1999 Chevy's S-10 - Big Truck in a Small Package
By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor
The Chevrolet S-10 compact pickup
line has grown a lot in recent years - and even more in 1999.
Prospective buyers can choose from two-wheel or four-wheel drive;
regular or extended cab; short or long box; and a four-cylinder
or one of two Vortec V-6 engines.
But perhaps the most exciting new S-10 feature is the X-treme package
- full ground effects, wheel-opening flares, body-colored front
and rear bumpers and grille, foglamps and a special ZQ8 suspension
package that, with sixteen-inch aluminum wheels, gives the truck
a lower, "street rod" look and feel on the road. The
ZQ8 takes advantage of a concept vehicle developed by Chevy and
seen at auto shows as the "Hugger." The unique suspension
option lowers the S-10's height a full two inches and rides more
like a car. It was also adapted for NHRA truck racing.
Chevy designers call the Xtreme trim line a "blank canvas"
for buyers who plan to further customize their vehicles.
And, they point out, the ZQ8 option nullifies the possibility
of a poorly-done conversion that would also void the pickup's
warranty.
The S-10 also comes as an electricity-powered vehicle for companies
that plan to use it for routine, daily driving along city routes,
like utility companies or delivery services.
In our minds, though, the most impressive S-10 is the ZR2 4x4.
With its Wide-Stance Sport Performance Package, extra-wide wheel
flares, a 190-horse Vortec V-6 and monstrous (for this size of
truck) 31"x10.5" R-15 on/off-road tires.
We put this truck through the wringer with a variety of uses and
it performed admirably. Everything from overloading the interior
with people to climbing grades in the Wildcat Hills from a deadstop
to passing people at high speeds - the S-10 is a quality machine.
While no one would claim that the extended cab on a compact pickup
was actually meant to accommodate three grown men, we made it
work anyway.
The integrated jump seat on the passenger side allowed us to have
a third passenger sit sideways with his legs stretched out behind
the driver. While this wasn't the most comfortable solution, it
works for short drives. Unfortunately, ours was a long drive.
The quick-cooling A/C and the premium CD player helped make up
for the cramped quarters, though.
Meanwhile, driving through road construction areas in the Wildcats
slowed other drivers down considerably, especially when having
to pull a hill from a dead stop after the big machinery crossed
the road. But we were able to pick right up where we left off.
However, we read in the owners manual that our S-10's speed was
electronically limited to 93 miles per hour, due to the tire fitment
of the 4X4 package. We still managed to attract the attention
of a State Trooper who must have mistook the red color for excessive
speed.
The ride in the S-10 ZR2 was comfortable thanks to high-back,
lumbar-supporting seats, a well-designed center console and tilt
steering. A couple of other nice features are remote keyless entry
and retained accessory power, in other words, the stereo and power
windows remain in operation for up to 20 minutes after the engine
is shut off, or until a door is opened.
One annoying factor in the design of the S-10 is the placement
of the cupholders. One is built into each door's storage compartment.
Aside from the fact that the cupholders don't hold cups with enough
stability, they blister out from the rest of the door in just
the right place to hit one's knee every time one gets out of the
truck. Ouch!
Two other cupholders sit between the driver and passenger seats
do an adequate job - too good at times, though, because the rubber
"grippers" hold onto your drink so well that the entire
cupholder assembly comes up with it.
So, for those who don't require coffee or pop with every drive,
the S-10 would be an excellent addition to the driveway. It isn't
the kind of truck one should buy for heavy duty. We discovered
its bed won't haul a 4x8-foot piece of sheetrock.
But with plenty of power, comfort, traditional Chevy good looks
and safety features like a reinforced safety cage, front and rear
crush zones and next generation driver and front passenger airbags
-with a deactivation switch for the passenger - the S-10 ZR2 is
a great pickup for the everyday use with some off-roading thrown
in for good measure.
For more information about the Chevy S-10 Pickup, contact the
Chevrolet dealer.
