1997 Chevrolet S-10 Consumer Reviews

Many Electrical and Engine Problems

Written by: jack on 08/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

I purchased this truck used from a local dealer with around 97,000 miles on it. It has had constant problems with electrical shorts in the wiring bundle. ECM circuit problems including fuel pump and ignition . I will never buy a S-10 again after reading all the comments on numerous sites . Chevy will continue to lose capital if they don't do a better job on quality control. Any one want a 97 s-10 cheap? Looking at Toyota after reading consumer reports.

Favorite Features

Small, cramped. Cheap ride.

Suggested Improvements

Elecrical rerouting. Emission controls improvements. Drive shaft balance improvements.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Pretty Satisfied

Written by: Central VA on 05/19/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought my S10 used 6 years ago, have driven it about 50K miles. Had to replace an alternator, battery and mirror, but otherwise nothing but tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage isn't very good, but truck is good looking, fun to drive and comfortable. 5 speed and V6 are a good combination. Paid $9000 for it used, according to Edmunds, it's still worth over $4300. Pretty darn good buy as far as I can tell.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive, good looking, strong engine (V6)

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, interior trim is a little flimsy and cheap looking

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Okay Car

Written by: Adam W. on 04/21/2006

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought this truck with 135,000miles on it. About 2000 miles later I needed a new transmission. At 142,000 I needed a new gas line, brake line, and gas tank. I still need to get a O2 sensor, fuel sensor, new shocks, my transmission still isn't that great, and the gas mileage for a 4 cylinder isn't that great. All in all I wish I just bought a nice sedan..

Favorite Features

I like the turning radius, good size bed for a small truck

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mileage, quality of parts.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Good so far

Written by: jpearce on 09/17/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

Just bought the pickup in sept 2005. It is a black reg cab SB LS/ZR2 model.An excellent, sharp looking truck! I picked it up with only 20,000 miles, being a 1997!! and have put around 600 0n it. So far it is great but the rear wheels' ABS sensor failed and is being replaced on warranty.

Favorite Features

Tough, burly tires and fender flares. All power accessories. Vortec V6, hard tonneau cover, CD player, bucket seats, very smooth ride and shifting, excellent 4X4, stylish alloys, ground clearance.

Suggested Improvements

ABS braking systems or sensors?? More cabin space.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Alright car

Written by: Adam on 08/30/2005

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought the car with 135k miles on it and within 800 miles I needed a new transmission, but other than that its a good truck to have

Favorite Features

The 3rd door makes getting to the extended cab much easier

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mileage

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Most Reliable Vehicle I Ever Owned

Written by: OregonDan on 08/18/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr STD Standard Cab SB

Review

I just read through a few of the S-10 reviews and thought I should add my 2 cents. Purchased the truck for $10K drove it over 100,000 miles and never had any problems except for a burned out fuse ($5) and I replaced myself... and I'm NOT mechanically inclined. I sold the truck in 2001 for $5100 with 110K miles and regret not keeping it longer. Used it for commuting to college and hauling firewood. Great little truck. I may have gotten the 1 out of 1000... but sold the truck to a manager at Pepsi for his daughter and he informed me that Pepsi runs a fleet of lil S-10 trucks and all of them have passed 100K miles+ with little to none problems.

Favorite Features

Surprising build quality and durability. Decent on gas mileage, 20- 25 mpg. Excellent price and low maintainance!

Suggested Improvements

Intermittent wipers standard equipment. 4 cyl a little weak climbing hills

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1997 S10 Etx Cab

Written by: Deerehere on 04/19/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I bought this truck new 7 years ago. I has been a great running and reliable truck.

Favorite Features

Third door, good performance and mileage

Suggested Improvements

Ride is a little rough

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My S-10

Written by: papaptl on 04/12/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

No mechanical trouble in 14 mos. ownership, even though I just turned 151k mi. I just do regular maintenance and put a set of tires on her.

Favorite Features

3rd. door is awesome. CD is great to have (aftermarket). 4.3 V-6 is awesome-lots of power even with auto trans.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger box, eaiser access to #3 spark plug.

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Piece of Junk

Written by: Jhow0672 on 04/01/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Extended Cab SB

Review

Only 66,000 miles but already had driveshaft fall off, computer died, radiator leak, water pump died, intake manifold leaked, air-conditioning died, windshield wipers had a manufacturing defect that I fixed myself.. generally unreliable truck.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

GM can't figure out why they are having trouble competing, well this is why: junky cars.

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A bit disappointed

Written by: oxguru on 02/23/2004

Vehicle

1997 Chevrolet S-10 2 Dr LS Standard Cab SB

Review

I have been rather disappointed in this vehicle, considering my father's 1993 Chevy Silverado is still going strong at over 100K miles. I only have about 66K miles, and have had, in the past three months, to put almost $1500 into this for things that should still be working fine. I have been pretty good about regular maintenance, so I've been pretty annoyed of late. Time to trade in for a (gasp) foreign car make.

Favorite Features

For a truck, this actually does reasonably well on gas mileage. It's also not all that uncomfortable on a long ride.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. Why can my drivetrain not last 66K miles without major investment? Size. I was eagerly anticipating the new Colorado, but am now looking elsewhere.

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