Why the 2WD Blazer is still a "K5"

We all know Chevy's letter/number system, C for 2WD, K for 4WD, 10 for 1/2 ton, 20 for 3/4 ton, 30 for 1 ton, and so on. At least, until 1988, then the letters changed, but we're not gonna get into that.

It was assigned the "5" to show it was not a pickup; it was the smallest vehicle in the "K" lineup you could get.

The first Blazer, in 1969, was only offered in 4WD, so it was assigned the "K". When the 2WD Blazer was released in 1970, it was also assigned the "K"; this is attributed to being for brand image. The "K5" had basically become synonymous with "Blazer", so Chevrolet decided to just call both versions the "K5". It was simpler for marketing and recognition.

In 1987, Chevrolet actually dropped the "K5" from the Blazer name, likely in anticipation for the change of the "C" designation to "R" and the "K" designation to "V" in 1988.