Considering the level of trim and equipment applied to our test Blazer,it is all too easy to look upon it as essentially a tall station wagon. Whether or not it actually feels like that to the driver depends on where and how it is being driven. In an urban setting, the Blazer is quiet and composed, easy to drive with its automatic transmission and power-assisted steering. Good visibility and exterior dimensions smaller than those of a Chevy Malibu make it easy to maneuver. Take the Blazer on the highway, and the picture changes slightly. Even in "touring" form, the suspension is firm, and reacts noticeably to pavement imperfections. It is still relatively effortless to drive, but a mushy brake pedal--common to every GM truck and sport-utility we've driven--can be disconcerting when panic stops are necessary. Performance from the V6 engine is good, particularly in the lower rpm ranges, and there is plenty of grunt in reserve for pulling a trailer or carrying a full load. The automatic transmission is especially nice, changing gears quickly and without noticeable hesitation. For most customers, the base and "touring" suspensions will do just fine. Even off-road, our Blazer was sure-footed and controllable, whether asked to follow an existing trail or make a new one. Serious mountain goats or desert rats may want to investigate the off-road suspension packages, but you have to work the standard Blazer very hard to get beyond its innate rock-climbing ability. The optional power-operated transfer case makes switching from 2- to 4WD drive a snap. |
