It's amazing how just a few cosmetic changes can make such a huge difference in how a truck looks. The Xtreme barely proclaims it's a truck: Xtreme logos replace S-10 logos everywhere but the panel in the front spoiler -- and that's supposed to be removed for states requiring front license plates.The Xtreme package includes a body-color grille and bumpers, front spoiler with integrated foglights, wheel-opening flares and rocker panel extensions, unique 16-inch aluminum 5-spoke wheels, P235/55R16 blackwall tires, and a special ZQ8 suspension that lowers the truck for a street rod look. A 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is standard and it's the most popular choice. The Vortec 2200 inline-4 generates 120 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 140 foot-pounds of torque at 3600 rpm and gets about 19 mpg city, 26 mpg on the highway. The 4.3-liter V6 delivers 180 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 245 foot-pounds of torque at 2800 rpm. Towing is not recommended with the Xtreme package, and gross vehicle weight is limited to 4400 pounds. That's plenty for light chores, but this is not designed to be a hard-working truck.
The options on our Xtreme make the interior of the S-10 a nice place to be, far removed from our grandfather's farm vehicle. It has all the comforts of any sedan, save a real back seat; the jump seat in the extended cab is not acceptable for more than short hauls for anyone over the age of 12. The Xtreme is a truck that, if you don't exactly sit down into, you don't have to step up to get in either. The seats are comfortable with a console featuring two usable cupholders and a small storage compartment. The floor-mounted shifter for the 5-speed has a sturdy-looking shaft, and a nice heft to it going into gear. It is a truck, after all. The riding position is so low that it's easy to forget you're driving a truck. You're riding at about the same height as a NASCAR Craftsman Truck driver. And that's a good feature. Visibility is excellent, there's lots of headroom and legroom and the seats are comfortable. The optional third door is a great feature. Without it, it's difficult to get to the cargo area behind the front seats, as the seat doesn't easily flip forward. Other cool features: Shut off the ignition and the radio stays on so you can sit there and, like, chill. Open the door and the radio shuts off automatically. No worries. In fact, all accessories maintain power until the door is opened, so you can roll up the windows if you forgot before shutting off the ignition. |
