Chevy Blazer is a traditional SUV, all truck with separate body-and-frame construction. The entry-level LS is distinguished this year by a "dark argent" grille, while the fancier LT has a body-color grille. The Trailblazer goes all-out monochrome, replacing the chrome front bumper with body color.All Blazer-class GM SUVs are powered by a 4.3-liter Vortec V6. This 90-degree V6 has a cast-iron block and head and overhead valves, and runs happily on 87 octane. Although the redline is 5600 rpm, the power peak of 190 horsepower comes at 4400 rpm. And, with a very useful 250 foot-pounds of torque at 2800 rpm, there's limited need to rev the engine to the redline. GM's 4-speed electronic automatic transmission is standard on four-door Blazers, though a 5-speed manual transmission is now available on the two-door Blazer. The four-wheel-drive Blazer LS comes with push-button Insta-Trac, which allows shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD. However, the LT has the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. New last year, Autotrac adds an Auto 4WD button. In this mode, the transfer case remains in 2WD until wheel slip is detected. The transmission shifts automatically into 4WD until prop shaft speeds are equalized, and then returns to 2WD. If multiple "slip events" are detected, the transfer case remains in 4WD for a longer time. Autotrac also has a transfer case neutral for towing behind a recreational vehicle. All Blazers use a short-/long-arm front suspension; 4x4 models are sprung by torsion bars. At the rear, the TrailBlazer has a live rear axle with variable-rate multi-leaf springs. The standard suspension setup is the Z85 Touring Suspension. Using firm de Carbon shock absorbers and stiffer spring rates, the Z85 package has a more controlled ride than the optional and cushier Smooth Ride Suspension. Aluminum wheels are standard on all Blazers, differing in design according to model. Four wheel disc brakes are standard, and the system was upgraded for the 2000 model year.
Expect to step up to get in the Blazer. Though not as radical as larger 4x4 rides, the Blazer has a higher seating height than the typical sedan. The payback is that commanding view of the road that SUV owners cherish. Inside, the LT features standard "premium cloth" high-back bucket seats with 8-way power standard for the driver. Power is optional for the front passenger seat, and two-setting memory seat adjustment is available for the driver's seat. The front seats are broad with limited bolstering. They are more like comfortable chairs than sports car bucket seats. An annoying bulge in the front passenger's footwell accommodates the Blazer's exhaust. The rear bench is low; it is comfortable for two adults, though three will fit. The rear seatback splits and folds 60-40 for cargo flexibility. The Blazer comes with full instrumentation that is well laid out; it shares its instrument panel with the other Blazer-class trucks. General Motors has made major strides in its minor controls, and the dash of the TrailBlazer is an excellent example. The switches, knobs and levers for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and audio controls look and feel good and don't require a correspondence course to learn how to operate. The LT also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, power locks and windows, power heated mirrors, rear window defogger and wiper, cruise control and lighted visor mirrors. Tilt wheel, two auxiliary power outlets, AM/FM stereo with CD player, and an overhead console with an outside temperature readout are also standard. Tilt wheel and speed control, power windows, locks and mirrors are also included. Air conditioning is standard on all Blazers, with automatic climate control optional on the LT. |
