Chevy Blazer is a traditional SUV, all truck with separate body-and-frame construction. The entry-level LS is distinguished this year by a "dark argent" grille, while the fancier LT has a body-color grille. The Trailblazer goes all-out monochrome, replacing the chrome front bumper with body color.All Blazer-class GM SUVs 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. Although the redline is 5600 rpm, the power peak of 190 horsepower comes at 4400 rpm. And, with a very useful 250 foot-pounds of torque at 2800 rpm, there's limited need to rev the engine to the redline. GM's 4-speed electronic automatic transmission is standard on four-door Blazers, though a 5-speed manual transmission is now available on the two-door Blazer.
The four-wheel-drive Blazer LS comes with push-button Insta-Trac, which allows shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD. However, the LT has the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. New last year, Autotrac adds an Auto 4WD button. In this mode, the transfer case remains in 2WD until wheel slip is detected. The transmission shifts automatically into 4WD until prop shaft speeds are equalized, and then returns 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 for towing behind a recreational vehicle.