- suv 109,984
- 3,499 high price
- Pasadena, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- suv 109,984 gasoline red automatic
1996 chevrolet blazer review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Redesigned from the inside out, and it shows. introductionchevy blazer was introduced as an all-new model in 1995, with a host of features that made it far more like a passenger car than its original version that was brought to market in 1983. The s-designation was dropped, but the blazer is mechanically similar to the gmc jimmy and the all-wheel drive oldsmobile bravada. the blazer comes to 1996 showrooms riding largely on its laurels from last year. It's not a surprise that it garnered recognition in the industry since gm redesigned this suv and gave it a new outside, a new inside and new suspension packages. But its best feature is its price. Here it outpaces its chief competitors, the ford explorer and jeep grand cherokee, by a good margin. The original jeep cherokee, however, is priced less. what is new for the blazer is a shot of adrenaline to its horsepower, improved performance and reduced emissions, new extended maintenance schedules, and an optional all-wheel drive. Trim packages are base and uplevel ls on all versions and an lt package on 4-door models only. competitors in this ever-growing compact sport utility segment other than the explorer and cherokee models are the toyota 4runner, nissan pathfinder, honda passport and isuzu rodeo. Not to be discounted are the recently introduced kia sportage and toyota's new rav 4. walkaroundthe new blazer was sculpted with sleeker, more wind-cheating lines while retaining its earlier, more rugged appearance at the same time. From the outside, it bears a family resemblance to the attractive s-series pickups. Grille and bumper are rounded and windshield glass is raked with aero exterior mirrors that smooth air and appearance. Standard solar-ray tinted glass helps keep ultraviolet and infrared rays out. new for 1996 is the vortec 4300 v6 engine, designed to produce more power and decrease noise. It delivers 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 250 lb. Engine block redesign, and additional bolts to join transmission bellhousing to a new cast-aluminum oil pan increases powertrain bending and stiffness and also makes things quieter in-cabin. On-board diagnostics (obd ii) are more sophisticated and the vehicle control module (vcm) is more powerful in its job of emissions-monitoring. Coolant life is extended to 100,000 miles or five years. a new, easy-shifting five-speed manual transmission with a new concentric design slave clutch is optional on 2wd models. All automatic transmissions now benefit from the brake/transmission shift interlock safety upgrade that requires the driver to apply the brake pedal to shift from park. a ladder-type frame with box rails is the base for a hefty variety of chassis packages to meet a wide range of driving needs and driver personalities. For example: z83, standard on 2-door models, gives a smooth ride and is for light-duty trailering while zq1 is standard on 4-door models (same attributes). The zw7 premium package is engineered for a premium smooth ride and heavy-duty trailering for 4-door, 4wd. Tires are p205/75 r15 all-season steel-belted radials, p235/70r15 as/sbr and p235/75r15 as/sbr depending on the model. front suspension is independent coil springs (2wd) and independent torsion bars (4wd) while the rear is suspended by semi-elliptic, two-stage multi-leaf springs and semi-floating rear axle. The enhanced 4. 3 liter v6cpi is standard on all models. The awd system normally puts 65 percent torque to rear wheels and 35 percent to front, but when road conditions cause reduced traction at one set of wheels, the transfer case automatically sends engine power to the wheels with better traction. also new for 1996 are five exterior paint colors and one new interior color. interiorwhile the wheelbase remains unchanged with its makeover, the blazer is now longer, lower and wider. We were particularly impressed by front seat room and ergonomics with dash, dials and controls, but found the rear seat leg room to be too small. Accessibility to the rear in two-door models is somewhat compromised. the blazer was redesigned from the inside out and it shows. Depending on the model, the upscale interior is full of many comforts and comes with a cache of the latest car luxuries. There are sophisticated sound systems with cd players, adjustable reading lamps, built-in stowage bins, compass and outside thermometers, and options such as cellular phone hook-ups. Seats come as bench, bucket and split/folding in the rear. We like the optional plush leather power bucket seats with power lumbar adjusters. driving impressionwe found on-road behavior was competent with pluses directed at the new vortec 4300 v6. It performed smoothly with sharp throttle response and pairs well with the automatic transmission that shifted in the right places. Disconcerting is considerable brake travel (a feeling of sponginess) when applying pressure to the brake pedal, before the brakes engage. we also found the variable ratio steering feels soft rather than crisp but it handles well overall and is easy to park. The ride is smooth and visibility is good. Sound dampening efforts have paid off as the ride is relatively quiet with the exception of the early throttle range when engine noise is evident. Off-highway capability is enhanced by a laudable ground clearance that beats both the explorer's and the cherokee's underbelly clearance. safety features are aimed at accident avoidance to minimize the effects of a collision. A lock-out switch on rear windows (w/power windows) and keyless entry are optional. summaryblazer and its stablemates have taken a good stab at being more like cars than trucks. They give a comfortable ride with some road poise and improved engine performance. There are many upgrades that make these models strong players. Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Windows✔ Bucket Seats✔ AM/FM✔ Aluminum Wheels
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