S10 with upgraded Crew Cab Package, her name is Lorri

Author's Rating:

Pros: Reliability, Comfort, Style, Handling, and Overall Value

Cons: Gas Mileage, Higher Center of Gravity, and I miss my old car

The Bottom Line: 
Versatility, Choice, Reliability, and overall a solid truck. Hope to keep it for many years to come

Author's Review
Little Background

The Chevrolet S10 hit the scene in 1982 as the first compact pickup truck from a domestic manufacturer. Back in 83 the extended cab was added and the 4 wheel drive system was introduced. Redesigned in 1994, the S10 pickup is only the second generation of this vehicle. In 1998 the S10 received a new fascia, grille, and front bumper along with a new instrument panel and seat design. Also a next-generation driver and right-front passenger airbags were added, to this included a device that allows you to deactivate it for the passenger. Perfect for children riding in the front seat


New for 2003

These specifications were included in my 2003 package. The S10 has come a long way in terms of design and standard features.

Cloth trim for seats and door panels, and a revised fuel-injection system for Vortec 4300 V6. A new Flame/Heat decal for the Xtreme model and a ZR5 Sport Appearance Package for the crew cab were introduced mid-year 2002.

Interior seating surfaces and new door trim panels even more comfort and flexibility.

Vortec 4300 4.3 V6

Came standard on my model as it is a 4x4

190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque (on 4WD only). A new multi-port fuel-injection system features a central fuel injector that delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

The engine delivers performance, and cost effectiveness. This was important to me because I did not want to compromise the ability to give it some go.


Versatility and Choice

The S-10 offers some impressive packages, and choices for all types of needs. I looked at all of them and choose the Extended Crew Cab, because working in the field me usually hall around equipment and people. It’s very comfortable seating for even adults as it has enough space to sit without feeling crushed or cramped.

Available in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab - with seating for five, and four real doors.

S-10 Pickup also is extremely nimble and maneuverable for city driving or hauling.
With a maximum wheelbase of 122.9 inches and a maximum payload of at least 1,111 pounds (My Crew Cab model),

ZR2 Package

I’m not much into off roading, except for work, but this package did have some features worth taking a second look at.

The ZR2 package for off-roaders adds available fog lamps to a list of features that includes special ZR2 decals on all equipped 4x4 Extended Cab models, plus extra-wide argent wheel flares, 46mm Bilstein high-pressure gas shocks and 31-inch x 10.5-inch R15 on/off road tires.

So interesting, but not what I was looking for.

S-10 Xtreme Package

For those who want to turn heads as they zip down the road the package I looked at featured 270-degree ground effects, a front air with fog lamps and optional exterior stripes available with all exterior colors. A Flame/Heat decal is also available. (Extra Charge)

It looked good, but for me impractical.


0-60 mph

In 10.3 seconds.

Engine Specifications

Engine Configuration V
Cylinders 6
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Valves 72 valves.
12 valves per cylinder.
Horsepower 190.00 HP (139.8 KW) @ 4400.00 RPM
Torque 250.00 Ft-Lbs (339 NM) @ 2800.00 RPM
Drive Type: Front Wheel
Weight: 4039 lbs or 1832.1 kg

Transmission Automatic (4 Gears)


Dimensions

Exterior Length: 205.301 in | 5214.6 mm.

Width: 67.901 in | 1724.7 mm.

Height: 63.401 in | 1610.4 mm.

Wheelbase: 122.901 in | 3121.7 mm.

Ground Clearance: 7.501 in | 190.5 mm.

A good size truck that fits comfortably in my garage

Suspension

Wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs, beam rear suspension rigid with leaf springs.
The suspension, makes for a relatively smooth ride, and overall excellent performance on less than adequate road surfaces.

Brakes

Front Brakes ventilated front disc
Rear Brakes solid disc brakes

Braking is a key safety feature in my opinion, and this bad dog stops on a dime.

Tires / Wheels

P235/70R15

The tires that came with the vehicle stock are Goodyear tires, and have proven to be very reliable.

Drive Type: Front Wheel

Weight: 4039 lbs


2003 External Specifications

These came standard in my vehicle at time of purchase.

-Front and rear part-painted bumpers
-Day time running lights
-Driver and passenger externally adjustable black door mirrors
-Conventional lens halogen bulb headlights
-Heat reflective glass
-Metallic paint, black paint, gloss paint
-Straight side pickup bed
-Fixed rear window
-Rear platform step
-Tinted glass on cabin and rear
-Trailer towing preparation
-Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

2003 Internal Specifications

-12v power outlet: front
-Air conditioning
-Fixed mast antenna
-Front ashtray
-Audio anti-theft protection: code
-Delco audio system with AM/FM
-Cargo area dimensions: length (mm): 1,839, front width (mm): 1,394 and width between arches (mm): 1,024
-Rear cargo doors
-Clock
-Courtesy lights
-Cruise control
-Front seats cup holders
-Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
-Floor covering:
-Driver front airbag, passenger front airbag with occupant switch off
-Split bench seat
-3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat, 3-point reel front seat belts on passenger seat, lap static front seat belts on center seat
-Front seat center armrest
-Glove compartment
-Two head restraints on front seats
-Headlight control with dusk sensor
-Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 1,003, front hip room (mm): 1,361, front leg room (mm): 1,077 and front shoulder room (mm): 1,445
-Low fuel level warning
-Power steering
-Front reading lights
-Rear view mirror
-Cloth seat upholstery with additional cloth
-Seating: three seats
-Four speakers
-Leather covered steering wheel
-Tachometer
-Passenger vanity mirror
-Ventilation system


GM has several interior amenities that came standard on the S-10 Pickup. Delayed interior lighting keeps the dome lamp lit for 15 seconds or until the ignition is turned on after closing the front doors. The stereo, power windows and other power options remain active for as long as 20 minutes after the ignition is turned off or a door is open, thanks to the retained accessory power feature. These features make the truck more enjoyable as I can turn the vehicle off and still listen to the radio or keep the light on as I look at a map.

Gas Prices

A quick thought on gas mileage, as she gets 16mpg city/21mpg highway. The cost is rising very quickly to drive my baby around and I do wish she got a better bang for the buck at the tank. Usually I fill up approximately once a week and receive about 240-280 miles to the tank..

Reliability

As previously mention I have had the truck for 3.5 years with 42,000 miles on it without incident. I just maintain it and check the fluids to keep her running great. I change the oil every 3000 thousand miles, wash her regularly, check all the fluids, change the filters (Air & PCV), and have yet to have any real problems. Finally I have yet to bring the vehicle in for a single repair, just routine maintenance, although if it does go haywire I have an extended warranty that takes her through 72,000 miles.

Overview

My overall experience with my truck for the past 3.5 years has been of reliability and comfort, both internally and externally. The color of my truck is considered Champagne but it looks a metallic gold really. This makes for an easy cleaning and washing experience as dirt, dust, and debris do not show up readily. With the trucks higher center of gravity the handling is a bit compromised on sharper turns. However turning out of parking spots and spaces is very simple and the truck handles tighter fits better than most. The truck bed came covered in a hard plastic which allowed me to protect the paint and metal of the bed. I’ve been using it to hall everything from surveying equipment and supplies, to fertilizers and home improvement goodies.

I hope this was helpful as it took me a few days to put together, a lot of the specifications were taken from the Manuel, GM’s website, and my receipt which included the list of specs that came standard.

Incase your wondering what I upgraded from check out my old baby

Charlotte