The 2003 Chevrolet S-10 is a perfect truck for getting the job done. It can haul and tow whatever it is you need to haul and tow, and it’s built to last, with drivers reporting an average lifespan of 250,000 miles. But long rides can be pretty rough on the posterior, and even the Extended cab can feel claustrophobic with your whole crew on board.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – Not the best used compact pickup, but the best at this price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The Short and Long bed are both big enough for whatever you need them to do. The interior is cramped and the suspension is a bit too rugged.
- Reliability 8/10 – Expect to get around 250,000 miles on the original transmission before the repair bills really start to pile up.
- Safety 6/10 – Safety tech is dated, and the truck’s crash test ratings weren’t that great on launch, either.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 19/25 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t bad for a truck that can tow over 5,000 pounds.
- Value 8/10 – The Ranger is more comfortable and the Tacoma is more reliable, but they both cost considerably more than the capable, dependable, and affordable S-10.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Chevrolet S-10?
Consumer Reports didn’t get around to reviewing the S-10 for 2003, but they covered the SUV variant, the Blazer, which is the exact same vehicle but with an SUV body. They called the ride stiff and “jiggly” but they were impressed by the vehicle’s lively 4.3L V6 engine.
Kelley Blue Book users like that it’s easy and fun to drive, and low maintenance, even after twenty years of service. Premature rust and mounting electrical problems earned the truck a few red marks from reviewers.
Edmunds foiund the base engine fuel efficient, they liked the torquey V6, and they were impressed by the “stump jumping” ZR2 off-road package. They found the overall build quality a bit poor, and the interior trim kind of flimsy. They note the truck’s weak crash test numbers, as well.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Have?
Premature corrosion has been a leading issue for S-10 owners, with drivers reporting frames, wires, and suspension rusting through. One driver reports that their spare tire came up missing, and, on inspection, they discovered that the cable holding it in place had snapped. These issues are most common in colder states where road salt can chew through the underside of the truck if you don’t spray it with a protective layer.
Drivers have reported a number of issues with the hydraulic brakes. One owner reports an incident where they had to hit the brakes very hard, a “panic stop.” A few days later, they found brake fluid leaking on the front left side of the vehicle, and the brakes have felt soft and spongy since then.
There are only 18 powertrain complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which suggests that the transmission and engine should be able to go the distance. An early sign of major transmission problems will see the truck refusing to shift gears after you press the clutch.
In total, the 2003 S-10 has just 4 recalls and 205 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Three of those recalls are for missing side reflectors in the headlights, and one is for an incorrect caution label. For a twenty year old pickup, these numbers are pretty good.
How Long Will the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Last?
Based on testimony from drivers, on average, you should expect to get around 250,000 miles out of your S-10 on the original transmission and engine. Of course it always depends on how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle, but S-10s have a good track record for attracting buyers who stay on top of their oil changes and tire rotations.
According to RepairPal, the most expensive common fixes will be a new oil pan, starting at around $1,252, and new timing chain tensioners, at $629.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment tech is adequate. The truck is mainly intended for work duty, so CD players are about as fancy as it gets inside the cab.
Safety tech is good for 2003. Anti-lock brakes and full airbags with a passenger-side deactivation switch might not be too high-tech by modern standards, but this was up to par for a 2003 pickup.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 a Good Value?
The 2003 S-10 is a very good value. A regular cab S-10 with a six-foot bed goes at a typical listing price of $3,684, with the fair market range starting at $2,234. That’s for models with around 140,000 to 150,000 miles on the odometer. If the truck’s can go another 100,000 before retirement, that’s a steal.
An extended cab model at the same mileage typically lists at around $4,421. Even on the high end of the fair market range, $5,361, that’s still a good price on a capable, dependable pickup.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Chevrolet S-10?
Not counting the stripped down Fleet models sold for commercial use, the S-10 is sold at an entry level, known as Base for Regular cab models, and Work Truck for Extended and Crew cab models, and both can be upgraded to an LS variant.
The entry-level Base and Work Truck models feature:
- PASSLock theft deterrent
- AM/FM stereo
- 12v power outlet
- Rubberized vinyl flooring
- Reclining bucket seats
The LS upgrade adds:
- CD player
- Manual air conditioning
- Extra 12v power outlet
Crew Cabs and optional convenience packages add remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, and heated power mirrors.
What Engines Come In the 2003 Chevrolet S-10?
- Standard rear wheel drive models are equipped with a 2.2L inline-four engine that produces 120 horsepower and and 140 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,200 pounds.
- In all wheel drive models you’re getting a 4.3L Vortec V6 which produces 180 horsepower in two-wheel mode, and 190 horsepower in four-wheel. This engine does 245 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s paired to a 4-speed automatic, and it can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Chevrolet S-10?
The 2003 S-10 isn’t super comfortable. This is very much a work-oriented pickup, and it comes from a time before truck cabs were expected to feel like SUVs. The suspension is a bit stiff, and with barely over 51 inches of hip room, even the Extended cab feels a bit cramped with a full crew.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Have?
For a compact truck, there’s plenty of storage space in the back. The Short bed stretches 55.2 inches long, and the Long bed stretches to 72 inches. Whichever one you’re getting, it’s going to be 20 inches deep and 57 inches wide. You can do pretty much any furniture haul or supply run without any help.
Interior storage space is another story. The cabin is a bit tight as is, and a pair of cupholders and some map pockets in the doors are pretty much all you’re getting for stowaway spots. If something doesn’t fit in your pocket, you might want to leave it at home.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 S-10 was part of the transitional Crew cab era for the truck.
2001: Chevrolet introduced the four-door Crew cab configuration for 2001, with conveniences like power locks and windows as standard features.
2002: Air conditioning became a standard feature for 2002, and the Extended cab got a third door.
2003: Chevrolet gave the interior an overhaul for 2003, with improved cloth upholstery and new door panels, plus a new fuel-injection system for the V6.
2004: Chevy dropped the Extended and Regular cabs for 2004, selling the S-10 exclusively in Crew cab styles.
How Does the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Compare to the Competition?
A 2003 Ford Ranger is comparable to the S-10 where it counts. Both are capable, reliable trucks that trade convenience and comfort for performance and efficiency. The biggest difference is that the Ranger offers a smoother ride, but costs about a thousand dollars more on average.
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma was the compact pickup of the year, and even earned our Owner’s Choice award for 2003. Versatile, efficient, and the most likely of the three to reach 300,000 miles. And good luck getting someone to sell theirs for less than seven grand.
You could pretty much rank these three vehicles by their price. The Tacoma’s reliability is legendary and worth every penny if you have the money to spend, and the Ranger is more comfortable, while the S-10 is capable, but basic and a bit of a rough ride. It’s also the cheapest of the three by a wide margin.
