Chevrolet Blazer reviews

1996 Chevrolet Blazer Walkaround

The 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. ft. torque at 2800 rpm. 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 Z 85 Touring package is optional and is designed for a firm ride and heavy-duty trailering while ZM6 is an optional Off-Road package for 2-door, 4WD that provides a very firm ride and heavy-duty trailering applications. 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. A stiffened frame improves the ride and handling characteristics, plus helps with squeaks and rattles and diminishes pavement and powertrain noise.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the two-door model and a four-speed electronic transmission is an option. Automatic transmission is standard on four-door models. The enhanced 4.3 liter V6CPI is standard on all models. The four-wheel drive system, called Insta-Trac can be engaged by means of a floor-mounted shifter or a push button on the dash. Full-time all-wheel drive is available on four-door 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.