What's better?

[OverBoardProject]

I'm looking at getting either a late 90's 4 wheel drive Explorer, or Chevy Blazer.

I'm wondering what's better, and why?

What are the good points, and the bad points of both auto's.

Thanks for any insight.

[molehole]

I own one of each and can say they both have their quirks. The Explorer is a pretty strong vehicle as is the Chevy Blazer. The Explorer and Blazer both gey around the same city gas mileage like 15-17mpg or so. The 4.0 and 4.6 in the explorers are good engines but they like to eat sensors (I've been fortunate with my 94), while the Blazer seems to run great with the 4.3 vortec. The 4.3 definately has more power than my 4.0 V6 in my Explorer. Overall they are both pretty good powertrains as long as you keep up the maintainence on them. Explorers tend to have a little more room inside than Blazers and seat people a little more comfortably from my own experience. Both SUV's are known to have some Transmission issues so its best to keep a good eye on them and try to find one with low mileage or one that is in excellent mechanical condition.
Good Luck

[OverBoardProject]

Thanks, I like it an un-biased report on both auto's.

Generally speaking, which 4x4 do you feel is better suited for freeway driving?

I understand that on slippery roads the Explorer handles better than the Blazer, because of the longer wheelbase, do you find that this is true

Thanks

[molehole]

From my own experience they both handle well on the highway. For slippery driving I would say the Explorer is better even when in 2 wheel drive in the rain. The blazer tends to be a little less sure footed in rainy conditions while both are very good in the snow when in 4 whl drive.
Good Luck