I am starting to think that GM killed the S-10 Blazer just before they really needed a smaller 4X4 platform that didn't weigh 3 tons, and got pretty good fuel economy. Just think of what the third gen. Blazer might look like if it was kept small, had a little more power, and a little more thought to it's driveline and suspension. In fact why don't we help GM out here(before it's too late). Let's build it! Spec. out your options on this new truck and let's see what comes out of this "flight of fantasy"

Mine:
A six banger with a min 225 HP
An optional eco-tech 4 w/ turbo (for 2 wheel drive models)
Better steering feel
Better feel in the suspension
About the same body style no heavier
6 speed auto trans
Electric locking rear
Nicer treatment of interior
Two tone paint option (again)
Will add to this list as I think about it


Yours?

 

umm they didn't technically kill the Blazer just the name its the Trailblazer now

 

IMO Blazer / Trailblazer not the same vehicle.

 

there really not the same a trailblazer is a pure grocery gettin, family suv.... IMO

 

I'm not sure how one could classify the Trailblazer as a grocery getter only...

The GMT360/370 platform is a more refined, more powerful, and more capable platform to the S-series. It still has the full frame. But grocery getter... Sorry, but no, I do not agree with that statement at all. Stock for stock, a Trailblazer will go anywhere plus more than an s-series (ZR2 aside) as they both have almost identical ground clearances with only a 6" longer wheelbase.

Between my stock Rainier and my stock Bravada, I found that my Rainier could go through the same trails for hunting/fishing/etc that my Bravada could, only with less trouble.

Having driven both along with some lifted s-series trucks, I would still pick a GMT360 platform vehicle over an s-series.

Not to mention how nice this truck looks (picture of Bill's 2004 Envoy - aka the roadie on Trailvoy.com):

 

yea i agree, the envoy is a pretty decent vehicle. My brother has one, only in 2wd, and even tho its 2wd it still does pretty well. Its like comparing a Jeep Cherokee to the Commander. Both are very capable vehicles off road, just one is "newer" than the other. If they did make a blazer s-series again, a more powerful engine would be good, with at least 20 mpg city driving with a V6, but maybe option in a V8 that would get around 23 or 24 hwy so that would put it around 16 or so in a city setting. a solid front axle would be great also, and instead of an electric locking diff for the rear, add it to the front as well, kinda like the jeep Rubicons. a different design for the sway bars would be a most for "off-road" versions (ZR2 models). I would offer a 2wd version, kinda like the extremes for people who do not go off the paved roads, but add a nice limited slip diff for them to put that power to the pavement. that would be a good start I would think.

 

I'd rather keep my blazer. I've been in my dads TB a few times-not impressed. One of the highlights for me is the shorter wheelbase which helps with cornering in the woods. I also think the blazer is built simpler which any mechanic can appreciate. Sure, the blazers could use some improvements, but I still prefer mine.

 

I agree completely with mech... Everytime I've ridden in / driven a trailblazer platform vehicle it just felt too... Grocery getter (don't give me flack for this). Yes the Blazer's were crude-ish and cheap inside, but whenever I see a trailblazer I just can't help but think "soccer mom".
You can try as hard as you want to make a soccer-mom SUV into a young guy's off-road vehicle, but you're not fooling anybody... most people look and ask WHY.

Just my $0.02

 

I totally agree!

*Edit*

I will admit that these tbs aren't grocery getters lol


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjCqCMufE94

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaA4q...eature=related

 

My Rainier actually turns corners sharper than my Bravada did. And the Rainier is a TON easier to work on than the Bravada was, in every aspect! To each their own. I would not go back to an s-series unless it was a steal.