1997 Chevrolet S-10 LS review from North America
"Maintenance Nightmare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This truck has been a maintenance nightmare.
The original equipment tire size p205/75R15 squeal when turning, even at standstill speeds (5 MPH).
The tires were replaced with a 70 series tire and drives much better as a result. (p225/70R15)
The battery has been replaced 3 times, once while under warranty.
The alternator has been replaced 3 times, once while under warranty.
When you lose battery power you cannot put the truck into neutral.
The dashboard insert fell off at 37,000 miles.
The transmission fluid became almost brown/rust color at 38,000 miles and was replaced. This continues today.
The coolant/antifreeze was filled with rust and clogged the radiator around 40,000 miles.
The passenger side mirror fell off around 40,000 miles.
The power brake booster went out and almost caused me to wreck around 45,000 miles.
The thermostat was replaced around 50,000 miles.
The straps on the visors sag and are rendered useless.
The water pump was replaced around 60,000 miles.
The fuel gauge quit around 70,000 miles and stranded my wife on the side of the road. (still doesn't work)
The air conditioner compressor/dryer quit around 70,000 miles. (this was very expensive)
The wiper motor was replaced around 75,000 miles.
The signal flasher was replace around 75,000 miles.
Signal flasher is behind the dash and difficult to access.
The cab of the truck rattles and bangs with every bump in the road.
The driver's side door leaks.
The hinged third door is difficult to open.
The window crank recently broke off in my hand during a thunderstorm.
General comments?
The only decent attribute of this vehicle is the 4.3 liter Vortec engine.
However the problems more than outweigh this single benefit.
This truck has been unreliable at best, not to mention a horrible investment. It seems that the unreliable nature of the S-10 trucks is no secret as they do not hold their value very well.
Don't believe me, try to sell one.
I keep the maintenance up on my vehicles and will be glad to show you my records.
The service manager at the local Chevy dealership told me the day-time running lights were the cause of the electric problems. However, that proved to be incorrect.
He also told me that on a sunny day when temperatures reached 90 plus degrees that the battery might melt. (what an idiot)
I do not drive the truck roughly nor do I mishandle it.
Rarely is it on dirt roads and never overloaded.
There are no excuses for the problems on this vehicle.
NEVER EVER AGAIN will I buy another one.
Chevrolet should be ashamed of their workmanship.
Recommended reviews
| A medium sized dependable truck that took a beating |
|
| This vehicle should be taken off the market |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3 Vortec Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 2 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 87000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 25th July, 2002 |