2000 Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet Offers A Wide Range And Versatile Models
For The Four-Wheel Drive Market

By Bob Storck

Price Range: $19,645-30,000
Pricing And Options

Engine: 4.3 liter, 190 hp V6
Front Engine/Rear, 4 Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

MPG (city/hwy): 16/22

Airbags: DP
ABS: std.

Features: The Blazer and Jimmy were among the first of the breed in a rapidly changing market — A rework planned for this fall should bring them up to speed.

(Winthrop, WA) The public has spoken. The quickest growing market segment in the 90's was the sports utility vehicle, and Chevy is ready for the continuing trend.

Jeep created the first off-road vehicle in WWII — International Harvester developed the personal utility vehicle in the 50's — Ford and Chevrolet put enclosed bodies on truck chassis and sold them as Broncos and Blazers — but it the 1982 Chevrolet S10 based Blazer evolved into the most endearing of the series.

The Sports Utility classification was born.

Chevrolet and GM had already owned the high end of the segment with the incomparable Suburban. When Suzuki introduced the Samurai at the bottom of the market, there was a four-wheel drive utility vehicle to fit everyone's needs and incomes.

Chevrolet's Geo division sells Suzuki's current econo rough roader as the Tracker, soon to get a four-door version. Then the S10 Blazer became simply the Blazer. The full size Blazer was reworked as the Tahoe. Then on the top of the heap is the Suburban.

The biggest segment of the market has been the compact sport utilities typified by the S10 Blazer. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the Blazer had many copycats.

According to Bill Alexander, GM's North American Operations platform manager; "We feel that the new Blazer is the right size for all the right reasons — cargo, comfort, trailer-towing, off-roading and convenience."

Externally the Blazer has been undistinguished from its corporate siblings, the GMC Jimmy and Olds Bravada. Those companies are distinguishing their vehicles with equipment and options, and will result in significant differences in the next re-designs, scheduled later this year.

The Blazer/Jimmy is offered in two basic models - the two-door for serious off-road use, and the four-door for the urban warriors. Both have two-wheel and four-wheel drive, and a variety of suspension and trim packages.