2000 Chevrolet S-10: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Addition of a base-trim extended-cab and standard bucket sets on extended-cabs 4x4s are the big changes to Chevrolet's compact pickup for 2000. GMC's Sonoma shares the S-10's design and powertrains, but differs in trim and some equipment. Isuzu also sells a version called Hombre with fewer model and equipment choices.

S-10 regular cabs come with a 6- or 7.3-foot cargo bed. Extended cabs get the shorter bed and offer an optional driver-side rear door. All come with base or uplevel LS trim; extended-cabs had come only in LS form. A flared-fender Sportside short-bed is available with either cab in LS trim. The Xtreme package gives a low-riding "custom truck" look to 2-wheel-drive models. The high-riding off-road-oriented ZR2 option for LS 4WD models is now offered only on extended-cab versions. Front bucket seats are standard on all extended-cab 4WD S-10s; 2WD models have a standard 3-place front bench seat and offer buckets as options. Extended-cabs have two standard rear jump seats, though 3-door versions get a right seat only.

A 2.2-liter 4-cylinder is the base engine. The available 4.3-liter V6 makes 180 horsepower in 2WD models and 190 with the Xtreme package or 4WD. Manual transmission is standard with either engine, automatic optional. The 4WD system offers high- and low-range gearing, but is for use on slippery surfaces only. All S-10s have standard antilock brakes and a deactivation switch for the passenger-side airbag. Crew cab versions of the S-10 and Sonoma are due for the 2001 model year.

COMPETITION

Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out. The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda B-Series). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Among the Recommended choices we really like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for their drivability and comfort. General Motors' compacts (the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma) are getting a bit long in the tooth. But they still offer class-leading ride quality and a strong V6 engine.