1997 Chevrolet S-10 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Great, wish I could have 10 of them

Faults:

Great Truck.

I bought the truck new from the dealer and had the oil changed every 7,000 miles. The truck today would still be running if my step son had not gotten in a accident, and totaled the truck.

I too was in an accident with the truck, (I hit a cow) and after repairs to the front, you would have never known.

In the five years I was able to drive the truck, I put 296,454 miles on it. The truck was still getting 24.5 miles to the gallon at 80 mph.

The truck was still running on the same spark plugs and wires. It never had a tune up.

The cluck went out at 200,000.

The water pump at 250,000.

For my money it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I hope to get another when I get the insurance money.

I did break seat at about 260,000, and it was still broken at the time of the accident.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th September, 2002

9th Nov 2002, 15:59

I've been driving a 1987 Chevrolet S10 Blazer with 140,000for the past 8 months. I've only had to replace the brakes, an exhaust manifold gasket (like 6 bucks all together with me doing the work), and a tune-up (spark plugs, wires, e.t.c). GOOO CHEVY!!!

1997 Chevrolet S-10 LS 4.3 Vortec from North America

Summary:

Maintenance Nightmare

Faults:

This truck has been a maintenance nightmare.

The original equipment tire size p205/75R15 squeal when turning, even at standstill speeds (5 MPH).

The tires were replaced with a 70 series tire and drives much better as a result. (p225/70R15)

The battery has been replaced 3 times, once while under warranty.

The alternator has been replaced 3 times, once while under warranty.

When you lose battery power you cannot put the truck into neutral.

The dashboard insert fell off at 37,000 miles.

The transmission fluid became almost brown/rust color at 38,000 miles and was replaced. This continues today.

The coolant/antifreeze was filled with rust and clogged the radiator around 40,000 miles.

The passenger side mirror fell off around 40,000 miles.

The power brake booster went out and almost caused me to wreck around 45,000 miles.

The thermostat was replaced around 50,000 miles.

The straps on the visors sag and are rendered useless.

The water pump was replaced around 60,000 miles.

The fuel gauge quit around 70,000 miles and stranded my wife on the side of the road. (still doesn't work)

The air conditioner compressor/dryer quit around 70,000 miles. (this was very expensive)

The wiper motor was replaced around 75,000 miles.

The signal flasher was replace around 75,000 miles.

Signal flasher is behind the dash and difficult to access.

The cab of the truck rattles and bangs with every bump in the road.

The driver's side door leaks.

The hinged third door is difficult to open.

The window crank recently broke off in my hand during a thunderstorm.

General Comments:

The only decent attribute of this vehicle is the 4.3 liter Vortec engine.

However the problems more than outweigh this single benefit.

This truck has been unreliable at best, not to mention a horrible investment. It seems that the unreliable nature of the S-10 trucks is no secret as they do not hold their value very well.

Don't believe me, try to sell one.

I keep the maintenance up on my vehicles and will be glad to show you my records.

The service manager at the local Chevy dealership told me the day-time running lights were the cause of the electric problems. However, that proved to be incorrect.

He also told me that on a sunny day when temperatures reached 90 plus degrees that the battery might melt. (what an idiot)

I do not drive the truck roughly nor do I mishandle it.

Rarely is it on dirt roads and never overloaded.

There are no excuses for the problems on this vehicle.

NEVER EVER AGAIN will I buy another one.

Chevrolet should be ashamed of their workmanship.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th July, 2002

3rd Oct 2002, 19:52

I completely agree with your complaints. Within the last couple of months, my 1999 s-10 (50,000 miles) has had to have the water pump replaced and the intake manifold gasket replaced. I will also never purchase as chevrolet product again.

8th Oct 2002, 15:48

Sorry to hear of all the troubles you're having. I'm quite certain you (and the couple of people like you) are victims of statistics - that is, you have had the misfortune of getting a lemon. I concur with what seems to be the consensus of opinions on this site - that being that the S10s (and generally, in my experience, Chevrolet vehicles) are great buys! I have had my 1997 S10 since new and have had minimal (even less than one would expect from the best car, let alone a truck) problems. No major work has been required. My clutch is still good (almost like new, even) at 147,000km! I've never had any major mechanical failures, and no signs of any either. Sure, the upholstery rim around the seat support on the driver's seat cracked/split after 58,000km, but then I am almost always storing something behind the seat or getting something on almost every entry/exit. Sure the driver's door likes to develop squeaks, but see the previous sentence! All in all, I'll take this truck over almost any car out there - especially with the gas prices these days, and the ability to achieve almost 45mpg on the highway (optimized speeds)!!! Go, Chevy, Go!

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1997 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2.2 Litre from North America

Faults:

No real problems with the truck. Seat belt tensioner stuck. Cassette deck quit. All fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Cabin is quiet, fuel consumption is terrific. My truck is black and the finish still looks new. Interior has held up very well.

Due to an expanding family, I am selling the truck. I will be sad to see her go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2001

1997 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Low price, low quality

Faults:

Bad ignition module left me stranded on the side of a busy highway one month after purchase.

Arm rest has been replaced, but still pops off.

Excessive exhaust rattles.

Loud squealing from front of engine that still persists after dealer relaced a pulley twice, water pump and alternator.

Fuel sending unit failed at 19k miles.

General Comments:

On the positive side: Great fuel economy, quiet interior cabin.

Negatives: Ridiculously underpowered. Sloppy handling, weak brakes, poor quality throughout.

I have little faith in this truck. Nothing but problems since the beginning.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th March, 2000

18th Feb 2001, 14:02

The reason why your truck is a piece of junk is because you have the 4 cylinder engine which might be OK in a Daewoo, but in a pickup truck it is just plain stupid to go below a 6 cylinder - you also probably have the bottom of the line - I had a '95 S-10 and loved it - don't see why you hate yours.

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