Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

See also Chevrolet Blazer (disambiguation)

The Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (4WD model T-10) and the similar GMC S-15 Jimmy (4WD model T-15) were mid-size SUVs from General Motors. Production began alongside the larger K5 Blazer and Jimmy in 1983 and lasted through 2001 for most models. The Jimmy was replaced by the upscale GMC Envoy in the United States, but the Jimmy name was retained for the Canadian market. The Chevrolet Blazer remained in production, with 2-door models offered to the public and for 2005, 4 door models were sold only to the fleet market, until April 20, 2005.

S-series SUVs were produced in Moraine, Ohio and Sao Paulo, Brazil (the Brazilian version is based on the second-generation S-series; even though production ceased in the U.S., new Blazers are locally produced in Brazil with their own sheetmetal stampings).

1983

See also GMC Typhoon and Oldsmobile Bravada.

Upon the introduction of the S-10 pickup in 1982 to replace the Isuzu-based Chevrolet LUV, the S-10 Blazer was introduced for the 1983 model year, along with the GMC S-15 Jimmy.

Styling cues were based on the first generation K5 Blazer and Jimmy (preferably the angled c-pillars and lift glass panel); the S-series Blazer and Jimmy did not feature removable hardtops like their full-size counterparts.

The early years of the S-10 Blazer (between 1983 to 1987) used the 2.8L V6 as the base engine (this powerplant was also used in archrival Jeep's Cherokee until 1987). 1988 and later models had the 4.3L Vortec V6 based on the Small Block Chevrolet V8.

In March 1990, a 4-door version of the S-10 Blazer and Jimmy were introduced; the 4-door had a 6.5" longer wheelbase (2-doors had a 100.5 inch wheelbase - six inches longer than the Ford Bronco II) and a one-piece front grille (1990 2-door S-10 Blazers and Jimmies had the 3-piece grille). This came just months ahead of the introduction of the Ford Explorer. At the time, Jeep was the market leader with its Cherokee 2 and 4-door SUVs.