More powerful than a Jeep Grand Cherokee, half the price of a Mercedes-Benz ML and with a larger boot than the Land Rover Discovery, the Chevrolet Blazer 4x4 might have been expected to be an an international hit. Unfortunately, Top Trumps-style facts are no guarantee of success in a market such as Britain, obsessed as it is with badge snobbery and brand loyalty. Launched in the UK in October 1998, the loud American failed to find many friends and was retired from duty four years ago.

However, while a used Blazer may not have mass appeal, those who want one are prepared to pay top dollar. A 2002 02 model with 50,000 miles on the clock would retail for £5,275 at a dealer, or £4,250 privately.

Surprisingly, the Blazer looks less imposing in the metal than in the photographs. Climb inside and the environment doesn’t feel especially American. There is little razzmatazz in the design and the packaging is surprisingly efficient, although the lack of a centre three-point safety belt on the rear seat is an inconvenience, as is the absence of a third row of seats. Still, at least all used Blazers are equipped as standard with air-conditioning, cruise control and alloys on both LS and LT models.

The Blazer was offered with only one engine but the lusty V6 means it is no slouch. The 4.3 litre petrol unit produces 193bhp and 250 lb ft of torque. Typically, this is directed through a four-speed automatic gearbox, although a five-speed manual was available on the entry-level LS model. The Blazer will hit 60mph from standstill in about 10sec but there is a penalty to pay: expect no more than 15mpg in mixed motoring.

The ride quality is sloppy. Vague steering and excessive body roll make progress through twisty stuff unsettling. Nor is the Blazer going to compete with the big boys when it comes to towing. A weight limit of 2,041kg sees it falling well behind the likes of a Discovery, which can haul 3,500kg.

The Blazer does at least offer four-wheel drive. Its Autotrac system automatically engages four-wheel drive when you need it. Drivers can also select three driving modes: 2HI and 4HI for tarmac use, and 4L for mud plugging, where power is split equally between all four wheels at low ratio. While few may intend to use the latter, all modes of the 4x4 system need checking before you part with cash.

Also worth considering is parts supply. Not everything will be available immediately in the UK, which could involve your Blazer spending time off-road for all the wrong reasons.

In short, a minority may be tempted by a 4x4 that has been going strong in the US since the early 1980s, but most will view it as a relic from a past age.

CHECK THE FOLLOWING

BOOT SPACE Generous – Chevrolet quotes a load limit of 1,056 litres to the roofline

GEARBOX Five-speed manual standard on LS. Check for clutch slip. Four-speed auto on LT versions

LEAKS Check for oil leaks from engine and differential

SAFETY No Euro NCAP results but all models come with twin airbags and antilock braking as standard

SEATS Electric motors can fail if front seats are adjusted rarely

SPARES Parts can be ordered online, but not as easy as buying from a main dealer

TAILGATE Check around window and lower lip for signs of corrosion

UNDERBODY Check for damage to suspension, wheelarches and chassis

OWNER’S VIEW My 4.3 V6 LS will pull the side of a house. Fuel consumption is no worse than a Land Rover Defender, and it was much cheaper to buy.

Rob Hocking, St Austell, Cornwall

VITAL STATISTICS

MODEL Chevrolet Blazer 4.3 LT Lux

ENGINE 4300cc, six cylinders

POWER 193bhp

TRANSMISSION Four-speed auto

FUEL 19.1mpg (combined)

CO2 335g/km

ACCELERATION 0-60mph: 10.1sec

TOP SPEED 112mph

COST NEW IN 2002 £23,400

TAX BAND F (£210* for 12 months) *£185 for cars registered before March 1, 2001

VALUES

MILEAGE 20,000 30,000 50,000

2002 (02) Trade £4,450 £4,175 £3,625

Retail £6,095 £5,825 £5,275

2003 (03)

Trade £5,050 £4,700 £4,050

Retail £6,975 £6,625 £5,975

2004 (04)

Trade £5,625 £5,250 £4,500

Retail £7,550 £7,175 £6,425

THE ONE TO BUY

A 2002 02 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3 LT automatic with 50,000 miles on the clock. Pay £5,275 at a dealer or £4,250 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

1999 S Mercedes-Benz ML 430 2002 52 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 V8 2003 03 Land Rover Discovery 4.0 V8i 2003 53 Isuzu Trooper 3.5 Insignia 2004 53 Ford Maverick 3.0 XLT