1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L HO V6 from North America

Summary:

Junk on wheels

Faults:

First of all my wiper motor went out immediately after buying the truck.

Then shortly after that, the 4WD was shorted out by a leak in the A/C evaporator.

Then, while driving to WA from GA my Choke Plate fell off into the intake manifold! This almost caused a major accident by sticking the throttle body wide open.

Idler Arm and Tie Rod on the passenger side replaced.

Molding faded and chrome peeling off.

Back glass squeaky.

Hazard Lights and blinkers broken.

Front end and transmission shot.

General Comments:

I had a 1994 S-10 and loved this truck. Put 130,000 miles on it and no major problems.

This truck on the other hand has been a major headache.

I will be trading it in for another GM product. I trust them for cars only now though.

My next truck will be a Dodge!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4.3 from North America

Summary:

Nice, but too many problems

Faults:

At 53,000 miles the Alternator went out.

I noticed while the truck was under warranty the Transmission seemed to slip abit. Took to shop could not find problem, about a year ago I found out the valve body in the transmission had gone bad. Can anything be done about this blatant over-sight?

The power steering pump went out after I had the truck for about 6 months.

Strange sounds are being made underneath the truck now.

Too many other small problems to even mention.

General Comments:

I really enjoy this truck.

However the dealership I purchased this truck from knew of the problems it was having and refused to fix them even under warranty. Is there anybody you can direct me to for help?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

My absolute worst investment in a car/truck

Faults:

I have replaced the ball joints twice in 90,000 miles.

I have had to do a complete cooling system; radiator, hoses, water pump, heater core, multiple flushes ($2000.00)

I had to replace the suspension at 60,000 miles.

Front diff. for the 4 wheel drive system just went to hell.

Idler arms for the steering just got replaced.

Oil cooler lines went to heck for the second time.

Tranny is now kicking real hard and I would imagine that will be junk before I hit 100,000 miles.

Windshield wiper motor went for the second time. But now I see GM put out a recall for this. Thank you GM, you are sooo good to your customers. (yea right)

General Comments:

I have owned 10 cars and or trucks since I have started driving and this is by far the worst of them all. In 50,000 miles I have stuck an extra $5,700 in misc. repairs and I have not yet touched the motor or Transmission which I am sure will soon fail.

I have talked with GM and they tell me that the problems I have with my Blazer are all new to them and that this is so "unusual".

I am in a bind because I, like many others, are upside down in this Blazer because the value has severely dropped. I would be lucky to get $3,000 for this garbage. I have friends who are in worse shape with their Jimmy's and Bravada's.

I also own a 2000 GMC Sonoma and I am scared sick that it will give me the same problems.

The sad part is that most of the problems I have had, GM has issued GM service bulletins on. This means that they are aware of continuing problems, but they will not recall because it is not a DOT safety issue. Is that Sick or what. GM, what happened to "Customer Service"? If you need help in this field, call me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th April, 2003

27th Apr 2003, 18:41

I hate to say this, and I'm not out to make you feel worse - but your truck is the same year as my '97 Isuzu V6 Rodeo. I remember in early 1998 when I was out looking for a new vehicle, I test drove all makes/models of the mid-size SUV class and did tons of research on the previous years of reliability. Also compared that to the prices versus options, etc.

Jeep Cherokee felt too boxie, way too pricey for each option; Nissan Pathfinder just didn't quite hit my taste; Ford has always been my enemy, way too pricey as well; and the Chevy blazer just was so much smaller in overall size compared to the first-decade Rodeo's. And so I went with a fully loaded Isuzu, as Dad, though a Chevy man in regards to only their Full size trucks, highly believes in imports versus domestic.

I've never looked back, I have over 108K on my Rodeo now and I have invested a good 3K in general maintenance, including new shocks, tires, battery, alternator and general tranny, radiator flushes, tune-ups, etc. But nothing major and she's going strong.

Some advise for the future - though I'll always love the full-size 3/4 Chevy trucks, and our first went to 350K before we sold her - running strong with all original equipment. Stick with imports for reliability and your money's worth.

7th Aug 2006, 11:11

From what I have heard... There is a class-action law suit that was put together against GM because of the Chevy Blazer and all the problems people had. I think everyone should join in to give GM a kick in the butt for allowing these vehicles to destroy customers financial stability and loyalty.