1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L vortec

Summary:

Pathetic excuse of automotive engineering

Faults:

Transmission failed, valve body.

Wiper module replaced.

Circuit breaker in driver's door switches.

Fuel pump failed.

Oil pressure sensor/fuel pump switch broke off.

Passenger seat frame won't lock.

Absolutely worthless truck!

General Comments:

I will never own a blazer again. I have had more problems with this 97 s-10 in the last three years than when I drove a 69 Cadillac. If I had known this truck was going to be so bad I would have walked away, what a heap of junk! This is the biggest waist of money I have ever owned. Chevy really dropped the towel on this one. So far I have read nothing, but bad reviews and regret to the fullest baying this truck. So if you are looking at one unless for parts or derby walk away save your self the migraines.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th February, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 V6

Summary:

Jaloppy

Faults:

After having this vehicle for about two weeks, both heads cracked. The temperature gage wasn't working so by the time it was overheating it was too late. That repair cost $800.

One morning I mysteriously had no heat. The heater core cost $300 to replace. Six weeks later, I again have no heat.

I realized the gas gage didn't work on a 10 degree night. The warning light never appeared.

The rear window wiper will not work and the front wipers work at will.

The window washer fluid container leaks.

The drivers side seat rocks back and forth.

The transmission shifts so hard that one day I may be treated for whiplash.

The driver side door leaks water.

The passenger side mirror fell off for no reason.

All of the doors rattle. The screws have all been tightened, but to no avail.

Now it has developed a smoking habit. I am told the valve seals are leaking.

General Comments:

When I bought this vehicle, I fell in love with its appearance, but looks can be deceiving. It is fuel efficient because its always up on blocks and can never be driven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th January, 2004

26th Apr 2004, 12:54

There is a recall for the windshield wipers that the dealer will fix at no cost, whether or not you are the original owner. There are others recalls to, but I can't think of them right now. As far as your motor problems, it sounds like their the result of the previous owner, not the manufacturer. Everything must not be tightened on the doors if they are still rattling. The most common problem that I see is at the bottom of the front doors there is compartment for holding gloves, maps, or whatever you wish to put there. They like to come loose. One day take a half hour to work with the door panel and it should be stopped. Also the grille on the 6x9 mid speakers enjoy making a terrible rattle.

2nd Jul 2004, 21:05

It sounds like a lot of the listed problems are from a previous owner's failure to keep maintenance on it to me also. I have a 97 Blazer that I bought 2 years ago. It was in excellent shape, with some minor exceptions. I took it to a repair shop and had a mechanic inspect it before I bought it and brought the seller an inspection report. That was $40 well spent. The mechanic found that the front brakes and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The seller paid for all of this work, and it was done before I bought it.

I later found out that the driver side door leaked when it rained, like yours. I discovered that the door hinge pins & bushings were worn causing the weatherstripping not to seal properly. Probably due to a lack of lubrication. The pins & bushings were only $12 at the dealership and they were very easy to replace. There is one special tool that you will need, to get the hinge spring out and back in. It is hard to find anywhere, but on the Internet. It is reasonably priced though, $15. Just do a search for "door spring tool" and you will find some.

One of my side mirrors seems to be loose now too, after 2 years of ownership. I haven't been able to figure out how it is mounted on yet. If you have any ideas, I would appreciate it. I'm sure that it is just some loose screws somewhere. The electric controls still move it fine.

Overall, it has been an excellent vehicle.