Skip to main content

Used 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Extended Cab Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
18 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse

3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
1996 Chevrolet S-10 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
See all 4 listings

4 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse

3.63 out of 5 stars

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

Report Abuse

2.75 out of 5 stars

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

Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
2.63 out of 5 stars

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 $$$??

Report Abuse
2.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

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).

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

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).

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

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)

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

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

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

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

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

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
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50