[Chevy Blazer News]

Off-road capable SUVs produced in the heyday were had a Spartan feel with minimal creature comforts from factory. Think of the old Broncos, Wranglers and Blazers that were designed for performance in mind before the new bells and whistles were added. Some like MotorWeek do enjoy looking back SUVs past and they’ve uploaded an old review of the 1989 Chevrolet Blazer last month.

A 5.7-liter V8 cranking out 210 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque may not seem like much these days, but the blazer was straight forward about what it is; a big four-by-four that doesn’t pretend to be a luxury vehicle or a car with sedan-like drive feel. A four speed gearbox came as standard with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission offered.

What may interested some is the 0-60 mph acceleration time the Blazer was capable of with the automatic transmission, a short 9.7 seconds. Not bad for such an old model, especially if you take into account the car’s power to weight ratio.

When this Blazer came out, it was the era of simple and off-road capable vehicles including the Ford Bronco and the Dodge Ramcharger. It didn’t even have cup holders in the cabin! There are clear gauges that are easy to read and everything you need is within easy reach aside from the floor mounted shifter.

The new Blazer will of course have all the comforts that modern vehicles have, but it’s interesting to see how far Chevrolet has come.

 

[Jackson]

It is amazing to see what things were like back then and how far we've advanced. The great thing about those engines that were in them especially was how capable, reliable, and easy to work on they were. The 5.7 350ci engines were amazing and very torquey down low.

Drove around a few cars with the same engine and boy is it a thrill when you really get on them. Obviously the Blazer with all of it's weight, you didn't feel it too much but you still got a nice shove in the seat when taking off

 

[trailblazer]

It is amazing to see what things were like back then and how far we've advanced. The great thing about those engines that were in them especially was how capable, reliable, and easy to work on they were. The 5.7 350ci engines were amazing and very torquey down low.

Drove around a few cars with the same engine and boy is it a thrill when you really get on them. Obviously the Blazer with all of it's weight, you didn't feel it too much but you still got a nice shove in the seat when taking off

That's what makes the future Blazer a bit scary because odds are it won't have the same appeal. Its harder than ever these days for car makers to carry on with the old while still expecting sales. In GM's case its just a few vehicles they do very well. SS, Camaro, Corvette.

 

[Jackson]

I can definitely see that and don't really expect it to maintain much of the same appeal either. With the way times are changing, it's real hard to see manufacturers coming back with something from the past and try to incorporate key elements from them. For example, that 350ci v8, we definitely won't have one of those in there considering EPA standards and this geared to be a more family oriented vehicle.

Unless of course... they create an RST trim.

 

[Blazin]

Lol, it's funny to see how the storage standards have changed over the years. "Center cargo box provides amble storage for all the small items you need." He then proceeds to pull out a gallon jug of washer fluid and a qt of oil. These days I'd be happy to fit my water bottle and umbrella in there.

 

[Jackson]

The water bottle maybe, but the umbrella, phew you'd be darn lucky and after you get it tucked in there, it probably wouldn't work anymore hahaha! Glove boxes and center consoles are now limited to nothing.