2003 Chevrolet S-10 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.12/5 Average
101 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The S-10 gets few changes for what may be the final year of production of the current model. There's new cloth upholstery for the seats and door panels, a new fuel-injection system for the 4.3-liter V6 and a sport package for crew cab models.

Pros:
  • Fuel-efficient base engine, torquey optional V6, stump-jumping ZR2 off-road package.
Cons:
  • Spotty build quality, inferior-grade interior trim, low seating positions, poor crash test scores.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 101.00
  • The Elk Hauler - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Living in Central Montana and traveling over terrain that few people will ever experience in their life time I can attest to the durability and ruggedness of this truck. Ive been able to go places that few 4X4 vehicles of full size could ever go. Ive pulled a 23 travel trailer 450 miles over the Rockies with this smaller truck and rarely went below 50mph and still got 17mpg. I shouldnt have pulled that trailer but here in Montana one can get away with some things that elsewhere you cant. The truck was up to it and then some. I love this truck! Ive owned personally and in my business approx. 23 new pickups of Ford and Chevy make and this truck is without doubt the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The ONLY problem Ive had is with the automatic shifter into 4X4. I had to install a manual cable pull device to ingage the front wheel drive. If I could find another one of these I would buy it one the spot.

  • Just a great little truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Bought this truck new in 2003 presently have 140k on it, I opted for the high performance engine and my gas mileage is a little rough avg 12mpg city 16 high way besides and annoying problem with a vacuum switch for the front differential which is located on the transfer case ( it was trying to engage the four wheel drive when you didnt push the button made a really nasty noise while the front tried to engage when the transfer was lined up) Other than that on regular scheduled maintenance has been done to this truck just a nice comfy ride due to the torsion bar suspension (something its replacement doesnt have the Colorado) and the truck has not once broken down. Good performance , good handling( unless you have to turn around in a narrow street) car like ride yet will haul and run like a little sports car. Was a shame when they discontinued it they finally got it right.

  • Maybe i was just unlucky - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    So i have had my s10 for 2 years now. i bought it with about 85k on it and at the time it was 7 years old so i figured that was pretty low mileage so i shouldnt have too many problems boy was i wrong. In the last 2 years ive had to replace the radiator, alternator, ac system, ac hose assembly plus a new engine. Also for being a 2.2 the mpg are not very good and the performance of the engine is very sluggish even with the refurb.

  • Not toooo bad...Not too impressed either - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    My chevy is slow. Thats a fact. Edmunds claimed my four banger has a 0-60 time of 8 some seconds. That is a lie. The true time is around 15 seconds. its ok off the line but it simply doesnt move once you get up there, and god forbid if you should try to pass anyone. The interior feels durable but also cheap and ugly in blobular chevy style. Gas mileage is pretty decent, i get around 23 average. The gearbox in my manual however, completely sucks. Ive hit third on accident more than once at a stop sign because they are so darn close together, and the clutch feel unfriendly and prickly-if you want to shift smooth, you have to be extremely gentle. Not a terrible car but i wont miss it.

  • 325,000 km and still runs like its brand new ! - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Ive had this truck for a year and a half , before that it was owned by my uncle . This truck has 325,000km on it , most are highway kilometers but it still runs like its brand new ! It has plenty of acceleration for what i need and hp ! The seats are very nice and great for long rides and easy to clean also . The back seat looks very decieving everyone before the go on think that it wil be very unconfourtable as you look at the size , but when they are sitting in it ( even for long trips ) they rather have this seat than the passangerseat because of all the leg room . I also love how it doesnt have carpet , easy to not get stains . I love this truck for many different reasons !

  • great - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    I love my s-10. Best truck I have owned so far wish it would have been lifted up a little more tho but otherwise I love it.

  • A TOUGH LITTLE WORKHORSE - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Okay, I dont actually "own" my S-10 but as a state highway engineer it was assigned to me brand new in January 2003. I am the only one who drives it and it now has 116,000 miles. On the job I drive up onto highway medians, over curbs, into wooded areas, etc. It takes a beating and keeps on going. Been very reliable. Worse thing was a broken throttle cable at 60,000 miles. Routine maintenance only by our state mechanics. Has pretty good acceleration but terrible traction on snow and ice. Ive taken it on several official business trips to upstate New York and it performed very well. Always starts, always gets me where Im going. Been a good little workhorse and Ill miss it when its gone.

  • 2003 S-10 still going strong - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Purchased new in03 the only trouble has been a battery replacement and a few exterior lamps. Still has original tires with 48000 miles. Good preventive maintenance is the key. The V6 4.3l engine is a bit rough on the wallet with gas prices as they are, but, all in all this truck can get out of its own way when it has to.

  • ok truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Its a Nice little truck but for me its not very comfortable (6,3) the extended cab woulda been better also the 2.2 is not a good on gas as I was hoping. I do like it because it gets me where I need to go and any extra work done. I use it every once in awhile to haul and have had no problems with that

  • ZR2 Wish They Still Made Them - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Ive always loved the stance of a ZR2. This truck has been extremely reliable with very few exceptions. The new Colorado is ugly so I was glad I was able to find the ZR2 and in my favorite color, arrest-me red. The wide stance of the vehicle makes it actually corner exceptionally well. Compared to my 1989 S10 Ext Cab 4WD the handling is like night and day. The 3.73 rear does seem to hurt mileage. With the taller 31" tires acceleration would probably suffer with a 3.42. Weak points, the taller springs give it very good ground clearance but it cant carry the load of my 89. The tank sender is a problem as is the plastic door handle for the 3rd door and the fogs are too high to be of any use.

Chevrolet S-10 Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area