RV News Test Drive

Chevy Blazer comes standard with 190-HP Vortec 4300 V6 engine which produces a maximum 250 lb.-ft. of torque (at 2800 RPM) to help RVers get heavy loads moving and help them take hills with ease. Also standard, the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive provides virtually seamless shifts while automatically compensating for load variances. The precise control of the standard Blazer Driver Control System, with its front and rear stabilizer bars and variable-ratio power steering, adds to the RVers ease of towing. Trailering-related standard equipment also includes a S-wire trailer wiring harness, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler (with automatic transmission only), power brakes and a 100-amp alternator.

Since it was re-engineered and introduced in 1995, the Blazer has captured the attention of RVers as well as the general public. Part of its appeal, we found, is that it combines the comfort and convenience of a luxury car with the toughness and capability a truck.

Our test vehicle was powered by a Vortec 4300 V6. The 4300 V6 engine block was redesigned to increase its stiffness without adding more mass. Three additional bolts attach the transmission bellhousing to a new cast-aluminum oil pan to increase the powertrain's bending stiffness and to reduce noise. A redesigned accessory drive system, a composite front cover, remote composite air cleaner and tangentially mounted air conditioning compressor makes the Blazer even quieter.

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) provides the benefits of precise fuel delivery to each cylinder, while a new airflow meter constantly monitors the engine's air requirements under varying operating conditions. Straight-port cylinder heads, a new two-piece intake manifold design, a new hydraulic roller lifter camshaft profile, an improved cooling system, an enhanced exhaust system, a more powerful Vehicle Control Module and a new planetary gear starter motor are some of the new features that significantly improves the Vortec V6 engine's operation.

The sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics is the second generation of OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics Second Generation). That along with a more powerful Vehicle Control Module (VCM) which monitors the emissions system and its components to detect the slightest level of deterioration or malfunction, are some of other new features for the 1996 Blazer.

The long list of standard equipment includes a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system, a driver air bag, child security rear-door locks (4-door models), air conditioning that uses CFC-free R-134a refrigerant, Solar-Ray tinted glass, Daytime Running Lamps, an interior lamp-off delay feature, light-duty trailer wiring harness, base-coat/clear-coat paint, new wheels (4-wheel-drive models), floor mats and twin below-eyeline exterior mirrors.

The interior was designed from "the inside-out" to maximize driver and passenger comfort without adding excessive exterior bulk. An ergonomically designed instrument panel features easy-to-read analog gauges, as well as user-friendly controls which are easily reached by the driver. Fully adjustable, contoured seats accent a comfortable, quiet interior usually associated with expensive luxury cars.

Blazer has plenty of cargo space as well. GM engineers used a washing machine carton as a template when they designed the wide rear cargo opening. The spare tire is mounted underneath the body on four-door models to increase cargo-carrying capacity.

Two- and 4-door Blazer models are available with either 2- or 4-wheel drive. Trim levels include a base and uplevel LS package for both the 2- and 4-door models, and an optional luxury LT package is offered on 4-door models.

The Blazer has a base sticker price of $23,252; however, with the options and destination charge included, the suggested retail price was $28,041 for our test vehicle.