2001 Chevy Blazer Base Walkaround & Interior

All Blazers 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 gasoline. Although redlined at 5600 rpm, it reaches its peak 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm. And, with a very useful 250 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm, there's little need to rev it into the red. GM's four-speed electronic automatic transmission is standard on four-door Blazers, although a five-speed manual transmission is available on the two-door models.

The four-wheel-drive Blazer LS comes with push-button Insta-Trac, which allows shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD. The more sophisticated Autotrac four-wheel-drive system is optional on the LS and standard on LT and TrailBlazer. Autotrac combines the best of full-time and part-time 4WD by adding an "Auto 4WD" button. In this mode, the transfer case remains in 2WD until wheel slip is detected. An electric servo then shifts the transfer case into 4WD until prop shaft speeds are equalized, and then returns it 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 position for towing behind a recreational vehicle.

All Blazers use a short-/long-arm front suspension and a live axle on leaf springs at the rear (variable-rate, multi-leaf springs on TrailBlazer). 4x4 models are sprung by torsion bars up front, while 4x2's have coil springs. Last year's optional Smooth Ride Suspension is no longer offered, so most Blazers come with the Z85 Touring Suspension. Using firm de Carbon shock absorbers and stiffer spring rates, the Z85 package has a more controlled ride than the old Smooth Ride Suspension. The only suspension variations available in 2001 are the super-heavy-duty ZR2, and of course the street-performance Z87 suspension that comes exclusively with Blazer Xtreme. ZR2 substitutes stronger parts throughout the chassis, plus skid plates, a track bar for the locking rear axle, a 3.9-inch wider tread and stiffer springs with Bilstein gas-pressure shocks.

Aluminum wheels are standard on all Blazers, differing in design according to model. Four wheel disc brakes are standard, and the braking system was upgraded for the 2000 model year.

Interior Features
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 eight-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 GM's 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. New for 2001 is OnStar, GM's remote communications system, standard on LT and TrailBlazer. Air conditioning is standard on all Blazers, with automatic climate control optional on the LT and standard on TrailBlazer.