1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L

Summary:

Good, solid SUV and was sorry to see it go

Faults:

A set of O2 sensors needed replacement at 60k miles.

4WD electronic cable needed replacing when battery case split and spilled acid on the cable.

General Comments:

Bought car off-lease and it ran great with no problems until O2 sensors died. Then ran fine until traded in for minivan. Slow off the start, but picked up after that. Handled like an SUV, so you drive it like an SUV. Great in the snow and towed my F150 home when it broke down in the snow.

No complaints except the sensors shouldn't have died.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Blazer

Summary:

A nail in your coffin if you buy!!!

Faults:

First things first we all know the transmission in this thing sux!!! Had it looked at after being truckless for a month to find nothing wrong. After minor maintenance the transmission actually started engaging again. You have to wait a few minutes, but it will eventually engage. Before the breakdown was getting a 1-2 hard upshift dealer said nothing wrong. Were they ever wrong. Still get the hard 1-2 upshift.

Getting a gurgling noise near heater core area. There is a law suit out on this one. Not sure progress. The suit states that GM began using Dex-Cool engine coolant in 1996, claiming that it would protect engines for up to five years or 150,000 miles. The suit alleges that the coolant did not produce the promised claims, and therefore costly repairs were needed because of damage caused by Dex-Cool.

Back window rattles and sometimes will open automatically while driving down the road. Not a big deal in the summer, but the winter leaves you a bit on the chilly side.

Passenger side seat control knobs have broken off.

Fuel Gauge has completely quit working.

Have to reset trip meter at each fill up.

Middle spark plug on driver side pain in the rear to change. But can be done. Struggled the first time.

Getting a clunking noise while turning left with a slight acceleration. Probably torsion bar mount or lower ball joint. Don't really care at this point!! Just trying to make it another year if at all possible to trade this bad boy in!!

General Comments:

This truck has been more problems then almost all cars I've owned in the past combined. Besides the mechanical problems I now have a physical drinking problem because of this truck. Don't recommend it to anyone. I plan on trading it in within the next year for something besides a chevy truck if it keeps getting me from point a to b without too many more problems. Stay away from this truck if at all possible. If you find it for sale REALLY REALLY CHEAP pass on it anyway. It's gonna cost you more in the end trust me!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th April, 2004

26th Oct 2004, 11:13

The wiring harness behind the ignition is going out on you, before long there will be no signal turning key to engage electrical system. It can be expensive done at dealership, as much as 300, or you can get it done for much less if you are resourceful. This will take care of Check engine light also.

1997 Chevrolet Blazer

Summary:

A great ride with a few expected problems

Faults:

At about 95K, started having problems with the air conditioning unit when summer time approaches. Have to constantly add freon.

Have had to add a sealant to repair a hole in the a\c unit.

Also around 95K, the transmission began jerking from first to second after a drive on the interstate. Coming into town, stopping and going is terrible. The truck will jerk from first to second as if it doesn't want to shift.

Have had to repair minor things such as the third brake light, battery, alternator and front brakes...lot's of front brakes a.

The passenger seat makes this metal "pinging" noise as if it doesn't want to be sat in.

General Comments:

Overall, I really do love this truck. I bought it used and it has never left me stranded anywhere.

It handles wonderful and is extremely comfortable to drive. It is extremely roomy and perfect for my personal needs.

We own two other Chevrolet's and they are just as wonderful and will continue to buy them for as long as we are alive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2004

19th Jul 2005, 10:22

Have you had any luck trying to fix the hard shift from 1st to 2nd? Mine only seems to do that after driving at 65 for a while and then slowing down again. Then once I accelerate, it jerks into 2nd. I am getting the EGR valve replaced along with the Tomco screen this week and hopefully that may fix the problem.