1996 Chevy Blazer Base Walkaround & Interior

earlier, more rugged appearance at the same time. From the outside, it bears a family

resemblance to the attractive S-Series Pickups. Grille and bumper are rounded and

windshield glass is raked with aero exterior mirrors that smooth air and appearance.

Standard Solar-Ray tinted glass helps keep ultraviolet and infrared rays out.

New for '96 is the Vortec 4300 V6 engine, designed to produce more power and decrease

noise. It delivers 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 250 lb. ft. torque at 2800 rpm.

Engine block redesign, and additional bolts to join transmission bellhousing to a new

cast-aluminum oil pan increases powertrain bending and stiffness and also makes things

quieter in-cabin. On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) are more sophisticated and the

Blazer's Vehicle Control Module (VCM) is more powerful in its job of

emissions-monitoring. Coolant life is extended to 100,000 miles or five years.

A new, easy-shifting five-speed manual transmission with a new concentric design slave

clutch is optional on 2WD models. All automatic transmissions now benefit from the

brake/transmission shift interlock safety upgrade that requires the driver to apply

the brake pedal to shift from Park.

Blazer's ladder-type frame with box rails is the base for a hefty variety of chassis

packages to meet a wide range of driving needs and driver personalities. For example:

Z83, standard on 2-door models, gives a smooth ride and is for light-duty trailering

while ZQ1 is standard on 4-door models (same attributes). The Z 85 Touring package is

optional and is designed for a firm ride and heavy-duty trailering while ZM6 is an

optional Off-Road package for 2-door, 4WD that provides a very firm ride and

heavy-duty trailering applications. The ZW7 Premium package is engineered for a

premium smooth ride and heavy-duty trailering for 4-door, 4WD. Tires are P205/75 R15

all-season steel-belted radials, P235/70R15 AS/SBR and P235/75R15 AS/SBR depending on

the model.

Front suspension is independent coil springs (2WD) and independent torsion bars (4WD)

while the rear is suspended by semi-elliptic, two-stage multi-leaf springs and

semi-floating rear axle. A stiffened frame improves the ride and handling

characteristics, plus helps with squeaks and rattles and diminishes pavement and

powertrain noise.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the two-door model and a four-speed

electronic transmission is an option. Automatic transmission is standard on four-door

models. The enhanced 4.3 liter V6CPI is standard on all models. Chevy's four-wheel

drive system, called "Insta-Trac," can be engaged by means of a floor-mounted shifter

or a push button on the dash. Full-time all-wheel drive is available on four-door

models. GM's AWD system normally puts 65 percent torque to rear wheels and 35 percent

to front, but when road conditions cause reduced traction at one set of wheels, the

transfer case automatically sends engine power to the wheels with better traction.

Also new for '96 are five exterior paint colors and one new interior color.

Interior Features
While the wheelbase remains unchanged with its makeover, the Blazer is now longer,

lower and wider. This means you'll find front seat shoulder room is increased by more

than three inches, and even though there is a lower step-in height, ground clearance

remains unchanged. And, because the spare wheel and tire is now stowed under the

floor on four-door models, cargo capacity is increased by 1.6 cubic feet. Chevy

boasts that you can carry a washing machine in its box.

Our testers found ingress/-egress easy and accomodating for all drivers, especially

those who wear skirts. We were particularly impressed by front seat room and

ergonomics with dash, dials and controls, but found the rear seat leg room to be too

small. Accessibility to the rear in two-door models is somewhat compromised.

The Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada was redesigned from the inside out and it shows. Depending

on the model, the upscale interior is full of many comforts and comes with a cache of

the latest car luxuries. There are sophisticated sound systems with CD players,

adjustable reading lamps, built-in stowage bins, compass and outside thermometers, and

options such as cellular phone hook-ups. One of our favorite features is the center

console which sets the stage for eating, drinking, writing and stowing with cupholders

(front and rear) and nifty spaces for storage. Seats come as bench, bucket and

split/folding in the rear. We like the optional plush leather power bucket seats with

power lumbar adjusters.