- suv 199,650
- 342 below average
- 2,995 good
- Britt, IA
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- autoshopper.com
- 342 below average suv 199,650 red
2001 chevrolet blazer review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The blazer remains a competent vehicle and it costs much less than the new models. lineupafter simplifying the blazer lineup for 2000, chevrolet has added a new blazer variation for 2001. Called xtreme, it is available only as a two-door, and only with two-wheel drive. A california cruiser's dream machine, xtreme comes with a special z87 lowered suspension; low-profile p235/60r16 eagle ls tires; deep-dish aluminum wheels; and an aggressively spoilered, clad, and color-keyed exterior. Xtreme prices start at $21,125. the rest of the model line continues unchanged. Prices range from $24,770 for the 2wd ls up to $32,125 for the 4wd trailblazer. walkaroundchevy blazer is a traditional suv, all truck with separate body-and-frame construction. Variations in the grille, bumper, and wheels distinguish one trim level from another. all blazers are powered by a 4. 3-liter vortec v6. This 90-degree v6 has a cast-iron block and head and overhead valves, and runs happily on 87 octane gasoline. Although redlined at 5600 rpm, it reaches its peak 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm. And, with a very useful 250 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm, there's little need to rev it into the red. Autotrac combines the best of full-time and part-time 4wd by adding an 'auto 4wd' button. In this mode, the transfer case remains in 2wd until wheel slip is detected. An electric servo then shifts the transfer case into 4wd until prop shaft speeds are equalized, and then returns it to 2wd. If multiple 'slip events' are detected, the transfer case remains in 4wd for a longer time. Autotrac also has a transfer case neutral position for towing behind a recreational vehicle. all blazers use a short-/long-arm front suspension and a live axle on leaf springs at the rear (variable-rate, multi-leaf springs on trailblazer). 4x4 models are sprung by torsion bars up front, while 4x2's have coil springs. Using firm de carbon shock absorbers and stiffer spring rates, the z85 package has a more controlled ride than the old smooth ride suspension. Zr2 substitutes stronger parts throughout the chassis, plus skid plates, a track bar for the locking rear axle, a 3. 9-inch wider tread and stiffer springs with bilstein gas-pressure shocks. aluminum wheels are standard on all blazers, differing in design according to model. Though not as radical as larger 4x4 rides, the blazer has a higher seating height than the typical sedan. The payback is that commanding view of the road that suv owners cherish. inside, the lt features standard 'premium cloth' high-back bucket seats with eight-way power standard for the driver. Power is optional for the front passenger seat, and two-setting memory seat adjustment is available for the driver's seat. the front seats are broad with limited bolstering. They are more like comfortable chairs than sports-car bucket seats. An annoying bulge in the front passenger's footwell accommodates the blazer's exhaust. The rear bench is low; it is comfortable for two adults, though three will fit. The rear seatback splits and folds 60-40 for cargo flexibility. the blazer comes with full instrumentation that is well laid out; it shares its instrument panel with gm's other blazer-class trucks. General motors has made major strides in its minor controls, and the dash of the trailblazer is an excellent example. Tilt wheel, two auxiliary power outlets, am/fm stereo with cd player, and an overhead console with an outside temperature readout are also standard. New for 2001 is onstar, gm's remote communications system, standard on lt and trailblazer. Air conditioning is standard on all blazers, with automatic climate control optional on the lt and standard on trailblazer. driving impressionthe engine fires off eagerly with a twist of the key and settles to an idle that's steady but telegraphs some of the basic imbalance of a 90-degree v6. That smoothes as revs increase, and in the operating range between 2000 and 3000 rpm the vortec is a friendly companion. Full throttle causes the v6 to accelerate with a healthy growl that gets louder as revs rise. But the reward is an easily discernable improvement in responsiveness, a reduction in float and, thanks to greater roll resistance, less lean in the corners. The result is an overall greater feel of control and confidence at the minor cost of a slightly bumpier ride. the auto 4wd mode can be used at all times. It keeps the transfer case in two-wheel drive until slip occurs, so there's no fuel-mileage penalty. The v6 operates in the low 2000-rpm range at highway speeds and, except for a subtle bass-line from the engine and a steady road rumble up through the suspension, the ride is quiet enough for easy conversation between front and rear passengers. The tires selected by chevrolet are free of whine and aren't so heavy as to overwhelm the suspension. A slight whisper of wind noise around the a-pillars is the only other distraction. The ride, though firm, is not at all harsh or jiggly. Not all sport utilities are this civilized over the road, and we wouldn't hesitate to drive a high-mile day in the blazer. loading for a big trip would be easy. Access to the commodious cargo compartment is via a rear liftgate. It will do everything a car will do, and almost as well. Plus it adds almost unstoppable mobility in the worst weather and the capability to go where the roads don't. AM/FM✔ Bucket Seats✔ Power Locks✔ Climate Control✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Player✔ Aluminum Wheels
2,995 Britt, IABritt, IA at autoshopper.com