I'm a GM guy, and I actually really like the 1st gen Blazer. In this case, I'd pick that Explorer though. I'd be tempted to paint it up like the Jurassic Park ones as well. Much better condition than that Blazer
Find the Vortec with the 5 speed Manual. Put it in there with the proceeds from the sale of the Exploder (which I love, really keep both.) A monster on snowy roads.
Automatic on an older car like this is SLOW and UNRESPONSIVE. Awful. My 1997 escort wagon has a manual and it wakes it up. Feels very responsive even if it's SLOW lol
My parents had a GMC Jimmy when I was a kid and it was great. A friend had the Explorer when I was in high school. I'd say keep them both. Why choose when you have two great examples with so much potential?
I owned a 91 Explorer 4x4 with a 4.0 and a manual transmission. It was one of the best driving vehicles I've ever owned. The engine had plenty of power, the transmission shifted smoothly and it did quite well off road. I can't speak for the Blazer but the 2.8 would be reason enough to pass on it!
My second vehicle was a 91 explorer 4.0 four-door with the manual and the 4x4 shifter on the floor where it belongs. Bought it in 2006 when I was 15 for 700 bucks. Had a posi rear end and when I got my license did nothing but absolute the abuse that thing. Dump the clutch doing burnouts constantly, I jumped it numerous times, drove down old logging trails at like 50mph. Buried it up to the hood in mud. You name it. Put about 40,000 miles on it over two years. Not once did anything break from all the torture this thing went through. One day I folded the back seat and the floor came with it (I live in northern Wisconsin it was Rusty) and I sold with 230k on the clock for 500 bucks. Not many vehicles could take the ass-kicking I handed this thing. I'm 31 now and I've owned over 30 vehicles and it was one of the toughest I've owned. Still to this day I'm impressed that it survived my teenage years.
Don't sleep on the 2.8 man it might not be quick, but it's grunty enough to anything you need it to do and durable enough to do that for 300,000 miles. I would shift mine into 2nd at 60mph somewhat regularly to slow down and it still ran fine when I pulled it out to stick a 350 in lol. GM just really choked them down in the cylinder head flow department. To be fair, mine was carbureted ('85) and would barely start on steep side inclines (Found this out when I was roaming the winter streets in 2wd and pitched it into a ditch. Thanks, varajunk!) and was most likely 200,000+ miles.
I drove an '83 S10 Blazer 4x4 as a work vehicle in the late '80's that was a hand me down from the boss when he got one with the 4.3 fuel injection. The carburated 2.8 was atrociously underpowered but fortunately, even though I was in my late 20's, I never was one to care about going quickly. I did like the vehicle immensely and the ride height was perfect for getting in and out of for me at 6'2" with the interior comfortable. It was a nice little truck.
I grew up in upstate NY and in 1994 I had a Blazer just like yours but mine was two tone blue and gold. It was without a doubt the best winter vehicle I ever had. That thing would go through deep snow like it wasn't even there and one time it started right up when it was minus20 degrees outside. I have nothing but fond memories of it.
The Blazer definitely wins the cool factor, but Explorer wins, hands down. It's got more power, a stick, and more room. The seats are more comfortable and the body looks to be in much better shape.
I miss impractical 4x4 suv's. Everything has to be a family vehicle now so all the offroad packages have to have 4 doors and a long wheel base. That's why I'm holding on to my 98 ZR2 Blazer til it explodes.
Also owned a Blazer and an Explorer in the past. Had the older 85 carbed Blazer in a higher trim. While it was a nice one to drive on road and capable enough off...nicer all around than the Bronco2. The lack of power was more of an issue on the freeway than off road and it always seemed to go where we needed it. The Explorer was nice for the power and having the extra doors but felt soft and bulky as a tradeoff off road. Still I would go with the Explorer.
People get weirded out by the TTB on Explorers/Rangers, but it is so much tougher than the axles/suspension in the Blazer. If you are planning to off-road much, the Explorer is going to be much less likely to break or leave you stranded.
I have always wondered about that. I owned both in the past, but never really off roaded the Explorer. These days, I wonder: does the TTB offer any flexibility options over the whatever(torsion bar?) the S10 had? Maybe a bit more like a solid axle as far as articulation?
I'd also add that unless your going to drop the 4.3 V6 in the Chevrolet the other engines were gutless. My mom had silver red silver S10 it wheeled pretty good but I am pretty sure my mountain bike had more horsepower. Given the choice ...Um Cherokee LOL
The Blazer did have torsion bar crossmember mount breakage issues, the Explorer needed the “radius arm” bushings in the TTB front end to be good to avoid wobbles and funky tire wear IIRC
The explorer for sure...I've put over 300k miles on 2 of those 4L engines. Also, that 4/5 speed Mazda Trans is absolutely bullet proof..both of my 4L engines were paired to manuals....pretty rare but awesome in the snow with good tires.
Explorer, I had one. Would go anywhere I pointed it. Slowly lol The torque of the engine is the the star here. Also very reliable, and very easy to work on. The axles are super strong. Seats super soft and comfortable. Engine is quiet. 4 low is basically billygoat mode. And any questions you have are already answered online. I've got a few videos of easy offroading I've done in mine.
I vote for the Blazer. Bought new a '93 Sonoma with the 2.8 and 5-spd manual. Over 7 years and 100k miles never had a single mechanical issue with it. And those gauges are just cool.
Gotta go with the Explorer. The Blazer may have been there first, but the Explorer will always be an icon for being the cornerstone that the SUV market was built on going forward. Now everyone needs to say a silent prayer for the abomination that both of these nameplates have become in 2023
The new explorer has been improved quite a bit over the previous generation. It has a longitudinal drivetrain that increases towing capacity and ease of maintenance.
I have a huge soft spot for the S10 2-door blazer. I think that explorer is great, especially because it has a stick, but I have to vote for the blazer.
When I was in high school in the late 90s, a 4x4 stick shift S10 pickup or blazer with the “big” 4.3 v6 was my dream truck. Well that or a 79 Bronco…I had a few s10s over the years. So many off road and (too big of) trailer towing shenanigans. S10s are a big piece of my youth. Good times
The explorer! It’s rare to find a shift version usually all are automatic. Even if the dash of the Chevy (gauges) are way cooler, the explorer is a bit more rare (transmission wise)
I'd rather have the Exploder. Much easier to maintain long term and way more power. Anyone who has been cursed with removing the trans from a 4x4 S10/Blazer knows what a royal pain it is.
I had a 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer for awhile. Loved it. If it didn't need an engine rebuild I would have kept it. By the time I sold it that 4.0 was leaking 2L of oil a day. Super underpowered engine to begin with. But it did not die, at all.
Funny enough, my mom had both of these vehicles. She had a red & white 4 door S-10 Blazer she received as her first car and later traded it for an Explorer. Both of these vehicles are unique & stunning in their own manner. It makes me sad that most are no longer in good condition and that the population of them is dwindling day by day. Personally I would choose the Blazer because just something about the car makes it have a special place in my heart. It’s definitely my favorite SUV from the 80s & 90s, you all can rant about this in the real section but as a 2008 kid who really didn’t grow up with these cars and by the time I grew older barely any were around and I wish they were immortal.
My first car was an '85 S10 Blazer. It may not have had a ton of power, but it was great off road (for what it was). It was a stick, though. Don't know that I'd trust an automatic from this era... I'd still go with the Blazer, though!
Man my parents had a few of those early 90s explorers back in the day. One was our family vehicle and one was a survey work truck for my Dad's business. I took those things places they did not belong and they always surprised me how capable they actually were. My parents would have killed me if they knew what I was doing with them lol.
My dad had both. He had a 2.8 1988 blazer. Also had a 1991 explorer sport 2 door. Had manual locking hubs. Both were cool. The 2 door explorer was really cool.
If I had to pick between these two exact examples, the Explorer for sure, but honestly you should sell both and buy the nicest Blazer you can find with a stick shift.
I had a 1992 GMC Jimmy (GMC's version of that Blazer of yours). It was 4 doors and I liked it a lot. However I would choose the first gen Explorer as i still see a lot of the S-Series Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada models around my way. I have not seen a first gen Explorer in years. I also hate the 2.8l V6. They did not seem designed to hold coolant and they tended to leak coolant almost everywhere. (the 4.3l was the way to go)
I really like The Blazer, but between these two vehicles, I would definitely go with the explorer. The manual isn't even a selling point for me, but just the fact that it's the earlier version with the TTB and that awesome interior is the way to go. Plus the 4 doors and the more interior space makes it more useful, I think it would make a cool budget overlanding vehicle.
Add in Goodyear Territory M/T tires and a 3 inch lift and you are SET for the backcountry! Buy the cheapest front steel bumper/bushbar plus winch combo you can find at 4x4parts or JEGS and you can go wherever you want in the backwoods of North America! Who needs GOAT modes? It's called using the LEFT FOOT and RIGHT FOOT as your organic GOAT MODE controller system! V
I remember going off roading as a kid with my dad. He had the Jimmy, so rusted out that it looked like there was bullet holes in the door panels. My dad was working on it, and I remember getting stung by a bee on my finger. Earliest memories are with that Jimmy.
Explorer. I have the 2 door manual 1st gen. Making it to 500k and still running like new as a daily driver that also tows and off roads. Had it 20 years now, will never get rid of it.
As someone who just bought a 94 Blazer AND discovered this channel, it’s like the video was tailored for me. My blazer has the 4-door and 4.3, so maybe a bit more even comparison there. Between those two? The Explorer is probably the best bet for function.
I’m a GM guy through and through, and after driving 1st-Gen S-10’s, S-15’s and S-10 Blazers, I know they’re excellent little trucks. That being said, until the 4.3, GM couldn’t build a 6-cyl worth a plug-nickel! The 2.5 Iron Duke I4 was an awesome motor, but that 2.8 V6 was just garbage. So yeah, keep the Exploder, paint it the Jurassic Park livery, and- Hey, how much do you want for the Blazer? 😃👍🏼
Both a great in their own way. But since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the blazers. My godfather had multiple ones, always a 2 door model. I would love to get my hands on one. It’s a shame this one doesn’t have the 4.3. But I think because it’s such a classic, I would keep it anyway!
I had a 91 explorer with a manual. It was fantastic. It had almost 300k on it when I sold it and the next owner ran it to over 300k. It's death came from a head on collision but the tow truck driver drove it onto the flat bed. That thing was a BEAST
Ya I would go with the explorer, it's in better shape and better drivetrain. My buddy had a S10 with that 2.8 and a 5 speed and it was a peppy little truck and took a lot of abuse but those 2.8 don't have the best reputation so I think he got lucky with his. If the blazer was less rusty and had the 4.3 I would go with it for sure.
I’ve owned both at one point or another. I always hated the GM 2.8, always had issues and the engine was seized when I sold it. My Explorer was beat when I bought it and beat even worse when I sold it but was still running strong. My votes definitely for the Explorer
Had a 91 s15 jimmy with the 4.3 and loved it. The front axle is definitely a weak point, destroyed it on an off camber hill climb. Blew a hole in the axle housing.
I own 2 S10 blazers. one is a '90 and the other a '94 both with the 4.3L and I love them. Tough little trucks and the 4.3L chevy engines are excellent. A couple inexpensive aftermarket modifications and my CPI '94 makes almost as much horsepower and torque as the larger v8's from the time.
I had an 85 S10 Blazer w/stick shift. I did a 350ci engine swap. After I did that, a 4" lift and new off road bumpers, exhaust, I could go most of the places only jeeps would dare, plus boasting a 0-60 of just over 8 seconds.
I owned both of these, each in the year they came out! I traded the 83 S10 Blazer for the 84 (84 1/2?) 4Runner, the very 1st year it came out! Though it was a bit of a rattle trap, that S10 was actually not a bad off roader, with it's G80(?) locking rear dif. And the ride was so much more pleasant on washboard than the 4Runner was. ............. I never off roaded the Explorer much, but I wish you would test these 2 off road, because: now I wonder about the TTB(Twin Traction Beam) in the Ford. Did it have any advantages off road compared to the IFS of the S10? Or not? But, what ever advantages it might have would have to make up for not having that locker that came in the S10. Of course, I suppose a person could always add a locker to the Explorer, if available? Then the comparison would be simply TTB vs whatever the S10 had. A torsion bar? How about you guys put them to the test?
I drove both these vehicles in the late 80s and early 90”s. I just can’t share your nostalgic enthusiasm. The blazer competed with the Cherokee XJ that originally came out in 1983or 1984. Both were underpowered. The Ford felt narrow and poorly planted on the road. Build quality was at best mediocre even then for all American brands. These vehicles would be a money pit now. Let us know how much you spend fixing one of them up. It will be probably more than the purchase price.
A friend of mine had an S-10 two door with the 2.8. It was fairly well used - mainly over pot holes. I remember how driving up a hill on the freeway in SoCal one morning was excruciatingly slow. Worse than the 300 in my F150 was in the mountains. The Border Patrol acquired three smaller SUVs to test to see if they’d be any more fuel efficient back circa 1992-93. They got the S-10 four door, the Explorer XLT and the Jeep Cherokee police package. I only road in the S-10 once or twice, but it’s cramped. I drove the Explorer and it was was quite roomy for its size. It also drove pretty smooth on the street. The Jeep would run circles around both of them off road. A full frame Bronco would carry more. A manual transmission in an Explorer would have been interesting. The only ones I saw were the XL two wheel drives that were ultra cheep.
having owned 2 S-10 blazers and a Bronco 2......I would keep the Explorer. The GM 2.8L was worthless compared to the 4.3L (I had both) and the stupid vacuum axle disconnect always failed. Even if the vacuum lines were connected and working, several minute of WOT and you would deplete the vacuum reservoir and the front axle would unlock until you let off the throttle. I got both my blazers stuck repeatedly because of this idiocy. My Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was much better even in stock form.
I Team S-Series, but the 2.8L is the killer of the comparison. You are judging apples and mangos. Now if the S-10 Blazer had the 4.3L, hands down the Blazer.
Check the underside of both for rust. Have a mechanic look over both. Figure out which one is going to cost you more $ to get up to standards, and decide based on that. All things being equal, I’d rather have an old S10 Blazer!
I've owned a type of each vehicle. I had a 89 s10 ext cab pickup if I recall correctly it was an offroad package with a 4 speed manual. Bought it with 250k miles sold it for the same price I bought it for a few years later with 302k miles. My explorer was a 92 of 93, it was a 5 speed it. Both were fun to drive and personally couldn't just choose one
Very cool review and I like both the trucks but I chose the explorer. I own a 94 XLT My wife and I have put together over time manual transmission manual Warren hubs manual transfer case I couldn't be happier. The project continues Great driving truck though.
I’d keep the Explorer, manual transmission is super rare and makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience. Of course I’m kinda partial since my family had a 91 Explorer and later a 99 Explorer both four door with five speeds.
I had 2 1st gen explorers first I was in high-school it was an eddie Bauer with a 5 speed manual amd leather amd in college a 2 door sport 5 speed. 2 of my favorites I have owned
The Explorer, especially in Eddie Bauer or Limited trim, was a really nice vehicle when they were new. I had a friend in highschool who's parents had an Eddie Bauer, and man that thing had a nice leather interior with all of the power and luxury features, and a very impressive optional JBL stereo. When these trucks first came out, they were viewed as a status symbol by a lot of people. The Jimmy/Blazer were overshadowed by the Explorer, and were often used as a snowplowing rig or a mechanics daily driver. GM struggled to compete until they started making the Tahoe and Yukon.
I bought an 87 S10 with the TBI 2.8 in 94 or so. I passed up a really nice 4.3L, one of my great regrets. I loved the S10 but the 2.8L in my car was horrible on any kind of hill.
My vote is for the explorer!! I have a 3rd gen that i still use as my daily driver. The 4.0 is a great little motor, and the manual is a nice bonus for offroad purposes.
I'm a GM guy, and I actually really like the 1st gen Blazer. In this case, I'd pick that Explorer though. I'd be tempted to paint it up like the Jurassic Park ones as well. Much better condition than that Blazer
Spare no expense!
@@AversaS2 You win lmao
The JP Explorer was newer than this one though.
@@ronindebeatricenot sure of the exact year of the JP explorers, but they were this same gen, no one would know the difference.
@@stingypaperwaffles Hmm, you're right. I was convinced that the JP truck was the second gen.
The explorer for sure. The 2.8 and rust on the blazer makes the choice easy.
If the blazer was a 4.3 and not a rust bucket I'd say keep it, but with that baby 2.8 and rust the explorer is better
Agreed
Absolutely! That 2.8L is a deal breaker.
I had a s10 with the 2.8, 0-60 in 3 days.
Find the Vortec with the 5 speed Manual. Put it in there with the proceeds from the sale of the Exploder (which I love, really keep both.)
A monster on snowy roads.
Explorer by a mile. It has a manual!
Yes sir!
I suppose lol
Automatic on an older car like this is SLOW and UNRESPONSIVE. Awful. My 1997 escort wagon has a manual and it wakes it up. Feels very responsive even if it's SLOW lol
Thank goodness the automatics were terrible and broke all the time
@@bldontmatter5319 or just a possibility the transmission is tired because it’s like 26 years old
I love the S10s from that era, had a ‘92 pickup 4.3 4wd and loved it.
Avoid the 2.8 like the plague.
nothing wrong with later 2.8s and thats coming from my friend beating on one everyday that had over 300k miles
My parents had a GMC Jimmy when I was a kid and it was great. A friend had the Explorer when I was in high school. I'd say keep them both. Why choose when you have two great examples with so much potential?
The Jimmy was my 1st car
Short answer: the 2.8L was n9t a good engine! With the 4.3L sure.
Id keep the explorer honestly because i like the four liter v6 cuz they are great little engines
I owned a 91 Explorer 4x4 with a 4.0 and a manual transmission. It was one of the best driving vehicles I've ever owned. The engine had plenty of power, the transmission shifted smoothly and it did quite well off road. I can't speak for the Blazer but the 2.8 would be reason enough to pass on it!
Yes, blazer need the 4.3 liter V6
My second vehicle was a 91 explorer 4.0 four-door with the manual and the 4x4 shifter on the floor where it belongs. Bought it in 2006 when I was 15 for 700 bucks. Had a posi rear end and when I got my license did nothing but absolute the abuse that thing. Dump the clutch doing burnouts constantly, I jumped it numerous times, drove down old logging trails at like 50mph. Buried it up to the hood in mud. You name it. Put about 40,000 miles on it over two years. Not once did anything break from all the torture this thing went through. One day I folded the back seat and the floor came with it (I live in northern Wisconsin it was Rusty) and I sold with 230k on the clock for 500 bucks. Not many vehicles could take the ass-kicking I handed this thing. I'm 31 now and I've owned over 30 vehicles and it was one of the toughest I've owned. Still to this day I'm impressed that it survived my teenage years.
Had an explorer with the 4.0 too. Smooth and torquey engine. I miss it. Mine was RWD but I never got stuck.
Don't sleep on the 2.8 man it might not be quick, but it's grunty enough to anything you need it to do and durable enough to do that for 300,000 miles. I would shift mine into 2nd at 60mph somewhat regularly to slow down and it still ran fine when I pulled it out to stick a 350 in lol. GM just really choked them down in the cylinder head flow department.
To be fair, mine was carbureted ('85) and would barely start on steep side inclines (Found this out when I was roaming the winter streets in 2wd and pitched it into a ditch. Thanks, varajunk!) and was most likely 200,000+ miles.
I drove an '83 S10 Blazer 4x4 as a work vehicle in the late '80's that was a hand me down from the boss when he got one with the 4.3 fuel injection. The carburated 2.8 was atrociously underpowered but fortunately, even though I was in my late 20's, I never was one to care about going quickly. I did like the vehicle immensely and the ride height was perfect for getting in and out of for me at 6'2" with the interior comfortable. It was a nice little truck.
I grew up in upstate NY and in 1994 I had a Blazer just like yours but mine was two tone blue and gold. It was without a doubt the best winter vehicle I ever had. That thing would go through deep snow like it wasn't even there and one time it started right up when it was minus20 degrees outside. I have nothing but fond memories of it.
Каждый день запускается эксплорер ❤2008 4.6 v3 в минус 30 цельсия !!! Масло в двигателе 0w20
If that blazer had the 4.3 it would be perfect. I had an 89 sport with the digital dash and it was awesome.
The explorer was definitely ahead of its time, nice interior, great drivetrain and clean body lines
The Blazer definitely wins the cool factor, but Explorer wins, hands down. It's got more power, a stick, and more room. The seats are more comfortable and the body looks to be in much better shape.
If this was the 4.3 blazer it would be way better
I had an 85 Jimmy just like that Blazer. Loved it
I miss impractical 4x4 suv's. Everything has to be a family vehicle now so all the offroad packages have to have 4 doors and a long wheel base. That's why I'm holding on to my 98 ZR2 Blazer til it explodes.
Keep the blazer swap a 4.3 and 5spd manual and a small lift
I had a 1986 s-10 blazer 5 speed manual. 2.8 liter v6! That thing went everywhere!
Also owned a Blazer and an Explorer in the past. Had the older 85 carbed Blazer in a higher trim. While it was a nice one to drive on road and capable enough off...nicer all around than the Bronco2. The lack of power was more of an issue on the freeway than off road and it always seemed to go where we needed it. The Explorer was nice for the power and having the extra doors but felt soft and bulky as a tradeoff off road. Still I would go with the Explorer.
People get weirded out by the TTB on Explorers/Rangers, but it is so much tougher than the axles/suspension in the Blazer. If you are planning to off-road much, the Explorer is going to be much less likely to break or leave you stranded.
😂
I have always wondered about that. I owned both in the past, but never really off roaded the Explorer. These days, I wonder: does the TTB offer any flexibility options over the whatever(torsion bar?) the S10 had? Maybe a bit more like a solid axle as far as articulation?
I'd also add that unless your going to drop the 4.3 V6 in the Chevrolet the other engines were gutless. My mom had silver red silver S10 it wheeled pretty good but I am pretty sure my mountain bike had more horsepower. Given the choice ...Um Cherokee LOL
The Blazer did have torsion bar crossmember mount breakage issues, the Explorer needed the “radius arm” bushings in the TTB front end to be good to avoid wobbles and funky tire wear IIRC
My first vehicle was an 84 S10 Tahoe with a carbed 2.8. It was super slow but also very reliable. It did surprisingly good burnouts.
The explorer for sure...I've put over 300k miles on 2 of those 4L engines. Also, that 4/5 speed Mazda Trans is absolutely bullet proof..both of my 4L engines were paired to manuals....pretty rare but awesome in the snow with good tires.
Explorer, I had one. Would go anywhere I pointed it. Slowly lol
The torque of the engine is the the star here. Also very reliable, and very easy to work on.
The axles are super strong. Seats super soft and comfortable. Engine is quiet. 4 low is basically billygoat mode.
And any questions you have are already answered online.
I've got a few videos of easy offroading I've done in mine.
I vote for the Blazer. Bought new a '93 Sonoma with the 2.8 and 5-spd manual. Over 7 years and 100k miles never had a single mechanical issue with it. And those gauges are just cool.
Chevy Blazer, I had a 1991 2 door blazer with a 4.3. Loved that truck. The 4.3 was a 350 with 2 cylinders lopped off. They 4 inch bore pistons.
Gotta go with the Explorer. The Blazer may have been there first, but the Explorer will always be an icon for being the cornerstone that the SUV market was built on going forward. Now everyone needs to say a silent prayer for the abomination that both of these nameplates have become in 2023
The new explorer has been improved quite a bit over the previous generation. It has a longitudinal drivetrain that increases towing capacity and ease of maintenance.
@@slowstang88it is like a soccer Mom crossover. Nothing rugged 😢
@@hoopty. I don't disagree
The manufacturers will build what sells.
@ih302 Hence why most 4x4 trucks have IFS and the engine set so far back
I have a huge soft spot for the S10 2-door blazer. I think that explorer is great, especially because it has a stick, but I have to vote for the blazer.
When I was in high school in the late 90s, a 4x4 stick shift S10 pickup or blazer with the “big” 4.3 v6 was my dream truck. Well that or a 79 Bronco…I had a few s10s over the years. So many off road and (too big of) trailer towing shenanigans. S10s are a big piece of my youth. Good times
Keep the Ford. The 4.0 OHV in it is legendary for reliability. The Mazda manual transmission wasn't too bad.
The explorer! It’s rare to find a shift version usually all are automatic. Even if the dash of the Chevy (gauges) are way cooler, the explorer is a bit more rare (transmission wise)
Not to mention the 4.0 ! Also the front suspension on the Explorer is TTB which is hundreds of miles better off road than the Chevy’s torsion bars.
I had a 2001 Blazer ZR 2. It was a fantastic off roader.
I had a 92 explorer and I loved it.
I have a 91 Blazer 4 door 4.3. Drive it every day . Pull a trailer or whatever. Good little ride. The Fords are hard to work on. But i'm a chevy guy.
The S10 Blazer is cooler but the explorer is the clear choice. Manual, v6, and more room. Turn it into a Jurassic Park overlander!
I'd rather have the Exploder. Much easier to maintain long term and way more power.
Anyone who has been cursed with removing the trans from a 4x4 S10/Blazer knows what a royal pain it is.
Keep the explorer . Jurassic Park bro
I had a 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer for awhile. Loved it. If it didn't need an engine rebuild I would have kept it. By the time I sold it that 4.0 was leaking 2L of oil a day. Super underpowered engine to begin with. But it did not die, at all.
Funny enough, my mom had both of these vehicles. She had a red & white 4 door S-10 Blazer she received as her first car and later traded it for an Explorer. Both of these vehicles are unique & stunning in their own manner. It makes me sad that most are no longer in good condition and that the population of them is dwindling day by day. Personally I would choose the Blazer because just something about the car makes it have a special place in my heart. It’s definitely my favorite SUV from the 80s & 90s, you all can rant about this in the real section but as a 2008 kid who really didn’t grow up with these cars and by the time I grew older barely any were around and I wish they were immortal.
in 1988 the 4.3 had 165hp. When it went to multi point FI and not throttle body power was bumped to 200hp.
My first car was an '85 S10 Blazer. It may not have had a ton of power, but it was great off road (for what it was). It was a stick, though. Don't know that I'd trust an automatic from this era... I'd still go with the Blazer, though!
It’s not a retro design, Tommy. A retro design would be new but imitates an old or vintage design.
As someone who also has driven them both I would definitely go with the Blazer!
Keep the Explorer and turn it into a Jurassic Park Tour Vehicle!
I love my jimmy got plenty of torque and its 3/4 350
Man my parents had a few of those early 90s explorers back in the day. One was our family vehicle and one was a survey work truck for my Dad's business. I took those things places they did not belong and they always surprised me how capable they actually were. My parents would have killed me if they knew what I was doing with them lol.
We had a 93 GMC Jimmy four door and a 92 explorer. I loved both of them
My dad had both. He had a 2.8 1988 blazer. Also had a 1991 explorer sport 2 door. Had manual locking hubs. Both were cool. The 2 door explorer was really cool.
If I had to pick between these two exact examples, the Explorer for sure, but honestly you should sell both and buy the nicest Blazer you can find with a stick shift.
Not a GM guy at all but that 4.3 v6 probably one of the best engines they ever made.
I am a S10 guy, but the explorer is in much better shape, also that 2.8L in the blazer is junk.
I have a 1993 explorer 2 door 5 speed with a manual transfer case. Absolutely love it hands down.
I had a 1992 GMC Jimmy (GMC's version of that Blazer of yours). It was 4 doors and I liked it a lot. However I would choose the first gen Explorer as i still see a lot of the S-Series Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada models around my way. I have not seen a first gen Explorer in years. I also hate the 2.8l V6. They did not seem designed to hold coolant and they tended to leak coolant almost everywhere. (the 4.3l was the way to go)
I really like The Blazer, but between these two vehicles, I would definitely go with the explorer. The manual isn't even a selling point for me, but just the fact that it's the earlier version with the TTB and that awesome interior is the way to go. Plus the 4 doors and the more interior space makes it more useful, I think it would make a cool budget overlanding vehicle.
Add in Goodyear Territory M/T tires and a 3 inch lift and you are SET for the backcountry! Buy the cheapest front steel bumper/bushbar plus winch combo you can find at 4x4parts or JEGS and you can go wherever you want in the backwoods of North America! Who needs GOAT modes? It's called using the LEFT FOOT and RIGHT FOOT as your organic GOAT MODE controller system!
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I remember going off roading as a kid with my dad. He had the Jimmy, so rusted out that it looked like there was bullet holes in the door panels. My dad was working on it, and I remember getting stung by a bee on my finger. Earliest memories are with that Jimmy.
I haven't seen one of those Explorers on the road for about 15-20 yrs! Thats extremely rare to see one still alive
Explorer. I have the 2 door manual 1st gen. Making it to 500k and still running like new as a daily driver that also tows and off roads. Had it 20 years now, will never get rid of it.
I had a 92 s10blazer 4 door with the 4.3 and that thing went anywhere and everywhere. Had it in 26 inches of snow and it kept goin
Just picked up a 93 Explorer manual for $200. Runs like a dream!
I would like to get a blazer but I like them both
As someone who just bought a 94 Blazer AND discovered this channel, it’s like the video was tailored for me. My blazer has the 4-door and 4.3, so maybe a bit more even comparison there.
Between those two? The Explorer is probably the best bet for function.
A worse comparison, the 4.3 wasn’t meant to be in that chassis by a long shot, horrible to work on
@@xFactoryUSA Horrible just to change spark plugs, all the rest is fine enough.
@@carloscollomps1552 the spark plugs are my exact nightmare 😂😂😂
I’m a GM guy through and through, and after driving 1st-Gen S-10’s, S-15’s and S-10 Blazers, I know they’re excellent little trucks.
That being said, until the 4.3, GM couldn’t build a 6-cyl worth a plug-nickel! The 2.5 Iron Duke I4 was an awesome motor, but that 2.8 V6 was just garbage.
So yeah, keep the Exploder, paint it the Jurassic Park livery, and- Hey, how much do you want for the Blazer? 😃👍🏼
Both a great in their own way. But since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the blazers. My godfather had multiple ones, always a 2 door model. I would love to get my hands on one. It’s a shame this one doesn’t have the 4.3. But I think because it’s such a classic, I would keep it anyway!
I had a 91 explorer with a manual. It was fantastic. It had almost 300k on it when I sold it and the next owner ran it to over 300k. It's death came from a head on collision but the tow truck driver drove it onto the flat bed. That thing was a BEAST
Blazer seems much more unique/ interesting. It gets my vote
I would have to go with the Explorer. They were a very popular big step forward in their day.
Ya I would go with the explorer, it's in better shape and better drivetrain. My buddy had a S10 with that 2.8 and a 5 speed and it was a peppy little truck and took a lot of abuse but those 2.8 don't have the best reputation so I think he got lucky with his. If the blazer was less rusty and had the 4.3 I would go with it for sure.
The one that doesn't flip over when a tire fails.
I remember the big recall and lawsuits with the Firestone tires!
Ford exploder😂
9:46 That engine was used in the Ford/Mercury Capris and the Bronco II.
I’ve owned both at one point or another. I always hated the GM 2.8, always had issues and the engine was seized when I sold it. My Explorer was beat when I bought it and beat even worse when I sold it but was still running strong. My votes definitely for the Explorer
Had a 91 s15 jimmy with the 4.3 and loved it. The front axle is definitely a weak point, destroyed it on an off camber hill climb. Blew a hole in the axle housing.
I own 2 S10 blazers. one is a '90 and the other a '94 both with the 4.3L and I love them. Tough little trucks and the 4.3L chevy engines are excellent. A couple inexpensive aftermarket modifications and my CPI '94 makes almost as much horsepower and torque as the larger v8's from the time.
I had an 85 S10 Blazer w/stick shift. I did a 350ci engine swap. After I did that, a 4" lift and new off road bumpers, exhaust, I could go most of the places only jeeps would dare, plus boasting a 0-60 of just over 8 seconds.
I owned both of these, each in the year they came out! I traded the 83 S10 Blazer for the 84 (84 1/2?) 4Runner, the very 1st year it came out! Though it was a bit of a rattle trap, that S10 was actually not a bad off roader, with it's G80(?) locking rear dif. And the ride was so much more pleasant on washboard than the 4Runner was. ............. I never off roaded the Explorer much, but I wish you would test these 2 off road, because: now I wonder about the TTB(Twin Traction Beam) in the Ford. Did it have any advantages off road compared to the IFS of the S10? Or not? But, what ever advantages it might have would have to make up for not having that locker that came in the S10. Of course, I suppose a person could always add a locker to the Explorer, if available? Then the comparison would be simply TTB vs whatever the S10 had. A torsion bar? How about you guys put them to the test?
I drove both these vehicles in the late 80s and early 90”s. I just can’t share your nostalgic enthusiasm. The blazer competed with the Cherokee XJ that originally came out in 1983or 1984.
Both were underpowered. The Ford felt narrow and poorly planted on the road.
Build quality was at best mediocre even then for all American brands. These vehicles would be a money pit now. Let us know how much you spend fixing one of them up. It will be probably more than the purchase price.
A friend of mine had an S-10 two door with the 2.8. It was fairly well used - mainly over pot holes. I remember how driving up a hill on the freeway in SoCal one morning was excruciatingly slow. Worse than the 300 in my F150 was in the mountains. The Border Patrol acquired three smaller SUVs to test to see if they’d be any more fuel efficient back circa 1992-93. They got the S-10 four door, the Explorer XLT and the Jeep Cherokee police package. I only road in the S-10 once or twice, but it’s cramped. I drove the Explorer and it was was quite roomy for its size. It also drove pretty smooth on the street. The Jeep would run circles around both of them off road. A full frame Bronco would carry more. A manual transmission in an Explorer would have been interesting. The only ones I saw were the XL two wheel drives that were ultra cheep.
having owned 2 S-10 blazers and a Bronco 2......I would keep the Explorer. The GM 2.8L was worthless compared to the 4.3L (I had both) and the stupid vacuum axle disconnect always failed. Even if the vacuum lines were connected and working, several minute of WOT and you would deplete the vacuum reservoir and the front axle would unlock until you let off the throttle. I got both my blazers stuck repeatedly because of this idiocy. My Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was much better even in stock form.
Cherokee XJ also has vacuum front axle lock forks, so maybe they have bigger vacuum reservoirs or something.
I Team S-Series, but the 2.8L is the killer of the comparison. You are judging apples and mangos. Now if the S-10 Blazer had the 4.3L, hands down the Blazer.
Check the underside of both for rust. Have a mechanic look over both. Figure out which one is going to cost you more $ to get up to standards, and decide based on that. All things being equal, I’d rather have an old S10 Blazer!
Loved my Ford explorer. Somethin about the 4.0l in manual made me love that truck.
It looks to me that you have a possible buyer for the blazer.
I had a ‘94 Explorer and absolutely loved it
I've owned a type of each vehicle. I had a 89 s10 ext cab pickup if I recall correctly it was an offroad package with a 4 speed manual. Bought it with 250k miles sold it for the same price I bought it for a few years later with 302k miles. My explorer was a 92 of 93, it was a 5 speed it. Both were fun to drive and personally couldn't just choose one
We have lots of old explorers in the Mountain West. A friend just bought a 96 Explorer as a daily driver, lots of choices under 5k.
While I do like the old S10 Blazers, I have to say stick with the Explorer.
The dash on the Explorer (Exploder in 3rd and 4th gen with the OHC 4oor.bl0w) is the same in the Ranger and Aerostar.
Thank you Tommy and Brenden. Hated both and would have went for an old Jeep or Japanese model (Montero, Trooper, Rodeo, 4Runner)
Very cool review and I like both the trucks but I chose the explorer. I own a 94 XLT My wife and I have put together over time manual transmission manual Warren hubs manual transfer case I couldn't be happier. The project continues Great driving truck though.
I’d keep the Explorer, manual transmission is super rare and makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience. Of course I’m kinda partial since my family had a 91 Explorer and later a 99 Explorer both four door with five speeds.
I had 2 1st gen explorers first I was in high-school it was an eddie Bauer with a 5 speed manual amd leather amd in college a 2 door sport 5 speed. 2 of my favorites I have owned
Explorers hold a special place in my heart so I'd say keep the explorer.
I used to have a first-generation blazer I put 35 inch tires on it
The Explorer, especially in Eddie Bauer or Limited trim, was a really nice vehicle when they were new. I had a friend in highschool who's parents had an Eddie Bauer, and man that thing had a nice leather interior with all of the power and luxury features, and a very impressive optional JBL stereo. When these trucks first came out, they were viewed as a status symbol by a lot of people.
The Jimmy/Blazer were overshadowed by the Explorer, and were often used as a snowplowing rig or a mechanics daily driver. GM struggled to compete until they started making the Tahoe and Yukon.
Thanks guys 👏👏👏.....always entertained.....HAVE A BEAUTIFUL MONDAY EVERYONE ✌️
I bought an 87 S10 with the TBI 2.8 in 94 or so. I passed up a really nice 4.3L, one of my great regrets. I loved the S10 but the 2.8L in my car was horrible on any kind of hill.
put a 350 in the blazer. ive heard it bolts right up.
My vote is for the explorer!! I have a 3rd gen that i still use as my daily driver. The 4.0 is a great little motor, and the manual is a nice bonus for offroad purposes.
I have a 4th gen as my daily driver. Mine's the V8, and it is scary fast.
Had a 94 jimmy for a number of years. Rusted out though and sold it years ago.
Explorer was a better vehicle by a large margin
You need to get your hands on a new explorer and compare it to this classic on your off road course!!
Flipping the lid on the air filter of that 2.8 V6 adds between 25 and 200 horsepowers.
I’m a gym guy and love the s10 blazer but the ford 4.0, manual trans, and ttb front suspension are tough to beat