2003 Chevrolet S-10 LS from North America - Comments

Where Do I Begin...

Jan 05/04 Block Heater blew the breaker in my garage (Dealer said there was something wrong with breaker) 4971KMS.

Jan 15/04 Block Heater kept blowing the breaker in my garage (Dealer tested and said something wrong with plug in in garage) 5123KMS.

Jan 11/05 Block Heater lit on fire after plugging in (Dealer found Block Heater leaking coolant on block heater cord causing it to short) 28,295KMS.

At the same time, Dealer talked me into having a Fall Check-Up done which ended up costing me $102.53 and all they did was an Oil Change.

April 21/05 Front Brakes (Rotors and Pads) needed replacing. NOT COVERED under Warranty! $275 32,675KMS.

Jan 23/06 Battery Replaced Under Warranty 53823KMS.

April 07/06 Rebuilt Drive Shaft, Replace 4 U Joint, 2 Ball Joints Replaced, Replaced Rear Transmission Output Seal, Replaced Rear Leaf Springs. All work done under warranty 60,374KMS.

October 18/06 Air Conditioning worked occasionally. In order to engage Air Conditioning I would have to rev my truck to 4000 RPM'S, then compressor would engage. (Dealer tested air, no problems) Returned to dealer 5 minutes after picking vehicle up with same problems. Problem fixed under warranty 73,494KMS.

November 20/06 All four new tires. $500 Walmart Special 75,219KMS.

Jan 16/07 Water pump repaired. Dealer also informed me my oil cooler lines are leaking. Water pump covered, Oil Lines are NOT, quoted $400 for repair. 79,924KMS.

Ahhhh, finally I got through all the problems.

Pros:

-Well, the truck had a box to haul stuff...

-4.3L engine had enough power, sometimes to much.

-After-market Command start I had installed, Highly recommended.

Cons:

- Gas mileage 13-17MPG including highway driving.

- Headlights seem to eat bulbs, 3rd set of headlight bulbs.

- 3rd Seat is useless.

- 3rd Door does nothing, but rattle.

- Seats are not comfortable.

- GM Dealers are terrible to deal with.

- Reliability for a brand new vehicle.

All in all, I am not satisfied with the truck or GM for that matter. My sister had leased the same truck, at around the same time and had nothing, but problems with hers.

I am starting to think GM treats there customers as if they were bad dreams, close there eyes and hope they go away, Well, you win!!! I AM NOT COMING BACK!!!

A lot of the problems described here are normal and common sense.

Brakes are never a warranted issue.

Block heaters are great if taken care of.

After getting into the cooling system, you should check fluids daily to make sure no leaks are present; not go to dealer to complain.

All cars & trucks with the 4 disc systems seem to go through the rear pads faster than the front, but the brake power you have is worth it; way better than the drums of before.

I would go to some classes to get better knowledge about trucks & cars so you would understand machines better.

I wheel my 01 ZR2 Blazer and maintain it; I have a blast.

All things have their limits, just enjoy & take a preventive look at things, and you will be better off..

This owner sounds so ridiculous. "what things have gone wrong with the truck"= uhhhhh my garage had has a bad breaker...???

I agree with the guy above, you need to learn more about cars/trucks. Too many people have the mind set that you get in a car everyday put gas in it and you should never have problems. Well engine systems and tranny systems are very complex and need MAINTENANCE! All manufacturers have problems. Not long ago I was pulling out of my driveway and a New Mercedes was broken down in the middle of the street. I had to help them push it to the top of the street. Owner say its the 3rd alternator. I love Chevys all my family buy GM and we love em. You get exactly what you put into them. Treat em well!

I agree completely with the last two responses. Take care of your vehicle. I have a 03 ZR2 p/u and,while I've had my fair share of problems, the only more capable truck in that class is a TRD Tacoma, and you're gonna pay for that.

I bought mine with 44000 miles on it and have 72000 on it now.

Maintenance done:

Brakes all the way around, left upper and lower ball joints as well as the axle while I was there. I have a 6" superlift.33x 12.50" Goodyear MTR's, They are done. Alignments are necessary often with this set-up, pitman arm idler arm, aftermarket idler stabilizers, tranny mount, both motor mount and some other baby things. I don't want to hear any crying about shaft seals and brakes!!!

I love my truck. This is my 2nd. Go buy a Ranger and then see how you regret that you traded your S-10.

Bought my 03 S10 new and now have 121,000km/75600mi and have nothing but great luck. Have replaced a few minor maintenance items but nothing serious. Getting 22 mpg city and 28 hwy with the 4.3 engine. What is there to complain about. Like the others said, you get out what you put in. Spend a few bucks on regular maintenance and you won't have any problems. Quit complaining.

I have a 2003 S10.. works great still with 90,000 miles!