Test Drive Chevrolet Blazer 5 Doors 1997 - 2005 SUV

Middle Ages.

On the extension of the Moscow winter, in front of the spring dishthele and waiting for summer summer, we have collected the Trinity of SUVs speaking in middleweight and have a good sales recently. We got the most equipped and just updated versions of two Japanese (however, oriented to the North American market) Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Nissan Pathfinder, as well as Yankees Chevrolet Blazer, True, Brazilian-Tatar origin.
What, in the bath, sport, when do you live in almost extreme conditions? We would get into the tank or, in the extreme case, in Hummer! Securely and calmly.
Three years ago, these Japanese, in addition to the beloved and durable Pajero, came up with another jeep with the same name, but with a SPORT-add-on. At first, our person, and in the soul he, of course, the conservative, perceived a novelty in the bayonk. Say, do not seek goodness. We (writers) managed to force a couple of times a kind word, calling her boyfriend. And at the same time, sales began to grow. Here would be Mitsubishi and calm down. And they are neat a restyling, feed, facelifting, you understand.
Pajero Sport A special machine, completely unlike a consolidated brother. It exists only in a long version, with a 3-liter gasoline engine or a 2.5-liter turbodiesel. We got an automatic three-liter. Next to it is close in size and indicators, but significantly cheaper Chevrolet Blazer Tatar assembly.
Most recently, some years ago, we could take all domestic auto plants on the fingers. Now the situation has changed significantly. In the territory of Russia and the countries of the former Union, new automakers constantly arise. The selection of cars produced behind the cordon is economically justified by itself. In addition, it allows you to reduce partially or fully customs payments. Among other relatively inexpensive cars, the only Chevrolet Blazer SUV, collected in Elabuga.
It would be rather curious to put two jeep with one name one of Detroit, another from Brazilian Tataria (or from Tatar Brazil). Differences are many. And they are all in favor of their native passing. Except for one price. After all, by purchasing Elazovsky Blazer, you pay half less. What is mainly due to the profitability of the production scheme or saving on consumer qualities? Probably, Pathfinder is pronounced in English than in Russian, and as soon as it is not called. But nevertheless love and respected. Of the same class as other experimental, with carrier, like Pajero, body. The hardest and most cracked car from all. But what is he in practice?
Device
Everything, the range of honors near the novelty perfectly. We get into the crust. We do it with joy, because the doorways of the doors are wide and high, and the faldes of the raincoat and the coat will not collect dust from the thresholds. Soft leather of light shades has always acted on my unstable psyche soothingly, and the light-gray torpedo with a yellow bottom led at all in the state of the highest relaxation. This is how little is required by one large company to turn a slightly outdated and a bit of a mounted Jeep Pajero into a soft, cozy and ergonomic crew! Just the magical word Sport. Even more enthusiasm intensified at the form of a massive handle of Invecs-II automation, next to the traditional Mitsubishevian trough lever of Super Selekt type. The machine can now be pulled from the position only when you press the brake, and not only on a convenient button in the end of the handle. Return the feed selector in Parking you will also have to rescue the ignition key from the larger. Ignition, ignition ... But what about the car lights, in the end of the ends? Little ride, at first looking at the appearance and the salon.
Now Blazer. We will immediately arrange. We will consider today the most fully equipped option and, of course, the most expensive. Potential customers will rather interest the minimum at cost and in the configuration of Chevrolet. This is designed specifically for Latin America and a rear-wheel drive SUV in Brazil. It is not true, such a phrase cuts us ear. But as ordinary cars with the drive drive on both axes, we do not consider the jeeps, and the usual sizes and concepts of the SUV only with one pair of the leading one still remains. After all, the spar frame, large clearance, huge wheels allow you to overcome the obstacles inaccessible for passenger cars. The second difference from the original is healthy exhausted by the power unit. Almost halving losing in litter (2.2 liters instead of 4.3 liters) and unauthorized in power (113 hp to 183l.s.), it further reduces the cost. The third heavier factor can be called simplicity of interior decoration and some differences in appearance.
We got a car, who, with the same (Brazilian) body, there is a powerful (state) engine, both leading bridges, an automatic box, air conditioning, that is, the most complete version. It is about 29 thousand dollars. Instead of 16 for a rare.
Pass is equipped with the most complete program: a box of automatic, luxurious leather, airbegie, seats, like all the other electrics, steering wheel with adjustment and CD-tape recorder BOSE with a slightly deaf sound and setting only on odd frequencies America! Each wheel is now a separate electronic lock. At the price of only 40 thousand more than a bright bouquet of options. Plus, even if not the most catchy, but quite balanced appearance.
Appearance
It is terrible to get around Pajero Sport in front of at least a car and squat, and the hood is tall and looked jumping and crushing. Aggressive, you can say appearance. And after the changes, the wrinkled head-grille, samurai elongated eyes and grinned leaving lower jaws became completely cracked. So from the muzzle and do not know. And with ... rear part? And here everything is different. A new, much expressive and clearer came to replace the former ascetic stern.
The profile itself is memorable with a long flat roof and a high hood, is now supplemented with a narrow molding with the name of the company. The border between the native paint-metallic and nose-applied ground dried down, making the silhouette easier, air.
And what did the owners from GM saved, developing a blazer for the poor? First of all, the finish is completely absent chrome. Absolutely other front optics. Unlike volitional headlights, here the eyes are much naive. It looks friendly muzzle and because of a black large-scale lattice. Above the rear wheels appeared convex stamps. The hood is also relief, unlike the flat in the purebredanne yank. In general, these two options of the same car do not confuse. True, our pride sweeps the inscription 4.3 on the lid of the trunk, which allocates our copy from the mass of most elazes. Alloy wheels of wheels in off-road rubber emphasize the humble dignity of this hardship. And the arcs on the roof hint on the fact that even loads that will not be scented in a huge luggage compartment can be hoisted.
In general, the appearance leaves an impressive impression, sufficiently convincingly, if, on the tail in front of the car. Most likely, you will be treated. Nissan, released and another jeep in the same class of Terrano II of Spanish assembly, with Pup Finender (I will learn someday it?!) It clearly aimed over the ocean. Americans like such optics and silhouette, like when the glass of the fifth door rises upwards separately from all the glands and luggage drops through it. To taste them (in contrast to domestic traffic policemen) and tightly tinted side and rear windows. In addition, in our car, a completely new face of the headlights is higher, and the hood instead of the former, flat, raised along the engine, as it is now accepted. And in general, the appearance of the front although it was visible, but it became slightly reminded by Suzuki Grand Vitara and Subaru Outback. The rest of the steps and thick tires on casting make the car rather courageous, not depriving the intelligent, on jeep standards, appearance.
Interior
PAJERO is traditionally spacious and reliable. High-quality materials, electric drives, hatches and mirrors are supplemented with air conditioning, as well as a permanent paracene block of a Krenomometer-thermometer-altimeter, poured under the lobovik. Rear now three headrests, surprisingly almost not overlapping overview through the salon mirror. Fortunately, the reserve under the floor, and not on the gate, and it is more to taste. But the overview of the forward or lobby cannot be called satisfactory, which we have already written in the past year. Window openings do not allow free, as you want to look up or down.
If only the specialist for a number of signs determines that Chevrolet is not a state, then inside, in the cabin, any will say that the origin of the car is the simplest. This is the world of cheap plastics. Sufficiently unpleasant to the touch steering wheel, the surface of the instrument panel and doors handles. Inexpressive speedometer and tachometer scales. These are minuses. There are advantages, moreover, unmarked. The seats are simple enough and at the same time comfortable. You do not slip forward when braking and do not eat in a sharp turn. Good circular review, uncharacteristic for SUVs. It was surprised by uncomfortable bulge under the legs of the front passenger, due to the layout of the transmission.
From the options installed on Blazer de Luxe (i.e., on all all-wheel drives and the most equipped machines 4x2), the following mentions deserve the following. This air conditioner, not climate control, of course, but two cooling conditions are available. There are four power windows, as well as a modest tape recorder. I'm not talking about mirrors with an electric drive and a central lock with a lock from the driver's seat.
Passfider The richest car from today's candidates for the salon decoration. A wide range of seats servo drivers, adjustable steering wheel, high ceiling source perimeters, complemented by the most ergonomic handles and buttons. Double American Sun Spectacles and Large Mirrors Heated and Convenient Climate Management Everything pleases the eye and hand. And bright fashionable devices allow you to instantly read the information. True, the speedometer is Milny, but there is also digitization in km too. And on the review from the driver's seat we did not have any complaints. Perhaps here is an obvious leader.
In move
In winter, it usually snow in Moscow! I'm telling you as a specialist. And by the end of winter, it becomes wet, heavy and gray, and riding on cars is difficult so much that it is necessary to stay at home, choking in the subway or buy a jeep. The latter, as many people already guess, the most pleasant. There will be a pleasure of 30-40 thousand dollars, but, in our opinion, this car is better than a bunch of bills with non-Russian arrogant.
... well, the key to the start. Stretched, and almost noticed. Vibration-defense excellent. Include just in case more races. Pioneer's super-modern magnet tape recorder, with overflowing rainbow with a folding panel. Come on the throat of your own, with Kirkorov, a song, pouring from wide-frequency speakers. In the cabin immediately became quiet and concentrated, as in the Lenin Library. Here, finally, we are on the road. Somewhere there at the depth of centimeters of five (and maybe even twenty?) There is asphalt (and maybe a well), but still have been instructed. And if you quickly, and even with a turn?! Turn up, as it should, then slow down. Let's try to learn or demolides? Heavy and stubborn Japanese still jeep ... no, he goes there, where I wish, and not he. And the automatic box to me today is not a hindrance, but an assistant. With the full drive enabled, I like to jump onto the tram paths, and there, let's get around the whole stream! And this is on the iso-bunny blocking, with places sticking rails and periodically emerging due to large pedestrians.
Despite this impassible porridge, we decide right while moving to cut the front and ride only on the rear leading. Yes ..., of course, this is not a matter. Screws on the road as the last Mercedes, it is necessary or a gas to reset, or restore Status Quo. But when we finally got to the films ... On the same rear drive, a heavy jeep flies like a fluff, and behaves in a turn with a lightly unnecessary turning, obediently and predictably, like a good limousine, because the center of gravity Slightly lower than that of the founding father of the usual pajero.
Surely it would be more interesting to compare the posterior and all-wheel drive modifications of the blazer in the paired test. But I will postpone it for later, but now rush in a powerful version of 4x4. Recall that the engine is 4.3 liters here, the American is not too forced.
Rotate the key wakes a sleeping beast. It seems noticeably, it does not transmit the slightest vibrations on the body, fortified on the spar frame through rubber pillows. The automatic transmission handle, growing from the tunnel, lies exactly where it is necessary. We translate it to position D and let go of the brake. Press the gas pedal to half the stroke. Rear wheels with slipper pushing a heavy car forward. Transfer are shared with some delays, but within the limits of allowed. The overall feeling from thrust and acceleration is more than nice. In a straight line, everything is clear. And on the snake? The reaction of the machine to turn the steering wheel clearly, and the body is great aside aside. It is pretty quickly to the delay of the delay and you begin to twist the Baranka slightly ahead. Chances of getting exactly the turn is quite high. Turns in a turn with an increase in speed cease to grow, reaching the limit angle. Next is the rear axis drift. Connect the front. This is done with a button located in the middle of the instrument panel. Now the speed set is slightly lengthened, and the behavior in turn, remaining the whole rear-wheel drive, changes slightly. Unscrew the steering wheel somewhere on fifty, then we shift in the other way. First, the front axle squeaks outward, but soon the back throws back there. So, with the grace of the dancing elephant, the rude all-wheel drive is still running between cones in the rearrangement. Completely can be trained. The blazer suspension is optimally suitable for most of our roads. Small and medium irregularities can not be noticed almost at any speed, but hefty codbins and pits only shake the body, never piercing until the stop. We drove on any borders and even on the stairs. Road clearance is really great, corners of entry and the congress, too, but the ramp angle limited by a long base is insufficient. Moreover, when moving through high hills cling to the front of the mounting of the rear thrust to the frame. Overcoming deep rut is surprisingly good. Quite rough high-profile tires cling even for icing areas and pull the car where it is necessary.
For the purity of the experiment, we climb into the snow along the ears and turn off the front axle. Surprisingly not bad Blazer boils on the same back. It emphasizes the applicability in our conditions even the simplest version. She, like no other, convenient both by the arrangement of the cabin and in terms of the chassis, and externally, taking into account the update, it looks more abruptly by most classmates. But, putting your hand on the heart, the motor could be more powerful, and the tires are gender, but these are all nuances.
Riding with such a different riding feelings of Mitsubishi and GM on Nissan, you understand this to a greater degree of limousine than a jeep. No, do not think the Pathfinder is also a good passing, but they forget about the city streets. The car is so smoothly and confidently, as if it is a two-ton executive American. In comparison with competitors, all maneuvers are performed from twice as much accuracy, and at the same time neither the slightest shaking. Even a pity was to rush on such a plumbing car on borders and drifts. But I had to. The suspension does not break through and works fine. At less power, it seems that the acceleration of the Pathfinder is except for everyone. Attempts to climb the snowdrifts ending with planted on the belly, but it is necessary to pay proper while the wheels have not hung away, the car moved to the last.
Small results
The first reaction from acquaintance with Elaz, still in the car dealership, was a rejection. Indeed, a spacious salon and concise appearance do not encourage a respectful attitude. Meet the clothes. But gradually we were more and more penetrated this car. Excellent dynamics, decent behavior on asphalt and gorgeous off-road. And the practicality in the decoration is quite suitable for Russian conditions.
As it seems to us, a probable buyer Chevrolet Blazer A resident of the shape, a well-earning professional, for which the acquisition of an expensive imported jeep is a remote perspective, and Riding on the Niva has already passed the stage. This, of course, our assumption. But the ratio price quality in cars collected in Elabuga is undoubtedly high.
Pajero Sport fully justifies its name and price. He is a little harsh, but universal. True, minor complaints caused management with us. And externally Mitsubishi, perhaps the coolest and expressive of all.
Nissan conquered our hearts with rich trim and hardware behavior The perfect work of the suspensions and the accuracy of maneuvers make it far ahead compared even with larger and expensive machines. But externally, it looks simpler, and the off-road deserves a slightly lower estimate than Mitsubishi and Chevrolet.
So, with the external similarity, SUVs turned out to be quite different. It remains only to find a model that meets your desires and opportunities, and make the right choice.
 
Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Nosdrin

Several recommendations to the owners of the SUV
It is well known that the all-wheel drive car wins not only in the passability, but also in stability on slippery roads. However, the 4x4 formula is not so simple as it may seem. Reliability with which all-wheel drive is kept on a slippery road, its unconditional advantage. After all, let's say, behind the wheel of the rear-wheel drive car, in the same conditions, you have to either lead the car with a constant voltage, or to go noticeably slower.
But just in the confidence that the driver gives the drive to all the wheels, and it lies a serious danger. He, what is called, relaxes: Even at high speeds, sitting behind the wheel seems to be far away, and it is possible not straining, without any particular concerns to put pressure on the pedal. Moreover, often the driver is in captivity of a stable stereotype that the four-wheel drive allows literally to work wonders.
In fact, the possibility of a full drive is far from endless, and when a safe speed limit will be exceeded, the situation can easily get out of control: a straight may unexpectedly occur, and in turn, depending on the curvature of the trajectory, is a great risk of risk and not fit into turn. And since the speed limit for 4x4 is much higher than for a car with a drive per axis, then the loss of control occurs on a much higher speed, when not everyone, even be prepared, the driver is able to tame the car. So moving along with a slippery road by car with all the leading wheels, it is not too superfluous to look at the speedometer.
Its features in managing all-wheel drive cars with a disabled front axle, when there is no inter-axis differential in the transmissions. It is known that with such a scheme on good roads the front axle should be disconnected, in order to prevent transmission overload and increased tire wear. This manufacturer warns in the instruction manual and, as a rule, special signs in the cabin.
On most modern cars, the front axle is turned off and connected without stopping the machine. However, performing the instructions of the manufacturer, it is necessary to make a correction to the road conditions. It is one thing when dry asphalt is under the wheels, the other when clean from ice and slippery plots alternate.
In itself, being on ice with the forefront turned off, it is not difficult to disrupt the car into a sharp drift. However, this danger increases significantly at the time of turning off the front axle, since the traction force on the rear wheels is actually doubled. That is, it turns out something like the same as if on the rear-wheel drive car sharply increase the fuel supply. This is a real provocation: the risk of drift increases many times! Therefore, do not hurry to turn off the front axle until you are completely sure as the road surface.
And also: if, driving such a car in the rear-wheel drive mode, you unexpectedly found themselves on a dangerous area (snow skid, ice, a slippery slope), it is important not to lose, and how quickly you can connect the drive of the front wheels, without driving, but also without adding when not adding This gas. This is a very useful reception that often helps in critical situations.
 
Vladimir Yakovlev, test engineer
 

 

A source: Cars