While the wheelbase remains unchanged with its makeover, the Blazer is now longer,
lower and wider. This means you'll find front seat shoulder room is increased by more
than three inches, and even though there is a lower step-in height, ground clearance
remains unchanged. And, because the spare wheel and tire is now stowed under the
floor on four-door models, cargo capacity is increased by 1.6 cubic feet. Chevy
boasts that you can carry a washing machine in its box.
Our testers found ingress/-egress easy and accomodating for all drivers, especially
those who wear skirts. 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/Jimmy/Bravada 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. One of our favorite features is the center
console which sets the stage for eating, drinking, writing and stowing with cupholders
(front and rear) and nifty spaces for storage. Seats come as bench, bucket and
split/folding in the rear. We like the optional plush leather power bucket seats with
power lumbar adjusters.
We found the Blazer's 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. It falls short in
braking feel, although in the final analysis, the four-wheel anti-lock system works
well. 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. Standard are four-wheel anti-lock brakes, center high-mounted stop lamp,
child safety locks on rear doors, driver side airbag, three-point seatbelts for
outboard passengers, side guard beams on all doors and an energy-absorbing steering
column and standard daytime running lights on all '96 models. A lock-out switch on
rear windows (w/power windows) and keyless entry are optional.