1986 Chevrolet S-10 review from North America

Alternator replaced 3 times.

Radiator.

Water pump.

Windows fall off track fairly often.

Front coil springs replaced.

Head seals had to be replaced.

There are several more repairs, but since I have owned the truck for 4 years I don't remember all of them.

I am the second owner of this 1986 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck.

The truck rides very rough. You feel every bump. I have installed new rims and tires mainly for looks, but also for functionality.

The engine has a good amount of torque for its size, but lacks in acceleration. I have pulled a heavy trailer before, and found the truck to haul decently.

Gas mileage averaged about 16 mpg until I replaced the spark plugs, and now I average around 20.

As far as comfort goes, it's a small truck. It's going to be uncomfortable. The truck did not come with power steering, so I added that, which made a huge improvement.

The steering wheel is rather close.

The radio was only AM until I bought a CD player.

I noticed a fair amount of performance increase with the addition of a Magnaflow exhaust system.

Transmission is a 4 speed manual, which kills my highway mileage for lack of an overdrive gear.

The clutch squeaks from time to time.

When it rains or the humidity is high, a constant squealing sound can be hear from under the hood.

I didn't expect to have as many trouble with the truck since it only had about 50k miles when I got it.

I do have to admit that I don't know too many 1986 Chevy's that are still running on the factory drive-train.

All in all it is a fairly reliable truck, it's easy to drive, and has a fair amount of power for a 2.8L. I would not buy another truck this small again though. It is way too cramped for me seeing how it is a standard cab.