2000 S-10 - From Very Mild to the Wild X-treme
By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor
Introduced about 20 years ago to
replace the famed Chevy "Luv" pickups of the 1970's,
the S-10 pickup series has proven the test of time and stability
with just two body styles since 1982.
Those early Luv pickups were the favorite of younger and first-time
buyers, as is the S-10 series today.
This year, Chevy has added the X-treme package, which lowers the
body and adds body molding, ground effects, sport suspension and
alloy wheels.
The result is cool street cruiser - the first thing said by my
teen daughter upon seeing it was "cool - you've got my car!"
Proof that the X-treme is X-tremly cool. And, it's X-pensive,
selling for $23,550 a copy.
The current generation of S-10's were introduced in 1995 and the
styling is shared by the S-10 Blazer.
The pickups are
seen in long and short boxes, flairside boxes, regular cab and
extended cab with third door, powered by either a four-cylinder
engine or the preferred Vortec V-6 with standard or manual shifters.
The Vortec 4.3 liter V-6 engine is the best power choice for the
S-10. Optional on the two-wheel drive models and standard with
four-wheel drive, the Vortec is among my favorite power plants.
It makes 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm, and a whopping 250 lbs. ft.
of torque at just 2800 rpm. Low-end torque is what makes this
engine special - especially for off-road or towing use.
Insta-trac four-wheel drive system returns this year with its
handy dash-mounted push-button actuation.
The interior of the S-10 series has been improved from last year,
with a newly styled gauges and center console. There's plenty
of cupholders, an auxiliary 12-volt power port, and handy pockets.
The interior is quiet, and the ride is compliant but not too soft.
The lowered X-treme has tight underbody clearances, but the taller
4X4 is easy to get into.
Steering is precise, but some of the controls on the steering
column are clumsy.
The S-10 X-treme pickup sells for $23,550 equipped with every
option. On contrast, a similarly equipped S-10 extended cab fleetside
pickup with V-6 is priced at $19,526 - only the lowered chassis
and badging of the Xtreme is missing. Right now, Chevy is offering
a $1,250 rebate and a $500 loyalty coupon if you're a current
GM owner.
The S-10 series is covered by Chevy's 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty,
with extended warranties available, and some parts have 100,000
mile service intervals.
The popularity of the S-10 series continues because it relates
well to the younger, active buyer.
Chevy S10 is the official truck of the US Snowboard Team and the
National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock Truck series.
COMPARISON: Compare the Chevy S-10 series pickups to the compact
pickups offered by Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota and Mazda. All
are in the same price and performance range. The Ford and Mazda
are identical twins.
STRONG POINTS: X-treme package is the coolest off the shelf street
cruiser. Vortec V-6 engine is supreme. Large cabin, excellent
visibility, quiet interior. Good towing capacity. Nice ride and
handling.
WEAK POINTS: Rear seat in extended cab is too small, uncomfortable
and not for any adult. Four-cylinder engine is weak at best -
opt for the six. Manual seat adjustment is limited.
