2020 Chevrolet Blazer is a royal performer

BY H. THROTTLE AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST

Hertz has taken bankruptcy but will stay open and reorganize dumping almost $20 billion in debt with only one billion in cash. Creditors refused to grant them additional slack so Chapter ll will allow this iconic car rental firm to work through the courts to keep the doors open.

In recent weeks Hertz announced the sale of their fleet of corvettes that will be snapped up quickly by bargain hunters for these great sports cars.

General Motors makes great cars. I’ve driven many GM products and loved them all. “Body by Fisher” adorned the door of my beloved Chevy Impala convertible.

I’ve had a Gold Card for years and used the card quick exit program on numerous occasions. They have some of the best locations in the car rental world. But alas, they could not go forward with what the CEO described in the bankruptcy as “zero income” during the worldwide pandemic.

The car factories are reopening. President Trump has done his best to bring these factories and jobs back to the United States. With energy sufficiency, gasoline prices have remained lower, we may be re-entering the age of the new generation of automobiles with the dramatic increase of hybrid technology and electric cars. The new technology has advanced rapidly, and the performance of electric powered cars is impressive. As fuel tax revenues drop, this may raise huge issues for state and federal funding for roads and bridges. Watch for new revenue sources to fund highway taxes, like a wheel tax that would apply to road wear and tear.

The test vehicle this week is a star-studded performer in the Chevrolet Blazer Premier AWD. There is nothing not to like about this spartan road warrior, except maybe the price of $45,608 with additional safety options available.

There is something to be said for larger SUVs and the safety factor with this vehicle scoring a perfect five-star overall rating. Just the larger frame, size and weight make the Blazer a safer vehicle for driver and passengers. The Blazer boasts a fivestar perfect overall safety rating.

This Blazer rides on almost the same frame as a sister Cadillac at Chevrolet pricing. The Blazer is loaded with luxury features from front to back with “Midnight Blue” metallic paint and a “Jet Black-Maple Sugar” interior.

The 3.6L V6-engine and 9-speed transmission are both made in the United States. Surprisingly, the final assembly is in Ramos Arizpe, CZ, Mexico with 52 percent U.S. and Canadian parts. It is difficult to fathom why this plant is in Mexico except for cheaper labor and Mexican craftsmanship.

They do a great job with this Blazer and maybe consumers don’t care where cars and trucks are made, but how they run and what they cost. The world economy has merged quite well until the recent pandemic that may change many customs for better or worse.

This is a larger vehicle and fuel economy averages 21 mpg. Careful driving with the nine-speed transmission can gain additional mileage. The Blazer is a family adventure vehicle with five-passenger leather seating, a hands free liftgate, and roof rails for more luggage, skis or snowboards. The Blazer has heated seats, outdoor mirrors and LED lights for winter mountain adventures.

General Motors offers a 5-year/50,000 first come warranty on the powertrain.

The Blazer has all of the latest safety and electronic features and the advance forward collision system warns of any forward road challenges with a quick warning light.

Overall this is a dream all-wheel drive for those who can afford a larger luxury SUV. The ride and safety features are outstanding, and the drive is safe, sound, and secure.

You feel like you are king of the road in this Chevy Blazer.