2001 Chevrolet S-10: Road Test

Archived Review

2001 Chevrolet S-10 

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  • MSRP: $12,849 -$24,909
  • Invoice: $12,142 -$22,543

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Our road test for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 help you decide if a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 5 6 5 4

Chevy or GMC, 4-cyl versions perform best with manual transmission. Automatic transmission or heavy hauling warrants the V6.

FUEL ECONOMY

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
5 5 6 5 4.5

We averaged 19.8 mpg with a test 4-cyl, 18 with a 4WD extended-cab, and 22.2 with a 2WD Xtreme.

RIDE QUALITY

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 3 2 3 3.4

The base suspension provides a relatively soft, controlled ride. Firmer off-road and heavy-duty chassis give a harsh ride, so try before you buy. As in any unloaded truck, the rear end tends to hop over sharp bumps and ridges.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 3 6 3 3.3

S-10 Xtreme is among the best-handling pickups, but isn't recommended for towing. Cornering lean is evident in other S-10/Sonoma models, but they generally feel balanced in turns, with natural weight to power steering, good stability in crosswinds. Brake-pedal action is mushy, stopping power only adequate despite standard ABS.

QUIETNESS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 3 2 3 3.3

Wind noise is moderate, but engines are gruff when cold. Road noise fairly low with 2WD, higher with 4WD's knobby tires.

CONTROLS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.9

Gauges unobstructed. Climate system's soft-touch rotary knobs and radio's large buttons enhance the simple control layout. Most plastic panels and trim pieces feel low-budget.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 4 3 4 3.9

Seat comfort is good, and extended-cabs and Crew Cabs benefit from generous rearward seat travel.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
0 1 0 3 1.3

Extended-cab's rear jump seat is child-sized. Crew Cab's independent front-hinged rear doors are more convenient than extended cab's rear-hinged door, but leg room is tight, and the seat cushion is low, soft, and unsupportive.

CARGO ROOM

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
1 3 1 4 2.5

Slight behind seat in regular cabs. You can fold the rear seat for good storage space in extended and Crew Cabs. Door panels have map pockets.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
3 4 2 4 6.2

Crew Cabs are the compact-pickup rage, but S-10 and Sonoma are penalized by an aged design, and the new cab style alone doesn't elevate them past the Dodge Dakota, Ranger/B-Series, and Toyota Tacoma. Still, price, payload, and power are competitive, and discounts are readily available.

Total Score

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. LS reg. cab. w/Xtreme, V6 auto. LS Crew Cab 4WD Class Average
29 36 33 39 38.3

Total Score: 34

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
27
Average Score
38
High Score
51

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