2003 Chevrolet S-10 ZR5

The Chevrolet S-10 Crew Cab is a pickup truck that melds sedan seating and four doors with a pickup truck bed. Add the ZR5 package to the mix and you get a sporty look, giving compact-truck owners nearly everything they could want and need in one vehicle.

Compared to the Extended Cab S-10, the ZR5's 4-door setup makes much easier access to the rear seats.

Although the S-10's basic styling and design has been around for several years in its present form, it still looks modern and, as sales figures attest, is a more-than-able competitor. Until the vehicle gets its next redesign, though, the ZR5 should help lure potential 4x4 mini-truck owners into Chevy stores.


The Crew Cab (only available as a 4x4) and the cargo bed make this truck a stretched version of the Extended Cab S-10. Unlike most vehicles, the longer wheelbase here seems to amplify, instead of absorb, the freeway expansion joints. That said, the refinements Chevrolet engineers have performed to the suspension system make this and other GM trucks ride with a greater car-like comfort than ever before.


This truck surprised us with its on-road handling and ride. True to form, the body-on-frame architecture and 4x4 utilitarianism make it harsher than the new breed of car-based crossover vehicles, so don't look for sports car handling on mountain roads. Still, this hardy truck does offer several sedan-like features.


Compared to the Extended Cab S-10, the ZR5's four-door configuration makes much easier access to the rear seats. It also adds much-needed legroom for those passengers who get elected to sit there. The rear seat, while comfortable, is designed with a fairly straight backrest because of its proximity to the rear of the cab.