2002 Chevrolet S-10 ZR-2

Summary:

Overall, for nearly $30,000, not very pleased

Faults:

The actuator that directs air flow to the floor, dash or windshield quit working well within the warranty period, I had it in on 5 separate occasions, yet it never was fixed properly... would work for a while, then quit again.

The driver's side window goes down and sometimes won't go back up.

The rear cab door behind the driver's seat won't open.

The doors (both driver and passenger) don't stay open, the spring load is too light.

I had an oil pan crack and leak.

I have a small leak on the upper portion of the driver's side door.

I have a big leak in the front, and just recently had standing water (1 inch) in my cab.

Because I can't direct airflow to the windshield, it can take a very long time to de-fog (what little air does come out goes to the passenger side).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th June, 2010

2002 Chevrolet S-10 2.2 Vortec 4 cylinder

Summary:

Lots of bang for your buck!

Faults:

Minor valve noise until I used thinner 5-30W oil.

General Comments:

I have read reviews about the 4 cylinder S10 that claim it is gutless, but this one is really good with the 5 speed manual transmission. Maybe with the automatic it is underpowered. However, with the 5 speed, it really revs quickly and is a lot better than earlier 4 cylinder pickup trucks that I have owned. Absolutely no trouble accelerating and cruising in the freeway.

This 2.2 engine must have thin oil, or it will lose power and not run right. The head seems to need the thinner oil to keeps the valves functioning optimally.

The engine lacks the torque of my earlier 4.3 V6 S10, but gets about 10 MORE MPG on the highway. Remember that performance is also measured at the gas pump these days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2010

2002 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 LS 4.3 Vortec

Summary:

I love this truck, and would buy it again

Faults:

The third door handle was broken when I got it, I fixed it, then my wife broke it again. LOL 11 dollars for the fix.

Changed the battery, about to change spark plugs, changed thermostat.

One pain in the ass was the heater core, uggggg, yes take off all the dash.

Fixed lots of lights when I got it, and tail gate cords.

Cats had to go; it has a little one and a big one. Cut the little one, gutted the big one, now have to get something to make my CEL light that came up with the O sensors feeling the different air flow. I think that's it.

General Comments:

Even though I had to fix a lot of things, I love my truck. It's a little bad ass truck.

My wife doesn't like it too much, cause she says it's always messing up, but the truck is 8 years old, she doesn't understand that. LOL.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2010

2002 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 ext.cab 4.3 liter

Summary:

This truck rocks

Faults:

Nothing. My ZR2 rocks and it is the best 4x4 I have had in a long time. The truck handles great and I have tried to get it stuck and I just can't. I go where I want to go.

General Comments:

The truck has plenty of power and has good torque for its size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2008

12th Jan 2009, 15:02

My 2000 Chevy S-10 ZR2 was the best truck I have ever owned, and the fourth S-10 I have owned. I had the automatic with the big V6 Vortec. I've owned two ZR2's. The first was a 1996.

Unfortunately, I totalled the truck on December 21st, 2008 after losing control when I hit a snowdrift with ice under it.

I own land in N. Wisconsin that is about a half-mile offroad, with only old logging roads to get to it, with much of it hilly. In all conditions, including wet leaves, mud, and a foot of snow, it was impossible to get the truck stuck. I am leaving for duty in Afghanistan this week, and when I get back in February of 2010, the first thing I am going to do is buy myself a 2002 S-10 ZR2 in good condition with low miles.

One thing I should mention is that if you do a lot of off-roading, you will have to replace the upper and lower ball joints at about 100K miles, as they will go bad. Good thing to replace the front wheel bearing assemblies at the same time. This is easy and relatively inexpensive to do if you have any mechanic skills or know someone who can help you. Oh, my truck had 138K miles on it when it was totalled. I damn near cried when I did it. I loved that truck... and I don't want to drive anything else. Oh, one more thing. Make sure the 3rd Door mechanism is properly aligned and lubricated if you are breaking the opening latch. That will take care of it. They go out of alignment and that plastic handle just does not hold up.