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What was the first year of the Chevy Blazer?

The first year of the Chevrolet Blazer was 1969. The model debuted for the 1969 model year as a two-door, truck-based SUV.


This article traces the Blazer’s origins, its role in Chevrolet's lineup, and how the nameplate has evolved over time, including later reintroduction in a different form.


Origins and launch


The Blazer emerged from GM's late-1960s push into rugged, truck-based SUVs. It was designed as a two‑door, body-on-frame SUV with off-road capability, positioned to complement the larger Suburban and GMC Jimmy.


First generation overview


The following points summarize the Blazer’s debut characteristics and positioning in 1969.


Key facts about the Blazer’s 1969 debut:



  • Introduced for the 1969 model year as a two‑door, full‑size SUV built on GM’s truck platform.

  • Mounted on a truck chassis with body‑on‑frame construction and offered four‑wheel drive in the range commonly known as the K5 Blazer.

  • Shared components and lineage with GMC’s Jimmy and Chevrolet Suburban, establishing a family of rugged, off‑road capable vehicles.

  • Highlighted by a removable top option and strong V8 engine availability for off‑road performance.


These items capture how the Blazer started and what set it apart in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup.


Evolution through the years


After its 1969 introduction, the original full-size Blazer evolved across several generations, continuing in production through the early 1990s. In 2019, Chevrolet revived the Blazer name as a mid‑size crossover SUV, marking a distinct, modern interpretation from the classic truck-based version.


Summary


The Chevy Blazer first appeared in 1969, establishing a long-standing line of SUV models for Chevrolet. The inaugural vehicle was a two‑door, truck‑based SUV with 4x4 capability, and the Blazer name has evolved over decades to cover both classic truck-based versions and modern crossover interpretations.

What years did they make the Chevy Blazer?


Chevy Blazer Generations Guide – History of the Chevy Blazer

  • 1st Generation K5 Blazer (1969-1972)
  • 2nd Generation K5 Blazer (1973-1991)
  • S-10 Blazer (1983-1994)
  • Full-Size Blazer (1992-1994)
  • All-New Blazer (1995-2005)
  • The Return of the Blazer (2019-Present)
  • 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
  • Popular Chevy Blazer Models.



How much is a 1972 Blazer worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $38,867 for a 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $440,000.



What was the first year Chevy Blazer?


1969
Chevy first released the Blazer for the 1969 model year. The car manufacturer felt pressure to create a rugged off-road SUV to compete with Ford's latest vehicle—the Bronco. Chevrolet saw the massive appeal this new type of car had created and wanted to join the market with its own competing model.



What is the best year of the Chevy Blazer?


Which Chevrolet Blazer years are the best? For the modern Chevrolet Blazer, 2022 is the model year with the highest owner satisfaction ratings from Consumer Reports, even if it doesn't have the best reliability ratings.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.