2002 Chevrolet S-10 in Bristol, TN - $10,998

Affordable and versatile, the S-10 pickup continues to offer consumers an array of body styles and bed lengths designed to satisfy a broad range of compact pickup truck buyers. The S-10 is available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles, standard (6 ft.) and long (7 1/3 ft.) cargo box lengths and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.

Built at the automaker's Linden, N.J., and Shreveport, La., assembly plants, the compact Chevrolet truck comes equipped in base and LS trim levels.

Truck buyers looking for a radical appearance for their pickup might consider the (1SX) Xtreme Sport package. For $2,660, Chevrolet will trick out a regular cab/standard box, two-wheel drive S-10 in LS trim with the following upgrades: two-inch lowered ride height, unique aluminum wheels, P235/55R16 BSW tires, color-keyed grill, color-keyed front/rear bumpers with rear step, monotube shock absorbers, front fog lights, wheel flares, 270 degree ground effects, deep tinted rear glass and badging.

Engine choices include a Vortec 2200 2.2L four-cylinder and robust Vortec 4300 4.3L six-cylinder. A five-speed manual serves as the base gearbox while a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic is an available option.

Once underway, the compact truck scoots down the highway with little problem. The S-10 delivers a smooth, mannerable competent performance at speed. Consumers that desire to haul/tow on a regular basis might consider the six-cylinder engine (std Crew Cab). With rigid steel ladder-type body-on-frame construction as a foundation, the front suspension on all models has upper and lower control arms and a stabilizer bar.

Two-wheel drive models have friction free coil springs while four-wheel drive models feature computer-selected torsion bars to optimize ride and handling. The rear features a traditional two-stage, variable rate multi-leaf suspension in order to manage ride quality when the cargo box is fully loaded or empty.

Consumers can modify the capability of the suspension system with a choice of four different suspension packages: the standard (Z83); Solid Smooth Ride, (Z85); Increased Capacity, (ZQ8) Sport; and (ZR2) Wide Stance.

Inside the cabin, displays and controls are excellent, well laid out and easy to use. Outward visibility is top notch. The cloth 60/40 bench seat with armrest is comfortable and easy to adjust. Extended cab models have a standard third door for easier loading and access to the cargo area on the driver's side.

Quick vehicle stats

Regular Cab/standard cargo box

Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 190.1; width: 67.9; height: 62.0

Regular Cab/long cargo box

Wheelbase: 117.9; overall length: 206.1; width: 67.9; height: 62.9

Extended Cab/Crew Cab/standard cargo box

Wheelbase: 122.9; overall length: 204.8; width: 67.9; height: 62.7 (2WD), 63.4 (4WD) measurements in inches

Engine: Vortec 2200 2.2L four-cylinder -- 120 hp at 5,000 rpm and 140 lbs-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm; Vortec 4300 4.3L six-cylinder -- 2WD -- 180 hp at 4,400 rpm and 245 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm; 4WD -- 190 hp at 4,400 rpm and 250 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm

Transmission: MW2/M50 five-speed manual, Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic

EPA fuel economy: Vortec 2200: 22 city/28 highway (manual), 19 city/25 highway (automatic); Vortec 4300: 17 city/22 highway (manual), 16 city/22 highway (automatic). Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline.

Maximum payload: 1,111 pounds

Towing capacity: 5,900 pounds

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, PASSlock theft-deterrent system, side impact door beams, daytime running lights with Automatic Exterior Lamp Control, battery run-down protection and retained accessory power. Six-cylinder models add limited slip differential.

Warranty

Basic: 3 year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper

Corrosion: 6 year/100,000 mile

Roadside assistance: 3 year/36,000 mile, 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 compact pickup trucks starts from $14,285 for the Regular cab, $16,085 for Extended Cab and $23,885 for the Crew Cab. Destination charges add $635.

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