1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L

Summary:

Good vehicle for us

Faults:

Water pump failed at 65,000.

Right around the same time, the windshield wipers worked erratically. When the "mist" was used or cleaning the windshield with the fluid, they would not shut off.

Alternator failed at 80,000.

Battery went shortly after that. (Expected)

General Comments:

I use this vehicle to tow my tent trailer and utility trailer, which it does so with ease. I have installed a transmission cooler to combat extra heat.

It's fun to drive, has plenty of power when merging and passing.

The Blazer is comfortable and provides ample room for my family.

Fuel economy is only middle of the road - I'd say it has the power of a small V8 but gets the same mileage as one also.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004

1998 Chevrolet Blazer ZR2 4.3L

Summary:

I could find better at a junk yard

Faults:

Since I have bought it from a private owner the seat lever have broke on the drivers side, the folding unit on the passenger side stopped working. On top of that the wiper motor goes crazy, the turn signal unit is messed up, the signal noise stays on even when the turn signal is off. The plastic piece on the tailgate where the window goes into broke off so there is a horrible rattle from metal to metal.

General Comments:

I will never by another Chevy again.

To fix these problems I was quotes around $2000.00.

My Ford was over 16 years old and still ran really strong.

Chevy needs to get their act together and recall these items if they are going wrong with almost 99% of the Blazers they produced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2004

4th Nov 2004, 16:44

I agree! Problems occurred shortly after purchasing my vehicle - bought used, not new. Mainly front end problems to begin with, then little stuff, like the plastic guard under the front wipers breaking, and the electric driver seat tilt quit completely. I first thought maybe the vehicle had been a restored wreck, but after reading, everyone seems to have the same problems. Front wipers are erratic. I usually have to manually wipe the windshield in rain using the "mist" function. Funny thing happened yesterday. Wipers completely quit working during a moderate rain. I pull over and my daughter asked why they stopped working. I told her they are like adjusting the TV antenna, you have to hold your head just right for them to work. She laughed and and said to try putting the car in 3 gear, as opposed to overdrive, and she laughed. To keep the comedy going while waiting for the rain to let up, I put the car in 3 and they WORKED! Gas guage quits working after it reaches a half a tank, then I miraculously have a full tank again. The deal that has compass and temp. also shows "gallons of gas used" still works, and is accurate enough to know when I need gas. Passenger side seat recline lever broke off as if it were made of glass. Not repairable - must be replaced. It's one thing after another with this vehicle, and wish I would have done my homework prior to purchase. This thing is a real gem. In the market for a new car now and it will NOT be a Chevy or GM.

3rd Jan 2006, 21:33

Umm, if the miles that you stated are correct, then I would have to say that you are being pretty hard on a vehicle that has 187,000 miles. Not too many cars would hold up that well.

15th Apr 2006, 17:42

I cannot believe these comments! It's like reading a book on my 98' blazer. My windshield wipers are an absolue joke. They either continue to work after I have turned them off, or when I need them, the wipers fail to even turn on! My passenger tilt handle is ALSO broken off, and now the signal noise has acted up. I replaced the flasher under neither the glove-box, but it was no use. If you anyone could let me know how I could fix this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

13th Jan 2009, 08:01

Yes, both seat levers broke several times. I got so mad on the fourth time in 2003, I wrote to GM and they reimbursed me $80 of the $212 bill.

The transmission quit at 63,000 miles, the fuel pump went out at 65,000, of course the windshield wiper motor went bad, speakers blew, horrible squeaking noise from the huge spare tire carrier latch and the 4WD sticks.

Was fun in the snow though... the next car's a Scion.