2003 Chevrolet S-10: Road Test
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2003 Chevrolet S-10 ▼
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- MSRP: $14,770 -$24,370
- Invoice: $13,958 -$22,055
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Our road test for the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Chevrolet S-10, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 help you decide if a 2003 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 | 4.4 |
Four-cyl models 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 |
In our tests, a 4-cyl regular cab averaged 19.8 mpg, V6 extendeds 15.9-16.5, an Xtreme 22.2 mpg. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
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 |
Relatively soft and controlled with base suspension. Firmer off-road and heavy-duty setups are harsher. As with any unloaded truck, 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 |
Xtreme among nimblest small pickups, but isn't recommended for towing. Cornering lean evident in other models, but they generally feel balanced in turns, with appropriate weight to power steering and good stability in crosswinds. Brake-pedal action 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 | 3.3 |
Wind rush moderate. Engines 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 | 5.7 |
Gauges unobstructed. Climate system's soft-touch rotary knobs and radio's large buttons enhance the simple control layout. Too many flimsy plastic panels and trim pieces 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 comfortable. Extendeds and the Crew Cab benefit from generous rearward seat travel. High-rise suspension options provide commanding visibility, but make for lofty step-in.
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 child-sized. Crew Cab suffers from tight leg room; a bolt-upright backrest; and a low, soft, unsupportive seat cushion. Crew Cab's independent rear doors are larger and more convenient than extended cab's rear-hinged door, but entry/exit still requires twists and turns.
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 regular-cab seat. Extendeds and Crew Cab offer good storage space. 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 | 5 | 6.5 |
Price, payload, and power are competitive, and discounts are readily available. But the S-10 (Sonoma, too) feels old compared with Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger/Mazda Truck siblings. Chevy fans should wait for the all-new Colorado.
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 | 40 | 39.1 |
Total Score: 35
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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