Chevy Blazer vs Ford Explorer: Which Budget 4X4 Is The Best Affordable Classic?
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In this video it’s Ford Explorer vs Chevy Blazer!
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#chevy #ford - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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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.
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
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
Id keep the explorer honestly because i like the four liter v6 cuz they are great little engines
Keep the blazer swap a 4.3 and 5spd manual and a small lift
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.
If that blazer had the 4.3 it would be perfect. I had an 89 sport with the digital dash and it was awesome.
I had a 1986 s-10 blazer 5 speed manual. 2.8 liter v6! That thing went everywhere!
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 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.
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 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
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 had an 85 Jimmy just like that Blazer. Loved it
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.
Keep the Ford. The 4.0 OHV in it is legendary for reliability. The Mazda manual transmission wasn't too bad.
The explorer was definitely ahead of its time, nice interior, great drivetrain and clean body lines
Keep the explorer . Jurassic Park bro
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.
The S10 Blazer is cooler but the explorer is the clear choice. Manual, v6, and more room. Turn it into a Jurassic Park overlander!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Thanks guys 👏👏👏.....always entertained.....HAVE A BEAUTIFUL MONDAY EVERYONE ✌️
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.
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.
I am a S10 guy, but the explorer is in much better shape, also that 2.8L in the blazer is junk.
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? 😃👍🏼
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'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.
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.
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.
We had a 93 GMC Jimmy four door and a 92 explorer. I loved both of them
Yes been waiting for this awesome. Keep it up guys.
I have a 1993 explorer 2 door 5 speed with a manual transfer case. Absolutely love it hands down.
I haven't seen one of those Explorers on the road for about 15-20 yrs! Thats extremely rare to see one still alive
Not a GM guy at all but that 4.3 v6 probably one of the best engines they ever made.
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
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.
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.
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.
in 1988 the 4.3 had 165hp. When it went to multi point FI and not throttle body power was bumped to 200hp.
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
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 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)
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.
Loved my Ford explorer. Somethin about the 4.0l in manual made me love that truck.
I had a 2001 Blazer ZR 2. It was a fantastic off roader.
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
As someone who also has driven them both I would definitely go with the Blazer!
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.
The one that doesn't flip over when a tire fails.
I remember the big recall and lawsuits with the Firestone tires!
Ford exploder😂
This is Richard in ft.morgan,CO. I enjoyed your comparison of the two small vehicles with 4×4s. I have 1993 explorer with 5 speed Manuel. Please keep Ford explorer with manual shift. I also have full size 1980 Dodge rsmcharger for old vintage vehicle ride. Take care and God bless you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just picked up a 93 Explorer manual for $200. Runs like a dream!
Lol the 80’s synth keyboard music is the perfect touch
Man that blazer reminds me the one that my had on in black and he had 2 Blazer 87 and 90. He drove both of them until the frame rust out 😊.
The dash on the Explorer (Exploder in 3rd and 4th gen with the OHC 4oor.bl0w) is the same in the Ranger and Aerostar.
I would have to go with the Explorer. They were a very popular big step forward in their day.
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!
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
I had a ‘94 Explorer and absolutely loved it
Thank you Tommy and Brenden. Hated both and would have went for an old Jeep or Japanese model (Montero, Trooper, Rodeo, 4Runner)
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 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?
Both were really nice trucks for their time. I’m partial to the S-10 blazer they had such boxy but slick styling. Shame it like so many only has a 2.8. The 4.3 FI engine is the Blazer to have left stock. Course 350 swaps are common
Please find a eagle summit to review. So far you guys covered both my childhood cars i was driven around in . 94 plymouth voyager / 94 explorer / just missing an 89 eagle summit . Thank you yall are awesome
9:46 That engine was used in the Ford/Mercury Capris and the Bronco II.
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.
I had a 92 explorer and I loved it.
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.
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.
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
The second gen Ford Explorer Sport had a particular option with lsds I believe. I think it was the one with all-wheel drive / High / low on the selector switch.
Don't hold me to that I don't remember, if anyone else knows please remind me.
My dad had one back when they were new, and that little thing was impressive off road.
I've owned them both & from my experience the Blazer is a piece of crap, 4×4 is no good on those & I've known a lot of people with the same issue. Something to do with vacuum.
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.
Had a 94 jimmy for a number of years. Rusted out though and sold it years ago.
Flipping the lid on the air filter of that 2.8 V6 adds between 25 and 200 horsepowers.
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.
Sold a bunch of clutch slave cylinders for Rangers / Explorers back in the day. They're internal and when they leak, they usually ruin the clutch disc
I used to have a first-generation blazer I put 35 inch tires on it
@11:09 "I'll tell you who took those lunches, that DAMN SASQUATCH!"
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
My 1995 F-150 Flareside had the Mazda 5 speed. That 205 horse 5.0 killed two of those.
1:51 "They look so cool! Two tone paint, this one is a three tone paint due to all the rust" 😂
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.
i own a 97 blazer LS v6 4buy4 great shape love it
My 2nd car in 1997 was a 1991 Explorer. Wish I would have had that 5 speed, my transmission went out while overtaking a car on a 2 lane highway, pretty scary stuff. Only 70k miles too. Thing was a piece.
2.8 blues! been down that road many times
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!
Explorers hold a special place in my heart so I'd say keep the explorer.
Me I would only own the Chevy S-10 Blazer if it has the 4.3 Liter V6 engine, I thought the 2.8 Liter V6 was way underpowered, nice to see an Explorer with the stick shift since not many were built with the stick shifts.