1995 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

High maintenance, bad gas mileage

Faults:

Since I purchased the Blazer, I have had to replace the EGR valve ($170.00,) this assisted the oxygen sensor to fail ($90.00). The truck runs great now, but the EGR valves are known to go bad often.

I just learned that the push button 4WD is not working properly. The transfer case is shifting, but the front axle is not engaging. I replaced the problematic vacuum diaphragm that controls the 4WD actuation. However, still no luck with getting the front axle to engage. I ordered the actual Chevy repair manuals ($120.00) in order to get the schematics for the 4WD operation (The Haynes manual I have gives no specific info about diagnosing 4WD problems). If you desire the 4WD, look for one that has a mechanical lever to engage the 4WD.

General Comments:

As soon as I get the 4WD working properly, I am selling the vehicle. There were simply too many problems in a short time for me to feel safe about the Blazer. I am hoping to sell it before anything else can go wrong.

I am good at performing my own maintenance on all my vehicles, the prices I listed above reflect only the actual cost of the parts. If you are not mechanically inclined, I would not recommend this vehicle. You will quickly be overcome by repair costs if you cannot perform the work yourself, the average labor rate where I live is $60-$80 per hour (minimum of one hour to diagnose any problems).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th February, 2003

16th Aug 2003, 21:57

Your review crystalizes what I am thinking in regard to my '95 Blazer. I can't seem to go more than 2 months without the EGR value getting gunked up with carbon deposits, and also having to replace the fuel injectors TWICE, along with having to have the catalytic converter, and calipers replaced.

I sincerely regret ever buying this vehicle. I still have a year to pay it off, and once I do, I'm selling it for scrap!

13th Jan 2004, 19:20

I have a '95 Blazer too, but I put a lot of miles on it (220,000+) and try to run good, clean gas.

Even so, I occasionally have to clean the EGR valve (just take it off and put it back on) every couple of months because the engine runs so hot (or so they say). It only takes about 15 minutes so it is no big deal.

I have never had to replace the fuel injectors.

But why did you even bother replacing the catalytic converter? You don't really need it unless you have to get an emissions test or something. Was it lagging when shifting?

6th Feb 2004, 10:55

I just purchased a 95 Blazer and had to have the ERG valve cleaned and what causes this is the Fuel injector seal leaking. Once this was fixed I had no more carbon build up.

28th Jun 2004, 11:17

I have a 1995 blazer with 113,000 on it when I got it... It has 150,000 on it now, Never had any trouble with it!! But trans was replaced at 90,000.. before I got it... I think people just need to be more careful about buying a blazer... And just check it out more!! The only think that I don't like is that it sucks gas!!!

21st Dec 2005, 16:08

Please let me know how much it finally costed you to get the 4wd to engage... I have the exact same problem, and have decided to sell it the moment I get the 4wd working.

1995 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 from North America

Summary:

Good truck for the price

Faults:

This truck has been very reliable for me. The brakes and exhaust have each been replaced once since I owned the vehicle, which is to be expected. The two complaints that I have seem to be very common: EGR Valve has been cleaned and the codes cleared twice. The Oil line going to the filter blew, I luckily saw the "CHECK GAGES" light in time, and managed to get the truck shut off in time!! I've been told you typically have 30 seconds to do this before the motor seizes. The oil line that failed was less than two years old and has shaken my trust in this truck a lot. There is no reason whatsoever to design a hose that can, and will fail at 40 PSI, regardless of the age of the hose!! this is a SERIOUS mistake that GM simply refuses to come good for.

General Comments:

I am happy with the power and the handling, I would probably buy another Chev. product, but not one with this motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2003