1997 Chevrolet S-10 review from North America
"A tough as nails, low-cost turtle of a truck with loyalty to boot"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This pickup has had various small issues, none of which drastically affected drive-ability or reliability.
The wiper motor was recalled and replaced. Now they work wonderfully.
The gas gage doesn't work.
I have replaced the alternator once and the battery twice.
I changed out the plugs and wires myself, as well as the fuel filter, brakes and rotors.
Interior is like new aside from minor seat wear.
Stock tires (Tiger Paw) were worthless. I have much better performance (braking, turning, traction) with a more aggressive tread pattern by Good Year.
General comments?
I have put this truck through the ringer and it has survived with flying colors. It has taken a beating and has never let me down (within reasonable means).
I've wrecked it once and had no after-effects.
I have taken this 2-wheel drive 4 cylinder off road and to remote locations and it has handled the dry terrain wonderfully. It's pretty scary on ice.
I have hauled it's weight in dirt, lumber, and personal belongings on numerous occasions.
The truck has it's share of squeaks, but is a solid contender.
The engine is weak and it climbs hills like a turtle, but there's always a lower gear to utilize. It tops out at only 92 but it's no sports car.
It gets about 20 mpg and is fairly comfortable to drive.
I long for a bigger engine, but I would highly recommend this model to anyone who needs a light-duty pickup for low cost. I only paid 10 grand new.
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| 1997 - S-10 LT 2.2L 4 cylinder Nice looking, unreliable, disappointing |
| "Like a Rock" |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 64000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet C10 |
| Date of Entry | 13th August, 2004 |