Former S-10 Owner

chevy4x4trucks · November 5, 2001

Since this forum's been dead for a few days I figured I'll post something. I used to have a black 1996 S-10 2wd for about a year. I had to dump it because I felt the need for a V8 and I wanted a 4wd. Also, I was just getting taller and the legs were starting to feel the pinch.

The truck was reg. cab, short bed, packing a whopping 2.2 straight 4 w/ a soft toneau, bug shield, and wind deflectors when I bought it. I added a sunroof and tinted the windows. Also I bought some goodyear wrangler's for the rear tires for the winter.

It When I get home I'll upload some pics of it that I have saved on my computer.

Jpshostr · November 5, 2001

I too used to have an S-10, only a Blazer, it was a '92 with the 4.3L. Hated it, the day I sold it put a really big smile on my face. The thing rusted awful, I gave up trying to save it several years ago and just drove it, although very little, just to school and back. Had awful road manners due to the small wheelbase and narrow track. It was an underpowered pig that got awful mileage. My dad got the same mileage with his K2500 with a 350 as I did, about 13 around town, best I ever got was 17 on 99% interstate once. Everyone also kept telling me what a great motor the 4.3L is, I was always trying to find the advertised horsepower, never was able to. The thing was pathetic in mud, forget about taking it off road. Used it a couple times to round up cattle, got stuck each time in areas that just made you wonder what the heck happened. About the only good thing I can say about it is that I could spin a U turn anywhere I wanted, that was nice, but I'll give that up for a fullsize truck any day.

If you can't tell by my post, I hate S-10s with a passion and will never ever recommend one to even my worst enemy. Get a fullsize, a real truck, not a wannabe.

chevy4x4trucks · November 5, 2001

Geez Jp, how do you really feel about them, don't hold back on my account. My only reasons for buying it were financial and insurance. I was 16 or 17 when I bought it and just working part time so it was the best I could afford. Can honestly say never had any rust problems. The only problems I had w/ it were the bad wiper circuit board and one of the tailgate wires snapped. Other than that it was a good truck. As far as underpowered, well, my driving style was put it to the floor so even though it had a 4 cyl. I could still win a lot of races. Only got about 15mpg in it though.

Jpshostr · November 5, 2001

Well, I do tell things like they are.

For me, it didn't matter what kind of truck I had. My Blazer was insured on the same rate as a one ton dually. The slip said '92 one ton truck and under. Registration was also the same as any other truck. To bad I didn't get any of the truck like qualitys that those two items said I should.

I forgot the electrical system on the thing was crap. Things would shut off and turn on all by themselves at times. Maybe I got stuck with a lemon, but it sure is preventing me from ever even considering a compact vehicle of any kind from now on. I guess being a farmboy I also have trouble calling something that has a four banger and very low payload a truck, but hey, thats just me.

pacodiablo · November 5, 2001

i never thought id see jp say something like that! is this why you were at explorerforum.com ? i know there is some ford in u!

Jpshostr · November 6, 2001

Quote from pacodiablo, posted on Nov. 05 2001,4:42

i never thought id see jp say something like that! is this why you were at explorerforum.com ? i know there is some ford in u!

Like I said earlier Paco, I have never visited that forum, got the link off another site. If you say I have some Ford in my, you are true in a way, as long as that truck has a Powerstroke in it. But then again, that isn't a Ford motor, it is a Navistar (IH) motor.

And of all forums you'd think I'd visit one about a Ford Exploder? What are you, nuts? This Blazer I had has sworn me away from compacts and SUVs, of which the Exploder is both.

chevy4x4trucks · November 6, 2001

Well here's a pic about a month after I got it, I can't seem to find anything more recent on the comp, I'll have to scan something when I get a chance.

pacodiablo · November 6, 2001

Quote from Jpshostr, posted on Nov. 05 2001,7:42

Quote from pacodiablo, posted on Nov. 05 2001,4:42
i never thought id see jp say something like that! is this why you were at explorerforum.com ? i know there is some ford in u!

Like I said earlier Paco, I have never visited that forum, got the link off another site. If you say I have some Ford in my, you are true in a way, as long as that truck has a Powerstroke in it. But then again, that isn't a Ford motor, it is a Navistar (IH) motor.

And of all forums you'd think I'd visit one about a Ford Exploder? What are you, nuts? This Blazer I had has sworn me away from compacts and SUVs, of which the Exploder is both.

im just messin' with ya!

Chev4Ever · November 7, 2001

I m very pleased with my truck so far.. Its got power when i need it *thanks to my 5 speed*, its comfortable *but small* and will do work when needed.. I m not going to compare a fullsize to my truck just because its like comparing apples and oranges..

I ve taken my truck offroad several times and its always been fun.. I ve taken it through heavy water, lots of mud, plus lots of hills and its been impressive in every area.. Mind you a lot of its offroad abilities has to do with the ZR2 option..

I will admitt the truck is smaller than i thought it would be.. The backseat is useless IMO unless you have a small child. It lacks arm room in the cab as well..

Overall its a decent buy if thats what your looking for.. I still plan on lifting it as well as THIS

chevy4x4trucks - thats a nice S10.. i like the that style except i liked the stepside over the fleetside..