2002 Chevrolet S-10: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet S-10 ▼
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- MSRP: $13,961 -$24,219
- Invoice: $13,193 -$21,918
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Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet S-10, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet S-10 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Chevy or GMC, 4-cyl versions perform best with manual transmission. Automatic transmission or heavy hauling warrants a V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Test 4-cyl S-10 averaged 19.8 mpg, test 4WD extended-cab Sonomas 15.9-16.5, and test 2WD Xtreme 22.2. GM recommends regular-grade gas with all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
The base suspension provides a relatively soft, controlled ride. Firmer off-road and heavy-duty setups 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 reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
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 appropriate weight to the power steering and good stability in crosswinds. Brake-pedal action is mushy, stopping power only adequate despite standard ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Wind noise is moderate, but engines are gruff when cold. Road noise fairly low with 2WD, higher with tires included with sport suspension or 4WD.
CONTROLS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, 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. Panels and trim pieces of lightweight plastic impart a low-budget feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Seats are soft, but comfort is good, and extended-cabs and Crew Cabs benefit from generous rearward seat travel.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.5 |
Extended cab's rear jump seat is childsize. Crew Cab's leg room is tight, and the seat cushion is low, soft, and unsupportive with a bolt upright backrest. Crew Cab's independent rear doors are more convenient than extended cab's rear-hinged door, but still require twists and turns to enter or exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2.7 |
Slight behind seat in regular cabs. Rear seating folds for good storage space in extended and Crew Cabs. Doors have map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 6.6 |
Price, payload, and power are competitive, and discounts are readily available. But S-10 and Sonoma are penalized by an old design that feels aged compared with the Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger/Mazda Truck.
Total Score
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | LS reg. cab w/Xtreme, V6 auto. | LS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 33 | 36 | 39 | 39.5 |
Total Score: 34
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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