1997 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 LS review from North America
"Wonderful to drive when it's actually running."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I had to have the windshield wiper motor replaced the week I bought it; it was a recall so the dealer replaced it free of charge.
The rear universal joint was replaced at 110k - it was about to fall out.
The brakes were replaced at 105k, 118k, 120k, 125k, and just replaced again at 127k.
The engine has been having a random multiple cylinder misfire since February of 2002, and nobody can seem to fix it.
Radiator rusts badly and has to be flushed every 3,000 miles.
Catalytic had to be replaced at 120k.
General comments?
The 4.3L V6 is a very nice powerful engine, when it's running.
I've replaced the spark plugs, rotor button, distributor cap, and coil all at one time, and the engine continues to miss all the time.
The front calipers are not wanting to release, and nobody can find the reason why. I've been through 5 sets of pads and 3 sets of rotors in the 2 years I've had it.
The truck's looks are flawless; GM definitely knew what they were doing when they designed the exterior of the vehicle.
The transmission runs smoothly and I have no complaints with the drive train or the ride of the truck.
It rides like a 4WD truck should both on and off the road. I've not had any problems with muddy hills off road, even when at one point it was almost up the axles. The truck is an absolute dream to go off-road with.
On the road in torrential rains, I've not had any problems keeping control. Driving in snow was an absolute blast - I wouldn't have known the roads were snow-covered if I hadn't been looking at them. It's not top-heavy at all, either. I feel secure rolling down the Interstate at 70mph in winds over 40mph. I've done it before and I didn't lose control once.
Recommended reviews
| This vehicle should be taken off the market |
| Great truck before it gets old |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 103000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 127000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Century |
| Date of Entry | 28th June, 2005 |