Vehicle Overview
Chevrolets compact pickup truck sees only a handful of changes for the 2003 model year, including a new fuel-injection system for its 4.3-liter V-6 engine. The seats and door panels get new cloth trim. During the 2002 model year, a Flame/Heat decal was added to the Xtreme models and a ZR5 Sport Appearance Package became available for the Crew Cab trucks.
Two-wheel-drive (2WD) models may be equipped with either a four-cylinder engine or the 4.3-liter V-6, while four-wheel-drive (4WD) trucks come only with the V-6. A rear-hinged third door is standard on the drivers side of extended-cab versions. Chevrolet also offers regular-cab models and a Crew Cab body, which has four full-size front-hinged doors. GMCs Sonoma is closely related to the S-10.
For 2004, the new Colorado midsize pickup will replace the S-10, which has a long history in Chevrolets truck lineup.
Exterior
Chevrolets compact pickup is offered in four configurations. Regular-cab models have a 6-foot cargo bed, come only with 2WD, measure 190.1 inches long overall and ride a 108.3-inch wheelbase. The 2WD regular-cab Long Box S-10 rides a 117.9-inch wheelbase and stretches to 206.1 inches long overall. Extended-cab models also have a 6-foot bed but are offered with either 2WD or 4WD. Crew Cab 4×4 models have a 4.5-foot bed. Extended-cab and Crew Cab pickups are 204.8 inches long overall with a 122.9-inch wheelbase.
Sporty exterior packages attract younger buyers. The Xtreme Sport Suspension Package imparts a low-rider look with a ride height thats 2 inches lower than normal. Said to be for those who want to turn heads as they zip down the road, the Xtreme pickups are fitted with 270-degree ground-effects body components and a front air dam with fog lamps. Striping is optional. The ZR2 Wide Stance offroad package for the extended-cab 4×4 has ZR2 decals and includes Bilstein shocks, 31-inch on-/offroad tires and extra-wide argent wheel flares. A new ZR5 option for Crew Cab trucks includes black aluminum bed rails, side steps, a roof rack and wheel flares.
Interior
Regular-cab models seat two or three occupants, extended cabs hold three or four people, and Crew Cabs are built for five passengers. Seating choices include bucket seats, a three-place front bench in either vinyl or cloth and a split front bench with a folding center armrest. Extended-cab models add a folding rear jump seat. Crew Cab models have two front buckets and a three-place rear bench seat. Air conditioning and a tachometer are standard.
Under the Hood
2WD pickups have a standard 120-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Most buyers choose the 4.3-liter Vortec V-6, which is standard in 4WD models. The V-6 produces 180 hp in the 2WD installation and 190 hp with 4WD. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional, but Crew Cab models come with the automatic gearbox only.
Crew Cab models come only with the Insta-Trac 4WD system, which allows push-button shifting between 2WD and 4WD on the move.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard.
