The Top 5 Chevrolet Blazers In History

In the late 1960s, Chevrolet wanted to create something that doubled as an off-road beast and a dependable daily driver for families. Hence, the Blazer was born.

The Blazer lineup put Chevrolet on the map when it came to reliable sport utility vehicles (SUVs). It was built on the C/K pickup chassis and had a lot of similarities with these trucks in terms of its suspension and interior.

The model was met with so much success in its first two years that it stayed in production for more than 35 years. With the Blazer’s rich history, you can expect some models to stand out from the rest. Here are five of its most notable model years.

1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: Dynamic and Defined

Many Chevy Blazer enthusiasts agree that the model’s second generation (1973-1979) was on a whole new level compared to the previous years in both performance and style.

The first K5 series was introduced in 1969, bearing some of the most notable features of Chevrolet’s C/K family. It was an entry to the SUV spectrum, marketed as a small but full-size SUV.

The K5’s debut was met with so much enthusiasm that Chevrolet simply had to keep going. The model’s popularity grew even more when the second generation of the SUV rolled out.

The 1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer was marketed as a full-size SUV that could do everything. Among the most notable improvements from previous models were its full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system and redesigned chassis and suspension.

Still sporting the ladder-like frame that first-generation K5 Blazers were known for, the 1973 redesign worked like a truck and rode like a passenger car. It also had an optional two-wheel drive (2WD) feature.

The 1973 K5 Blazer also sported a utilitarian interior with full instrumentation, optional air conditioning, and a tilt steering column for some models. It remained as a full convertible but with more glass and headroom.

• Engine: 5.7L V8
• Horsepower: 210 hp
• Torque: 244 lb-ft.
• 0-60 mph: 22.5s

1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: An Old-School Classic

A popular opinion about the 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is that the model is one of the best vintage-looking SUVs out there.

The 1985 redesign is part of the second generation of K5 Blazers that General Motors referred to as the “Rounded Line” generation, but it was more popularly known as “Square Body.”

This classic 4×4 had a beefy appearance that meant business. Having the perfect blend of style, utility, and durability, the 1985 K5 Blazer had everything a dedicated off-roader could want.

The 4×4 drivetrain was paired with a monster V8 that generated more than enough power to plow through muddy trails, rocky hills, or deep snow.

The 1985 K5 Blazer donned a heavy-duty suspension, larger-than-normal tires, and a rugged appearance that simply won over off-road enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Like other second-generation K5 Blazers, the 1985 redesign had a removable top for open-air driving. The model also had a roomy cargo area that’s perfect for those who like to bring heavy equipment.

The 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer had a Silverado trim package, which came with chrome accents and special emblems.

• Engine: 5.0L V8
• Horsepower: 165 hp
• Torque: 275 lb-ft.
• 0-60 mph: 14.5s

1994 Chevrolet Blazer: The Last Blazing Giant

The 1994 model marked the final year for the Blazer as a K5. The third generation of the Blazer ran from 1992-1994 and was relaunched as the Chevrolet Tahoe in 1995.

Similar to the 1992 model, the 1994 Blazer was equipped with GMT400 architecture. This was a similar platform to the one General Motors used on full-size pickup trucks in 1988.

A 5.7L V8 and an electronic fuel injection system were standard for the 1994 Blazer. The SUV came in three styles一Base, Silverado, and Sport, all of which retained the C/K pickup’s interior.

One thing that set the third-generation Blazer apart from its predecessors was that it no longer had a removable roof. Instead, all models had fixed tailgate glass and a full-length steel roof.

A 6.5L turbocharged Detroit Diesel V8 came in as an optional engine for the 1994 model year. However, the diesel engine was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 1994 Blazer came as a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

• Engine: 5.7L V8
• Horsepower: 200 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft.
• 0-60 mph: 9.6s

2001 Chevrolet Blazer: The Ultimate Road-Going Hauler

The 2001 S-10 Blazer is a second-generation model of the S-10 SUV. The S-10 Blazer debuted in 1982 as a co-developed SUV with the S-10 pickup truck in the same year. It also replaced the Isuzu-based Chevy LUV.

The mid-size SUV class of S-10 Blazer was sold in the US market from 1994 to 2005. S-10 Blazers that were produced from 1999 to 2001 were also referred to as the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Off-roading was not the 2001 S-10 Blazer’s strongest suit. The model can handle two-track dirt, but it won’t be as reliable when traveling under serious off-roading conditions.

The S-10 Blazer, however, was more than capable of towing and hauling.

The 2001 S-10 Blazer came in four trim levels: LS, LT, Xtreme, and TrailBlazer. Drivers had the option to get a two-door or four-door setup. They can also choose between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The AutoTrac push-button electronic transfer case was also made available for the 2001 S-10 Blazer models. This feature senses wheel slippage, automatically sending power to the axle with the most traction.

In terms of reliability, the 2001 S-10 Blazer is known to have above-average reliability ratings, according to consumer reviews.

Great size, good gas mileage, and versatility are some of the most notable features consumers loved about the 2001 S-10 Blazer.

• Engine: 4.3L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Torque: 250 lb-ft.
• 0-60 mph: 7.8s

2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Easygoing and Practical

The 2005 Chevrolet Blazer is known to be an easygoing compact SUV. And although the model looked like a truck from the outside, its overall ride quality says otherwise.

Many owners admire the 2005 Chevrolet Blazer for its quiet ride, impressive handling, and decent acceleration that can match those of the model’s competitors.

These admirable features were all thanks to the old reliable ZR2 Wide-Stance Sport Suspension Package.

The 2005 Chevrolet Blazer only came in a two-door setup, but four-door versions were made available for fleet sale. A smoker’s package (an ashtray and lighter) is also standard on all models.

• Engine: 4.3L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp
• Torque: 250 lb-ft.
• 0-60 mph: 8.6s

How Much Is a Chevy 5K Blazer Worth?

The exact cost of a Chevrolet 5K Blazer will differ depending on several factors, including the year model and vehicle’s condition. On average, however, you can expect most secondhand 5K Blazers to cost around $54,000. In some cases, you might find one that’s being sold for as low as $2,000 or as expensive as $440,000.

You can also find professionally restored 5K Blazers online, which typically sell for $340,000 and up.

Is Chevy Coming Out With a New K5 Blazer?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Chevrolet will be adding a new model to the original K5 Blazer lineup any time soon. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find modern K5 Blazers in the market anymore.

Known for making a modern GMC Jimmy, auto company Flat Out Autos built their own version of a modern K5 Blazer named the KR2. Named the KR2, this new Blazer is actually a modified full-size Silverado, but it’s impressive enough to win the approval of most Chevy K5 Blazer fans.

Flat Out Autos took a Silverado 1500 and upgraded it with 37-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers and a long-travel Dirt King suspension with custom Fox coilovers. The exterior has flared fenders, an exposed carbon fiber roof over the bed, and a roll bar mounted on the rear.

Unfortunately, Flat Out Autos’ KR2 doesn’t come cheap. Its base price comes in at a whopping $178,000, but an upgraded package can cost around $202,000.