complements the engine nicely. At times noise from the powertrain finds its way into the passenger compartment. These noises are not always pleasing, but the Blazer does drive competently.
The electronically controlled InstaTrac system works well. The push-button controls are placed just to the right of the steering wheel. Lights in the buttons provide visual feedback as to the operation of the system. If you select a mode that is unavailable, lights in the buttons flash until the selected choice can be completed.
The Blazer handles well. It feels at home on city streets and in parking lots. On the highway, the vehicle handles as well as can be expected (for a vehicle with off-road tires and a large amount of ground clearance). The suspension in the test vehicle provided a comfortable ride. Excessive body roll was not exhibited during hard cornering. Steering feel tends towards the numb side. In the test vehicle an alignment problem compounded the lack of feel with false centering. Aside from pedal placement, the brakes seem well-suited for the vehicle. Effort is minimal and little fade was detected during the evaluation.
Specifications
General
1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4-door
front engine / four wheel drive
5 passenger, four door
sport utility vehicle
steel body on welded steel ladder frame
Price Range $24,600 - $28700
Price as tested $26,585
Engine
12 valve, V-6, iron block, iron heads
Bore & Stroke 101.6x88.39mm (4.0x3.48in)
Valvetrain chain driven, hydraulic lifters
Displacement 4300cc (262cu in)
Compression Ratio 9.2:1
Fuel Delivery Sequential Fuel Injection
Horsepower (SAE net) 190hp@4400 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 250lb-ft@2800 rpm
Redline 5600 rpm
Drivetrain
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
3.06 (1st); 1.63 (2nd); 1.00 (3rd); 0.7 (4th)
Interior
Head Room (F/R) 39.6/38.2
Leg Room (F/R) 42.4/36.3
Hip Room (F/R) 52.0/51.3
Shoulder Room (F/R) 57.2/57.2
Storage Volume 37.3 (74.1 seat down)
Measurements
Curb weight 4046
Width 67.8
Height 66.9
Ground Clearance 7.5
Gross trailer weight 5000 lbs
Fuel Capacity 18 gallons
Suspension
Independent torsion bar front suspension
Semi-elliptic 2-stage, multi-leaf Spring rear
Steering
Variable assist, recirculating ball
Turns lock to lock 2.97
Turning circle 41.2 (wall to wall)
Brakes
Four-wheel ABS
Front disc 10.5x.1.03 in
Rear drum 9.5x2.0 in
Total swept area 308.6 sq in
Wheels & Tires:
235/75 15
15 in aluminum
Fuel Economy
city 17 mpg
highway 22 mpg
combined 19 mpg
Summary
The Chevrolet Blazer is a very good vehicle, as it needs to be to compete in this class. The vehicle is well-styled inside and out. It is adequately powered and has generous amounts of usable interior storage room. Handling and comfort options abound to help tailor the vehicle to the whims of the buyer.
Given the increasing competition in this segment, the strongest argument for buying a Blazer is value. Blazers typically carry a $2,000-$3,000 price advantage over many of the chief segment rivals. This fact is not lost on current Blazer owners; their number one motivation for purchase was price.