Chevy S-10

Chevy S-10 Models

Two basic trim levels are available in the Chevy S-10 pickup line: the rubber-floor mat base model and the LS, which offers full civilian comfort. That's only the beginning, however, as the S-10, like most pickups, comes in a variety of configurations. Both are available with either conventional rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Regular cab 2WD S-10 is available with in short box, long box and extended cab versions that span wheelbases of 108.3 inches, 117.9 inches and 122.9 inches respectively.

4x2 models come standard with a 120-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 180-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 is an option on 2WD S-10s. 4x4 models come in regular cab short box or extended cab models, and the new for '01 Crew Cab. All 4WD S-10s come standard with the V6, which is tuned to produce 190 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic is optional with either engine.

Two option packages are, as far as we are concerned, separate models unto themselves: the Xtreme, a low ride-height highly styled cruising truck, and the ZR2 Wide Stance Sport Performance Package that, with a higher ride height, wider track and even a stronger frame, is ready for the toughest of off-road duties.

Driving the Chevy S-10

With all the options and various configurations, it's difficult to name a typical S-10 pickup. We tested the 4x4 LS with an automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive gives the S-10 added traction in slippery conditions and makes it more capable when venturing off road, but its primary use is intended for paved or gravel roads. Four-wheel drive helps getting back up slippery boat launch ramps, and is recommended for heavy-duty hauling.

The 4WD Chevy S-10 is definitely a truck. It has a live rear axle on leaf springs and a gross vehicle weight rating of 5150 pounds over a curb weight of 3616 pounds, and a heavy 4x4 drivetrain attached to the front hubs. So ride will be compromised. One can't expect a truck to ride like a car. And it doesn't. You can feel the front wheels trying to continue to bounce after hitting a bump, and the load-carrying rear springs not wanting to compress over minor bumps in the road.

That said, the Chevy S-10 rides well over smooth pavement and the Goodyear tires are quiet. The engine is smooth. It's silent at idle and quiet down the road, and not particularly loud at full throttle. There's only a minimum of wind noise. A long trip on smooth asphalt would be a delight, but frost-heaved concrete would be a nightmare.

The V6 engine is not only quiet, but strong. Its 250 foot-pounds of torque responds instantly to propel the S-10 through traffic, whether accelerating to merge onto the freeway or to pass a semi on a two-lane road. Earlier examples of this engine have been thrashy at high rpm, but over the years it has been refined to where it is not as slick as, say, a BMW six, but you won't go reaching for your earplugs when you get in the truck.

The Chevy S-10 tracks well, with little correction required to maintain a straight line. The predominant cornering mode is understeer, which suits a pickup well, as adding a load shifts weight balance rearward. Unloaded, the front tires will moan a protest long before danger of exceeding their limits is reached. Add 600 pounds of cinder block in the bed and the ride will be smoother and the cornering balance more even. It will ruin your around-town fuel mileage however, and increase your braking distances, though not severely. According to EPA tests, you can expect 17 mpg in city driving and 22 on the highway with the automatic transmission.