2003 Chevrolet S-10: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

An optional sunroof is now available for this compact pickup in advance of a redesigned replacement due for 2004. S-10 comes as a 2-dr regular cab and a 3-dr extended cab in base and uplevel LS trim, plus a 4-dr LS Crew Cab. Regulars and extendeds come with a 6-ft Fleetside bed; regulars also offer a 7.3-ft Fleetside. A flared-fender Sportside box is available for LS models. Extendeds have a rearward-opening left rear door and one rear jump seat. Crew Cabs have a 4.6-ft bed, four conventional side doors, and a 3-passenger rear bench seat. Regulars come only with rear-wheel drive. Optional for extendeds and standard on Crews is 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. With 2WD, a 4-cyl engine is standard and a 180-hp V6 is optional. A 190-hp V6 is standard with 4WD. Long-beds and Crew Cabs come only with automatic transmission; the others offer manual or automatic. All S-10s include air conditioning and ABS; 4WD versions substitute rear disc brakes for drums. The regular-cab short-bed 2WD LS's Xtreme package has a lowered suspension and special trim. A raised-suspension ZR2 is available for 4WD LS extendeds. Added midyear, the power sunroof is available on all but Crew Cabs. The GMC Sonoma is a retrimmed S-10. Due for '04 are slightly larger replacements called the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

COMPETITION

Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.