1) A two-door variant of the Suburban produced by Chevrolet starting in the 1960's and ending with the introduction of the Tahoe in the
mid-1990's.
2) The name given to the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer after the introduction of the Tahoe. Produced until the
mid-2000's.
S-10 Blazers and fullsize Blazers alike are referred to as "Blazers". Contrary to what many believe, the first generation Blazers were capable of running for what seemed
like an eternity.
Fullsize Blazers came with the 5.7L 350 engine, which remained the base engine. Optional was a larger displacement diesel engine, primarily used with a 24 volt (as opposed to standard 12 volt) power
system used in military Blazers in the 1980's.
The S-10 Blazer originally came with a TBI (throttle body injection) engine that was either a 2.8L (used in the V6
Camaro) or a 4.3L engine that was the V6 version of the
well-known 5.7L 350. In 1990 with the introduction of the 4-door Blazer came the
new CPI (central port injection) Vortec engine. In 1995 the Blazers were redesigned with a more rounded body, and included
new MPFI (multi-port fuel injection) engines, in addition to dropping the S-10 prefix.
The first generation Blazers with the TPI 4.3L engines carried on the reputation of the 5.7L, many lasting
well above 200,000 miles. However with the introduction of the 700R4 (later named 4L60) automatic transmission, many would only last to 200,000 miles, as the 3rd and 4th
gear clutch packs would burn out in the transmissions. This problem was not as common to the fullsize Blazer after the introduction of the 4L60-E, however.
Additionally, problems with the
heater core going out and leaking antifreeze into the floorboards were common, as
well as seat frames being
broken, rear window hydraulics not working, and other cosmetic problems, including the rare steering wheel breakage after one has slammed their fist into the steering wheel.
The S-10 Blazer has a reputation for holding its value. Many S-10 Blazers can be seen for sale for a few thousand dollars,
even with 150,000+ miles.