Overview & Reviews

Improved V6 engines make more power and torque this year. A new five-speed manual gives four-cylinder models better acceleration, and four-bangers also get four-wheel antilock brakes. Extended-cab models get third-door access panel on the driver side to make loading cargo and passengers easier. A new sport suspension turns the S-10 into a competent sports truck, and the new Sportside cargo box allows the S-Series to go head to head with the Ford Ranger Splash.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 40.00

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  Vortec is an absolute beast - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By 2384623846 - August 27 - 1:52 am

  Anyone who complains about this truck has major issues. I have a 1996 ss with stock zq8 suspension and a modified vortec v6. The only problems I encountered were with dialing in the supercharger with my other mods. its fast fun and reliable. and the interior is well organized.

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  96 Chevy S-10 - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By theman - October 16 - 5:13 pm

  Very mechanically sound vehicle. Owned for 8 years, with very few repairs other than normal wear and tear. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable truck that gets good gas mileage.

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  Take the good with the bad - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By James in KY - July 29 - 11:46 pm

  Overall the Chevy S-10 has a solid engine with the Vortec V6. I will say I have the same problems as many others. Owned it for only a week (brand new with 53 miles) and the vanity mirror light stayed illuminated. ABS grinds. Mirror rattled loose. Tranny, clutch and catalytic converter went out at 50K. At some time still under warranty, wiper delay module went out. Now AC needs recharging every summer ($10 kit from Wal-Mart). Water pump, O2 sens., alternator, U-joints going out to be expected w/ high mileage. Check engine light stays on now with 135,700 with no other indications of mechanical problems. With regular maintenance, engine has no problem. Probably drive it until wheels fall off.

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  Great Truck! - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By darkembrace - April 17 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased this truck with 57000 miles on it in 5/04. Ive had it just under 2 years and it now has 98000 miles on it. The only work Ive had to do is a starter, tires, and a radiator hose. The fuel economy is great. I drive it 600 hundred miles every other weekend through the Ozark Mountains to pick my daughter up for visitation. That is lot of hard driving for a 4 cylinder motor. I still havent even had to put a clutch in this truck, and I drive it hard. The a/c still blows cold. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Good truck between major repairs - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tim - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  Im the original owner of my 4wd ext. cab ZR2 with 100K mi as of 12/05, and the truck has been a blast to drive off road and to haul stuff with. However, there have been several major repairs that have cost much $$: Tranny at 50K mi, fuel pump, pwr window motor & switches, 6 batteries, oil leaks, two A/C units, two alternators, electrical problems, idler pulley and recently some ignition system problems. Also, at 16 MPG on the highway it is a lousy commuter. Im convinced the ABS never worked right in spite of at least 3 recalls/bulletins. The 4.3L Vortec V6 has been strong and burns no oil.

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  Solid, but ZR2 was underengineered - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Ron S - April 28 - 1:21 pm

  Original owner of black ZR2. Great sightlines from drivers seat, great looks. Had the ABS chip fail in first week of ownership and three front hubs replaced before 42K due to combination of failed parts and mechanic error. Due to oversized tires 31x10.5 being mounted on standard 4wd wheel steering and suspension assemblies (except for Bilstein shocks), this truck eats brakes and lower ball joints. Never got more than 19.8 MPG and now avg about 16MPG with hard driving. I am meticulous with scheduled maint including flushing trans. Major costs included replacing encoder motor at 130K, and fuel pump, water pump, and alternator near 150K. Original engine and tranny and still running very well.

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  This truck is excellent - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Doug T. - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Many other reviews on this site rate this truck poorly, but look at their complaints, theyre completely ridiculous. These people are blaming general maintenance on poor mfg quality. If you use you vehicle hard, youre gonna have problems with it. I have a 96 s-10 that wasnt used heavily and was maintained properly and I havent had a single problem with it. Buy one with a v6 and you wont be disappointed, this thing can get up and move!

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  S-10 Keeps on Trucking - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By GJCAILL - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had only minor repairs until recently.(front end work-lower ball joints,upper a-frame bushings,tierod ends,idler arm and center link. I had previously had only changed the ac compressor, spark plugs one time, water pump-leaking,belt,and idler pulley.The shocks have all been replaced

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  1996 S-10 - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By yoccke - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The quality of this vehicle is superb. I have had virtualy no trouble with this vehicle in the 8 years that I have owned it.

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  Durable - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jimbob - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used in 97. Maintained it with regular oil changes and GM updates. It has never failed me. It has sat outside covered in snow in sub-zero temperatures and starts right up. Yes, the cloth interior is wearing out, but automotively speaking, it still runs as well as when I bought it. And I havent been real nice to it at times (missed a few scheduled oil changes, demand a lot of it getting on the freeway and have strained the suspension with some really overweight loads). Not something to take a date out in or go to church, but overall, a good dependable, durable truck.