This vintage-1995-design SUV continues as a lower-priced companion to Chevy's newer, larger, more powerful TrailBlazer. Blazer comes as 2-dr and 4-dr wagon in LS trim and as the sporty 2-dr Xtreme model. All have a 4.3-liter V6 engine and standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. The 2 drs offer manual transmission or optional automatic, 4 drs have automatic only. LSs offer rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or General Motors' Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. The Xtreme has 2WD, a low-riding suspension, unique 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, and special trim and cladding. Front side airbags are not available.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
