Chevrolet Blazer

The Chevrolet Blazer is a Sport Utility Vehicle marketed by General Motors’ Chevrolet brand currently spanning five generations and three distinct vehicles:

• The K5 Blazer – a mid-size SUV built from 1969 to 1999 and based on GM’s C/K pickup chassis. It was renamed to Tahoe in 1995
• The S-10 Blazer – a compact SUV built from 1983 to 2005 based on the S-10 pickup
• The C1 Blazer – a midsize crossover (CUV) built from 2019 onward

First Generation

1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

The first-generation Chevrolet Blazer, also known as the K5 Blazer, was introduced for the 1969 model year as a direct competitor to the International Harvester Scout and Ford Bronco. Based on the Chevrolet K10 pickup truck, the first-gen off-road-focused SUV featured a shortened wheelbase and was available exclusively in 4WD for its inaugural model year. The following model year, a RWD model became available, along with the badge engineered GMC Jimmy variant.

Notably, the 4WD model was equipped with a solid front axle and front / rear leaf springs, while the RWD model featured an independent front suspension and rear trailing arms, both of which were equipped with coil springs.

There were four powerplant choices on offer, including:

Transmission options included a three-speed automatic, three-speed manual and four-speed manual transmission.

The first-gen Chevrolet Blazer was available until the 1972 model year.

Second Generation

1974 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

The second-generation Chevrolet Blazer was introduced for the 1973 model year, and was known internally at General Motors as the “Rounded Line” generation. When compared to the prior generation, the all-new K5 Blazer grew in length by seven inches on a wheelbase that was 2.5-inches longer than the first-gen K5 Blazer. Although RWD models were available until 1982, a majority of second-gen K5 Blazers were equipped with 4WD.

1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

For the 1981 model year, the second-gen K5 Blazer was given a revision to better mirror the changes introduced to the 1981 C/K pickup trucks. Tweaks included a revised front fascia. For the 1989 model year, the front fascia was once again updated to reflect the pickup’s revisions.

An interesting piece to note is that the C/K designation was temporality dropped in for a new R/V designation from 1987 to 1991.

There were quite a few powerplant choices available, including:

Transmission options included a two three-speed automatics, two four-speed automatics and a four-speed manual transmission.

The second-gen Chevrolet Blazer was available until the 1991 model year. It was rebranded to become the Chevrolet Tahoe for the 1995 model year.

Third Generation

1991 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

The third-gen Chevrolet Blazer was introduced in 1982 and launched for the 1983 model year as a compact SUV.

The third-gen Blazer rode on the GMT330 platform, which it shared with the GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada. Production took place at assembly plants internationally, including the GM Shreveport plant in Louisiana, the Pontiac West Assembly in Michigan, the GM Moraine plant in Ohio and the GM Valencia plant in Venezuela.

It was initially offered only as two-door, though a four-door version debuted for the 1991 model year.

The third-gen Blazer never received a mid-cycle refresh, though it did get a few few updates every year from its production. The powerplant lineup consisted of atmospheric four and six cylinder engines.

Transmission options included a range of four-speed automatics and five-speed manuals.

Production of the third-gen Chevrolet Blazer spanned the 1983 to 1994 model years.

Fourth Generation

1996 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Blazer was introduced in 1994, and launched for the 1995 model year as a midsize body-on-frame SUV. Both two-door and four-door variants were available.

The fourth-gen Blazer rode on a revised version of the GMT330 platform, which it shared with the GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada. Production took place at assembly plants internationally, including the GM Linden plant in New Jersey, the GM Moraine plant in Ohio, the GM São José dos Campos plant in Brazil, the GM Valencia plant in Venezuela, the GM Shenyang plant in China, the GM Bekasi plant in Indonesia, and the GM Elabuga plant in Russia.

General Motors never gave the fourth-gen Blazer a mid-cycle refresh but did introduce a few updates every year. The 1998 model year received the most notable changes, which included cosmetic changes both inside and out.

There was only one powerplant on offer:

Transmission options included the GM four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.

Production spanned from model years 1995 to 2005, while the 2005 Blazer had a trim lineup that consisted of Base, LS, LT, TrailBlazer, Xtreme, and ZR2 Off-Road.

Fifth Generation

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Blazer was introduced to the general public in June 2018. In a marked departure from the prior generations, the all-new Blazer was now a unibody crossover, and slotted between the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse in Chevrolet’s crossover lineup.

Available for the 2019 model year, the fifth-gen Blazer rides on the GM C1 platform, while production of the fifth-gen Blazer takes place at the GM Ramos-Arizpe plant in Mexico.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Premier

For the 2023 model year, the fifth-gen Blazer was given a mid-cycle refresh, which included a revised front and rear fascias, different LED headlights and taillights and a new infotainment display.

Powerplant options included:

Transmission options remain exclusive to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission, while either FWD or AWD is available.

2023 Chevrolet Blazer RS

Production of the fifth-gen Blazer is currently ongoing, and the trim lineup of the current 2024 Blazer ranges from 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier.

More Chevrolet Blazer Resources

Follow these links for more Chevrolet Blazer information:

• Chevrolet news
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• Chevrolet sales numbers
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