Used 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Consumer Reviews
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Like a rock
Greg, 02/08/2009
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have owned this truck for about a year now. I love almost everything about it. The 4.3L has plenty of power compared to my earlier 87 s-10 with the 2.8L. This truck has almost 400k and does not owe me a thing. The one thing I would change is more durable cloth on seats especially on driver side. Recommend the S-10 to anyone so far best built compared to ford and dodge.
Reliable, economical,comfortable
Becca, 06/26/2016
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This truck got 28 MPG on the highway. It always was comfortable and dependable on long drives. It had the X motor in it so it never lacked any power. On corners it held the road very well and hills were no problem. It was a great little truck.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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Great Truck!
darkembrace, 04/18/2006
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck with 57000 miles on it in 5/04. I've had it just under 2 years and it now has 98000 miles on it. The only work I've 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 haven't 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.
A Real Work Truck
David French, 05/22/2009
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my truck. It is not much more than a vehicle to get me to and from work but it is fun to drive and very dependable. The few major repairs I have had have been expensive but thankfully they have been few and far between. To just have a truck that you can use to haul furniture, lawn care stuff, or just about anything, this little S-10 is about as good as it gets.
Second S10 I Shouldn't Have Bought
nomad, 01/30/2010
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is my second s10 and both have had a SEVERE lack of power, to the point where your leg hurts after going up any little hill. The 4 cylinder is known for this, but these were the 4.3 v6 models! The problem is with the prehistoric overhead valve design the GM still puts in nearly all the vehicles even though every other manufacturer has moved to overhead cam design. If the previous owner didn't change their oil every 2000 miles or sooner, the lifters will mess up by 100,000 miles and the only fix will be to pump $500 into the engine, or buy a new engine altogether.
Got what I was expecting..
shawnsta3, 10/13/2012
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for 4.500 last year and was promptly taken to the cleaners. I can't even sell this car for 3,500 this year. But on my actual review, I pretty much got what I expected out of this truck. Decent gas mileage in overdrive (not what you would hope for such a small engine) lack of power going up hills. The 4 wheel drive is a plus. The extended cab is a joke. Only kids under the age of 5 can fit back there. Poor inside looks. Average outside looks. The automatic window on my side sticks sometimes. This truck was really nothing special in the year I have owned it. But on the bright side the only problem I had with it was a new battery and battery connecter for repairs.
Not very reliable
tdkool, 07/29/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this basic model (auto trans) two years ago as a utility vehicle and I've put 20k miles on it- still low miles (72k) but I'm starting to see some of the same issues as mentioned in other posts. (tranny, leaky fluids, etc). I don't rely on it further than 50 miles from home. Horrible mileage and no punch at all.
Vortec is an absolute beast
2384623846, 08/27/2008
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Engine, but everything else...
solid, 05/02/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my S-10 about 2 years ago from a friend. I've put about $3500 into repairs in 2 years. The engine on the truck is great, but everything else seems to break down constantly. Had major problems with the fuel pump, brake booster, O2 sensors, and the front axel. The roof leaks very bad, and both door switches broke about a month after I got it. The washer fluid bin started leaking as well as the transmission fluid pan. Brakes have been a very big hassle also. The truck is very comfortable to drive, but that's about it. All in all I will NEVER ever buy another S-10.
I love my truck
Joeshmo417, 11/20/2009
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second vehicle and I absolutely love it. It has decent mileage and enough horsepower you'd expect from a 4-cylinder truck. It also is very roomy for being such a small truck.
2nd S-10
Dale, 06/05/2010
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my second S-10. Great little truck, interior wasn't as nice as the later models but engine performance was good. No problems with the truck at all. parked the truck because I bought another and decided to do what Chevrolet won't do. I stuff a SBC 427 and Powerglide in it. To hell with fuel mileage, lets have fun, still racing her too
1996 S10 review
Bill Jones, 03/01/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have driven this 5 speed standard shift vehicle since purchased as new and have had no problems with it. I am only interested in trading to get a automatic shift.
96 Chevy S-10
theman, 10/16/2007
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
questionable......
big stank, 06/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
i hate to say it but i do have worries about my truck sometimes. its a great truck when it works.i bought it usedfrom a guy i know and it was in great condition - it was at 96500 miles and ran great till about 98000.at 98 i to drop a new starter in the new thing.soon after i put that in my service engine light came on. after copule of oxygen cencors it ran great to 100,000 miles where know it sits at the shop waiting a new trany cause it had a trans fulid leak.after visteding many trans shops almost every guy i talked to made it sounded very common. and other then my low lock not working now i hope i dont have any problems.good luck with yours
Piece of junk
ptlytch07, 09/20/2006
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck with about 80,000 miles on it from a private seller. I only kept the vehicle for 6 months because it was constantly having problems. A/C went out, transmission had to be repaired, radiator had to be replaced, etc. Of course, none of the repairs were cheap or simple. I finally got all the bugs out and got rid of it before something else could go wrong. I wouldn't buy another one of these if I had to. I would rather walk! Piece of junk!
Constantly in the shop
Marshall Green, 01/15/2006
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 10 people found this review helpful
This was the worst vehicle I ever owned. A year after having it I got rear ended and my oil filter fell off. Not knowing it, I started to leave, naturally with no oil in the engine. The new engine cost me $6000. The heater core broke and fluid poured into my cab. The wheels were constanly out of alignment. The water pump went out, exploding coolant all out of the bottom. This happened of course while I was 1500 miles from home so that cost me a pretty penny at a dealer. The ignition swith along with spark plug wires went out at the same time. There were more things but I don't have all day. Terrible, terrible vehicle. I would not recommend it to anybody, unless you want to get stranded
ZR2 Rocks!
gtbrad, 07/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '96 ZR2 from a private owner in Sept. '98 with only 39,000 miles on it. It now has 62,000 on it, and with the exception of relacing the A/C compressor and a broken A-Arm in the front suspension, the truck has been wonderful. I've put my truck in some god awful places, and it still has no rattles whatsoever and drives as good as the day I bought it. I am now only replacing the brakes for the first time, and need an oil pan gasket. Other than that, the truck has been great.
Lemon
beenLemonized, 07/12/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first truck was a 4 cyl manual s-10 that I owned for a year with no problems. My second one was a 1996 4.3 v6 LS that needed a rebuilt transmission. I purchased another one in '98 and I have had to replace: Starter Turn signal flasher Drive shaft AC compressor Dryer Water pump Tensioner arm Power Booster Whenever I bring it in for service the mechanic is never surprised. A $20,000 truck should be FAR more reliable than the s-10. I have contacted General Motors several times about the reliability of this truck and they have ignored ALL of my correspondence.
GOOD SOLID TRUCK
Alex Farmer from Ga, 11/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THis is a good solid truck i think every young teen should have one.
Not reliable;
Boris2, 11/16/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle falls appart at 125,000 miles; in spite of carefull and regular mainteance. Air conditionner stopped working: $800 Transmission broke twice! $2000 + $1500 Intake gasket leak: $500 The oil pressure has dropped considerably lately and the car may need a rebuilt engine soon $$$??
Never Again!!
surf, 11/18/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I new this truck had a spotty record, but didn't think it would ever be this bad. The truck's on it's 5th water pump. It blew a rod at 102K and the entire engine is replaced. Power windows have had problems. The AC compressor's been replaced. All fuel injectors have been replaced more than once. Alternator is gone too. The inside is all plastic and things rattle. It was recarpeted by the dealer because of such a poor fit. This truck is garaged and highly maintained. I hate to see one that is neglected! You need a kidney belt to ride in this thing because it's so bumpy. The only thing that's been good on it is the brakes.
It's been a great little truck
Jimb, 08/05/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Do regular maintenance and any vehicle will last. Well-powered with high-end V6 & manual trans, rides nicely, just enough cargo room (LS/Extended cab) and looks good (black w/silver trim). Bought in '98 with 46K miles, now has about 80K. W/Wiper recall was long overdue, but other than that it's been a joy to own & drive (when my wife lets me).
Crap on Wheels
Camph, 07/18/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A problem ever since I owned it. Had 3 rear main seal leaks, two oil pan leaks, 9 rear pinion seal leaks (and it still leaks).
Buy only for fuel efficiency
txmx, 10/22/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 4cyl truck with 102000 in 1999. It used to be a company truck. The A/C was inop and it had been in an accident prior to selling. I bought it because it was the only thing I could afford. Unless you are only going to use it for work, don't buy it. I already put another engine on it due to highway usage. I also replaced clutch, slave cylinder, master clutch cylinder, driver seat, power brake is going out...I could go on. If you want more reliability, buy a full-size truck, whether it be Chevy or Ford.
Solid, but ZR2 was underengineered
Ron S, 04/28/2005
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original owner of black ZR2. Great sightlines from driver's 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.
No more S-10
acmtx, 03/02/2004
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third S-10 and for the most part I've gotten where I needed to go. The 1996 has been one problem after another. In order Brakes, Wiper Motor, Speedometer, A/C, Heater,Intake Leak, Radiator,Transmission and now the Water Pump! Throw in 5 Batteries, 5 Thermostats, Two Radios and a back window. That's my 1996 Chevy S-10. All at 74,554 miles! BuyAYORisk!
Excellent '96 S-10 service
Kirk M, 07/12/2006
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased in '02 with 107,000 miles, now has 165,000 miles with no trouble other than alternator, tires, brake pads (normal wearing items) Of course, I do all the normal maintenance that is supposed to be done (ex-auto mechanic with 15+ years experience)
Durable
Jimbob, 04/01/2004
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 haven't 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.
1996 S-10
yoccke, 07/23/2004
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
S-10 Keeps on Trucking
GJCAILL, 08/23/2004
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
This truck is excellent
Doug T., 09/19/2004
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Many other reviews on this site rate this truck poorly, but look at their complaints, they're completely ridiculous. These people are blaming general maintenance on poor mfg quality. If you use you vehicle hard, you're gonna have problems with it. I have a 96 s-10 that wasn't used heavily and was maintained properly and I haven't had a single problem with it. Buy one with a v6 and you won't be disappointed, this thing can get up and move!
nice
JDo, 03/16/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice truck, but definitely need the V6 vortec, it makes it so much more fun to drive. Rough in the snow without 4wd
Good truck between major repairs
Tim, 12/19/2005
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 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. I'm 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.
Take the good with the bad
James in KY, 07/30/2006
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Overpriced and built cheap
Scooba, 07/07/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
S10 had 4.3 V6 and 5 speed manual transmission. Front brake pads don't seem to last long on this truck. Neither did the Delco batteries. Replaced battery 3 times in 6 years. Major problems began at about 45,000 miles. First the altenator dies. At 50,000 miles the transmission craps out. Transmission, clutch and slave cylinder were replaced with new one at dealership. AC quits working a couple months later. About 14 months after having new transmission put in, the transmission starts messing up again. I took good care of this truck. It had regular maintenance and was not driven hard, nor was it used for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Best quality TRUCK in the WORLD.....!!!!!!!
Hayden Stoterau, 03/23/2017
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome little truck, GREAT for EVERYTHING especially in the snow it slides around corners nice and does great in the mud (NEVER have gotten stuck) Rivers and bridges are not its friend. Parts are extremely cheap.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Beautiful S-10 ZR2
Dave , 09/29/2022
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my S-10 ZR2 for 24 years. It still gets plenty of compliments And it’s always been fun to drive. Plenty of power and fair gas mileage.
This truck Sucks
brianlane, 06/27/2002
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Chevrolet shipped these trucks with a bad head gasket and some other problem that causes thumping noises. The 2.2L has no power. My old '88 (sold to a friend) is still running strong at > 250k miles. At 150k I'm having to rebuild everything.
never again
Stuckwithit, 01/13/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck brand new in 95 and have had nothing but problems since. At 1,500 miles the fan clutch broke. The Manual trans. clutch laid over and died at 2,500 miles. Now 2 transmission jobs, A few U-joints, several hundred dollars worth of A/C repairs, 1 broken timing chain, and a total engine rebuild later, I am fed up with this underpowed piece of crap. I will never buy another S-10.
Good Truck
mikeyz, 01/28/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been reading the reviews of this vehicle and am surprised by the reports. I purchased my 1996 Chevy S- 10 ZR2 Extracab in may of 1998--when i purchased it the vehicle had 58,000 miles. I recently broke 100,000 and have had (knock on wood)no major problems to report. I do change the oil regularly but other than that I have done regular maintence. I changed my transmission filter and fluid, put new brake pads, changed the idler pulley and my belts and have replaced the A/C condensor. I did all of this myself so the cost has been relatively low. My truck still has lots of power and I haul my ATV with it and I 4X4 alot with it while hunting.
96' Chevy S-10
Singleton, 05/06/2003
1996 Chevrolet S-10 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
After owning my S-10 for about four years, I would recommend it to anyone. I have taken it places you would never believe and if you enjoy smaller trucks, don't overlook this one.