Chevrolet spent a lot of money on styling, and it is immediately apparent if you compare 1994 and 1993 models side by side. With a more rounded frontal profile, more glass, a raked windshield, a chrome grille integrated with the headlights, sculpted flanks and bold wheel arch moldings, the new edition makes a real styling statement. It also makes its predecessor look boxy, rather plain and even dowdy.The look is a little bit in-your-face-pert, saucy. We like the styling a lot. We also like the Ford Ranger, but the two trucks seem to take different paths to the same result. The Ranger seems as if a custom shop took a factory product and made it better by tweaking things. The S-Series seems to have more integrated styling. We don't compare the Dodge Dakota here because its styling dates to the mid'80s and is due for a makeover. Pickups often have that unfinished look around the lower body. Not true for the new S-Series. The sculpted sides integrate a new front bumper and rear step bumper. On our model, the sculpting was topped by a hefty black composite bodyside molding. One demerit here, though. The bodyside molding is too low to offer any real parking lot protection.
The first thing we noticed when we got in was that our ears popped when we shut the door. Chevrolet says that new triple seals for the doors are part of the improvements it has made throughout to manage road noise. The cab is exceptionally tight and quiet. Inside, there is room with a view. Chevrolet has increased the glass area by 20 percent, and that increase is apparent. You immediately notice the additional rake of the windshield. Also noticeable is the increased hip, head and shoulder room in the cab. Chevrolet says it also increased the front seat travel but we would like even more fore/aft adjustment. Our S-Series Extended Cab Fleetside Pickup had the LS Decor Package that included grey deluxe cloth and vinyl trim throughout. We also had the optional reclining highback bucket seats; an AM/FM stereo with CD player; tilt steering; speed control; power locks, windows and mirrors; and air conditioning. Chevrolet has given the driver a door-mounting armrest that flows into the instrument panel. The console is huge for this size truck, with ample cup holders and storage bins. The bucket seats, with thicker, softer foam padding and lumbar supports, are comfortable but could be more supportive. Two center-facing-jump seats in the rear can carry passengers on short-very short-trips. One nice feature included in the LS package is power outlets below the cigarette lighter for a cellular phone, a portable fax machine or laptop computer. Controls and gauges were well-placed. We liked the easy-to-use new heater controls. We don't like, and never will like, the Chevrolet system of putting the wiper/washer controls on the same stalk with the cruise control. It is awkward operating the cruise control when the wipers are on. Included in our S-Series was one of the best sliding rear windows we've seen. It opened and closed easily, and sealed tight. Many of these windows leak air and water; not this one. The cargo box has been made deeper for increased load carrying. Also, special notches permit two-tier loading. The pickup bed has drain holes and there are no exposed bolt heads to corrode or snag cargo. The handy step bumper is standard on extended cab models. Overall, we give the new cab high marks for comfort and looks. Compared to last year's S-10, the transformation is significant. We think this is a midsize truck we could live with for a long time. |
