Faults:

The heater control vacuum valve failed. It was replaced under warranty with no further problems.

General Comments:

This is a decently-built small truck with an aggressive stance. The factory ZR2 option turns the lackluster standard suspension of the S-10 into a viable performer on light to moderate trails. Front suspension travel is still an issue on more difficult trails, but that is a common ailment for most IFS 4x4s.

The 4.3 Vortec V6 could use a dose of horsepower, but engine vibration and noise encountered when the truck was new have now diminished as the 4.3 has broken in. K&N's excellent FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit) and a Gibson exhaust have improved the performance somewhat.

Interior noise is higher than expected, with squeaks and rattles here and there, but I've found the seats to be very comfortable, especially on longer trips.

Overall, the ZR2 is a good offering, making a decent off-road performer out of the standard S-10.

Faults:

The truck chassis is very noisy and harsh. Squeaks, rattles and scraping sounds and clunking sounds plague this truck.

Interior sound levels are very high. Wind noise, and loose interior parts make this a very loud and unpleasant driving vehicle.

Drive train noise is the worst of the troubles. The 4.3 Vortec engine, in its current state, has become a habitual noise generator. Tappet noise, and built in design defects which causes engine knocking when started warm or cold exist. Balance shaft problems cause engine noise at all speeds.

General Motors has received thousands of complaints on this engine, and has yet to resolve the problem. The noise issues are intermittent, so dealership warranty redemption is very difficult.

General Comments:

GM acknowledges the noise problems.

GM refuses to address them with little more than assurance that "is poses no longevity issues."

Faults:

Transmission filter came loose and jammed shift linkage. Dealer had it repaired in 5 hours and gave me a loaner.

General Comments:

I love it! Looks good and is useful. Very similar to a nice Blazer, but you don't get the interior dirty when you have to carry stuff.

Tows a 5000# 23' travel trailer without problems. Only eats a lot more gas.

Faults:

Climate Control failed at 1,200 miles

Squeaking and poor handling on the highway.

Interior door panels are showing signs of cracks and may need to be replaced.

Very poor speakers, sounds like they are blown.

This vehicle is falling apart on the highway.

There is no way it would survive off- road.

General Comments:

I will never buy another chevy.

I miss my ford ranger

Faults:

Black paint over the whole truck looks like orange peel so bad you can't see your reflection in a BLACK truck! GM rep. supposedly said "it's normal". I told them I doubt they'd put this in the showroom. Can't get keys out when in park over and over. Dealer insulted my intelligence and said: "You have the key too far in Accessory." AC? rattles when has been running--even after shutting off. "It's normal" again.