With all the options and various configurations, it's difficult to pick a "typical" S-10 pickup. We decided, however, to test the 4x4 LS with an automatic transmission. The 4x4 mode gives the S-10 added traction in slippery conditions and makes it more capable in mild off-roading, though its primary use is intended for paved or gravel roads. It also helps getting back up slippery boat launch ramps, and is recommended for heavy-duty hauling.The 4x4 doesn't shout its identity. The P235/75R15 on/off road tires are a hint. And if you know your S-10 wheel availability chart, you'll know that these five-spoke aluminum wheels are available only with four-wheel drive. Our test truck came with the Chrome Appearance Group, which includes front and rear chrome bumpers with rub strips, body side molding with bright inserts and bright wheelhouse moldings. ("Bright," of course, is car company talk for "shiny but not really chrome.") The S-10 mimics the big Chevy pickups with the horizontal bar grille, and has nicely rounded contours that are inoffensive overall but are straightforward truck. No trick, no gimmicks, just sincere serviceability. Our test truck had an accessory bedliner available from dealers, good for keeping the double-wall pickup box safe from dents and scratches. The bed has four tie-downs, one at the upper edge of each corner. More would be helpful, actually, in securing loads of various sizes. The tailgate drops for a 27.2-inch lift-over height, actually lower than the long box and extended cab 4x2 S-10s.
The interior is nicely finished in a premium cloth that resembles velour. Our truck had a charcoal interior theme that looked like it would hold up to regular use. The door panels included cloth sections, but frequent touch areas around the door controls and rear sill area were covered in vinyl. The cloth feels good to the touch. From the radio dials to the dashboard, it's obvious Chevrolet spent a lot of time and energy into getting the appropriate feel, mostly soft-touch, for the interior appointments. Our test truck had the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel; it has the minipack airbag that not only give a better view of the gauges but also lets the steering wheel look like a steering wheel, not a pillow with a hand grip. The S-10 has full instrumentation that's easily legible day or night. The four-wheel-drive controls are fully electronic, push buttons easily reached on the dash. Although the system is part-time only, the system allows shift-on-the-fly into and out of 4-high. The truck must be stopped to shift the transfer case into 4-low, of course, but it still only requires pushing a button. A neutral position is also available that allows the truck to be flat towed without disconnecting driveshafts. The radio and heating and air conditioning controls are large, legible and so easy to use that their respective sections in the owners manual may never be read. Our S-10 had the $295 optional third door. Chevrolet puts the third door on its full-size pickups on the passenger side, presuming that the rear door will more often be used by passenger who will wish to exit on the curb side. The S-10, on the other hand, has its third door on the driver's side, the logic being that it would more often be used by the driver for stowing extra gear. But when dropping off someone at the curb, it means they must venture into traffic to get to any cargo. Chevy is correct, however, in presuming that the jump seat in the extended cab will seldom be used for passengers. It's cramped for an adult, and requires that the front passenger seat be moved forward to permit any kind of shoulder room. |
