Y2K Chevy S-10ZR2 vs. Y2K Ford Ranger XLT Off-Road

brianinvegas · May 2000

Wow, everyone wants a V8! Everyone has a valid point. The 4.8L might push the price of the ZR2 close to $30k and maybe turn people off. I hear the new inline 6 is supposed to be great with nearly 250hp. Maybe that's enough to close the gap to a V8 without a price or mileage penalty. I hope it is available in the S-10.

Either way, it sure beats the heck out of the power I got in 2.8L V6 1985 s-15 Jimmy 4x4. A good truck for the 9 years I had it but boy have we come along way!

eagle63 · May 2000

do you guys know if they're making any changes to the '01 ZR2? thanks, eagle63

woody2269 · May 2000

eagle-you are not the only one that would like to know that answer...if they aren't going to have any changes in the 2001 model, when do you all speculate that they will have changes? Like most of you know, I have a '97 (that just received a swift blow to the windshield over the weekend resulting in replacement of the windshield....*grrrr!!*), and am thinking about getting a new truck soon. Either that, or I think that I am going to give up on the whole thing and just walk everywhere....*LOL* Anyone EVER heard of anyone else have such bad luck as I have had with a vehicle?

xena1a · May 2000

You've certainly had more than your share of trouble with your truck. Maybe you should consider getting a Ford!!! Sorry, just couldn't resist...

scotti81 · May 2000

I am in the process of buying a used S10 ZR2. If anyone who owns or has previously owned, could give me some opinions it would be great. I'm getting one regardless of the negative comments from anyone. I'm just curious to what you have to say. Thanks so much!!!!!

brianinvegas · May 2000

I've had my 1999 ZR2 s-10 ext cab for 15 months and 22,000 miles with no problems at all. It is my daily work truck and is off road quite a bit. The handling and brakes are surprising for a truck. The mileage is about 17-18 mpg and the power is o.k. You'll see a lot of talk about wanting a V8, some of it from me, but I have a Tahoe and a '98 Vette so maybe I'm spoiled.

I'd recommend the ZR2 to anyone who wants a reliable pickup with great road manner on and off road (that looks great too). If you're looking to pull a large boat this is not the vehicle although the 4 wheel disc brakes could stop anything on a dime.

woody2269 · May 2000

xena1a-Yah, I know. And I would totally buy a Ford (ok, I'm one of those wierd people that don't care about the brand, just what it looks like), but I can't afford a full size, and the Rangers are just plain UGLY!! (But that's my humble opinion.....) I am actually considering a Dodge...what do you all think of a Dakota?

As for the ZR2, I think that I just received a bad one. (There's always one party-pooper in the group!! *L*) I LOVE my truck, and I think that that is why I put up with it. It is a beautiful piece of machinery, and like I have said many a time before, it's got some (hide the kids) balls to it!! A 4.3 v6 Vs. a 2.2? No comparison!! It is a very close runner up to a full size truck, and many people that I run into ask me how I can afford it. *L* After all of the repairs that I have had to do though, I have to wonder. The breaks have been pretty good, gas mileage has been ok, handling is great, and have I mentioned yet that it's a darn cool looking truck? *L* Good luck scotti81!!

scotti81 · May 2000

These trucks are so hard to find. I have two dealers looking for me, they are going to auction. But they are having trouble finding a manual ex cab for me. They must be good trucks, I know they don't last long on the lots. Thanks for your responces guys.

cthompson21 · May 2000

If the 2001 Rangers look like what was shown as the "Edge" at the auto show, they'll look almost like a scaled down F150.

And, the SOHC 4L is entering the engine line-up for 2001 with 205hp and 235ft/lbs of torque.

tacoma_trd · May 2000

I am a big fan of the dakota 4x4's, I think they look great, plus they are a slightly bigger truck and they have a V8. My family owns a 4x4 Durango, and if the Dakota is like that, they they drive awesome and the V8 has plenty power. They are not really more expensive trucks, maybe slightly, and this may not be important to you, but they come with the best sound systems in them. Only if you get the Infinity sound system, but to me thats a big deal. I will consider one when I enter the market for a truck soon.

xena1a · May 2000

I would agree that the Dakota is great looking truck. Very unique. I have heard lots of good stuff about the 4.7L V8. My main complaint about the Dakota is that the Crew Cab does not come with a 3rd (or 4th) door. Not all of us need a Quad Cab. I have also heard rumblings about the Auto tranny they put in the Dakota/Durango/Grand Cherokee. Tell us a bit about your family's Durango. Any reliability issues? How's the build quality?

scotti81 · May 2000

I GOT MY TRUCK YESTERDAY. I'M NOW JUST A POOR COLLEGE STUDENT LOL. I LOVE IT THE ZR2'S ARE GREAT TRUCKS. I HAVE MY HANDS FULL KEEPING A BLACK TRUCK CLEAN THOUGH. YEAH TELL ME ABOUT DURANGOS. MY DAD WANTS TO GET ONE, ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THEM.

tacoma_trd · May 2000

Well guys, on our 2000 4x4 Durango we have just reached 3000 miles. So far its one awesome machine. I have never heard any rumbling noises with the tranny, and I think its the best ride in its class with independent front suspension. You wouldnt believe how well it rides. It feels so solid. My uncle just recieved a 2000 Tahoe 2WD loaded. It doesnt ride as well as the 4x4 Durango I find. As for the engine, it has great response and runs smooth. I have never found one disadvantage to the vehicle.

jayfrogdog · May 2000

Regarding chevy's 4.8 v8, I don't think that we will ever see that engine being swapped by the manufacter, that would be to much. 270hp 285lbs of torque. That would take away to many sales for the fullsize chevy which needs to stay in the race to become #1. The dakota offered with the 5.9(before the 4.7) took away from fullsize Ram.
I think that's why chevy never offered the 200hp 260lbs 4.3from the basic fullsize, in the s-10, it would take away sales.
Chevy is rumored to have an inline 6 for the new s-10 that will be ariving. Supposed to have 250hp 250lbs of torque. Even rumored to be sold as a midsize truck as well as a compact.(2 models being offered.) With these stats there is no reason for a v8. This way keeps the price down, the gas mileage up, and still allows the truck to do what a small truck should. This will easily compare to the 4.0l in the new ranger upgrade.
It will be a good battle.
Chevys rule

superjim2000 · May 2000

Where did you hear about a compact and midsize S10? I was saying chevy should do just that.....theyre #2 behind the Ranger but who wouldnt want a piece of the midsize pie also? After all its Dodge Dakota and toyotas "full size" in that market right now.

jayfrogdog · May 2000

I work for a freight forwarding company which brings things in from other countries and ships things out. My company has shipped many prototypes for Frod, Toyota, GM etc.. Although most are in crates, some show up uncovered, and I get to take a peek. Pictures are not allowed because it would be easy to sell to the magizines.
The fine for taking a picture of a prototype is 10,000 to 100,000 fine, and 1 to 10 years in prison(I know I didn't belive it neither, until I read the regulations.) Chevrolet has already shipped the new style baja truck to Brazil for a race. It had a 4.5 litre engine(whether it was a v8 or an inline 6 I don't know.) Chevrolet has teamed up iszu to design the truck. Isuzu is also the designer for the new 6.6 duramax diesel that chevrolet will be coming out with.
Also go to www.sportruck.com and browse around, there is a s-10 blazer with Camaro SS rims on it. This is a resemblance of the S-10 that came through here.

superjim2000 · May 2000

I have no doubt the S10 will go midsize, maybe you saw the Xtreme Blazer? Its a new model for '01, so they say. I didnt find it at sport truck. Anyway the midsize market should be huge, but if what you say is true Chevy will still make compact trucks. Thats great, they worked hard for the #2 spot and shouldnt abandon it. I've heard rumors of a midsize Blazer with a V8.

jayfrogdog · May 2000

Here is the exact link the page with the blazer.
http://sportruck.com/events/tn99/31.htm
It is a blazer with an LT4 installed from brazil.
This front end is very similar to the few that came through here to brazil.
The extreme blazer has already been exposed in car magazines. It's cool. The rumor of the V8 option my be true in the new blazer, it is suppossed to be an extended version which will have a third bench for extra people. They may offer the inline 6 standard and the 4.8 V8 with the extended version as and option(but only with the blazer, that's my guess about the engine.)
Make sure to check out the paperwork on that blazer for sport truck, just double click on the formum underneath the picture.

cygnusx1 · May 2000

I just read ford plans on adding a supercharger in the future to the 3.9L V8. Why can't this be a normally aspirated V8? Why ais Ford bandaiding the engine with a supercharger. Just curious? Anyone know??

jayfrogdog · May 2000

The new Inline 6 that will debut in the new
s-10's are 4.2 liters. I read this in the new month of Motor Trend. This engine will also debut in the new bravada as well.
I guess the inline 6 4.5 liter that I seen in the Brazlian Baja truck was a bored over version.

javagate · June 2000

I had a 1995 Ranger 2wd that was lemon lawed after "28" repairs including 4 oil pan gaskets,
3 rear main seals, engine check lights, coolant leaks, etc... it was replaced it with a 1998 Ranger Extend Cab 4wd off road. I now have 37,000 miles on it. Had only 1 problem a master cylinder went out. Other then having to deal with the Ford Dealer I love my FORD. But I wont buy another FORD because of having to deal with the FORD repair shop - dont trust em. So I like the FORD in general but are there problems at Chev dealers like FORD?

woody2269 · June 2000

The only problem that I have had with Chevy dealers is that they sold me a piece of junk. Everytime that I bring it in, they look at me like I am insane, and tell me that there is nothing wrong. A week later I bring it in for the same thing, and they look at me then like why didn't you bring it in sooner? Not to mention that when I went in there to look for trucks, they saw that I was female, and right away they were telling me about the vanity mirrors....needless to say that after the first 7 times that that happened, I shocked the h*ll out of them by asking about horsepower and torque. My 97 S-10 ZR2 has been brought in so many thousands of times, they know MY VOICE over the phone, not just by first name. I would sell it, but I cannot afford it. I really like my truck, like I said, but I have better luck with Dodge dealers personally.

xena1a · June 2000

javagate -
I'd hate to see you turn your back on Ford because of a bad dealership. Aren't there other dealers in your area that could better address your concerns?

woody -
I admire your loyalty to your ZR2. But if the truck is causing you that much grief...Well, I said it once, and I'll say it again: It's time for you to get a Ford!!! BTW, how is your significant other's Ranger doing? Just wondering...

woody2269 · June 2000

Well, long time no hear. And in response, I have said this before, I'm not a big fan of the Rangers. That, I think, is part of the reason why he isn't around anymore....(j/k!!) So, in other words, don't know how his Ranger is doing. Hopefully better than mine!! I would go and get something different in a heartbeat, but I can't afford it right now. The Dodge dealer that I went to even offered me a job there because he says that many women have problems even coming and talking about trucks with dealers because of the reaction that most of them get (see post #231), but with women, they feel less intimidated. Some of us though like to show off I guess...heck, if someone can find me a ZR2, 97 or newer, under 40000mi, 4.3 V6 under $12000, around MN, I would be soooooo happy, but it doesn't look as though that is going to happen anytime soon....guess I'll just have to live with what I have and beat the heck out of it!! *L*

xena1a · June 2000

Hmmm, interesting. Don't know what line of work you are currently in, but have you ever considered a career change? You like trucks, you're also knowledgeable about trucks. I would agree with the Dodge salesman in that many would prefer to deal with a female sales representative. I know I would (and have specifically done so). I wonder what sort of employee purchase program Dodge offers. Hmmm, food for thought...

scotti81 · June 2000

hey no kidding (im also a woman 19 yrs and in college) i just bought a 97 zr2 black with 25000 miles i love it but im already having problems they brakes squeal all the time and the paint on the hood is kind of bubbling im not sure what to do about it and good luck finding one under 12000 i paid 18300 for mine w/extended cab and they had a reg. cab it was a 97 with 45000 and they want 14000 for that these trucks are so awesome looking and run great but they are hard to come by i wish u luck sorry for no puncuation im in a big hurry i have to go wipe the wax off the truck lol later

cthompson21 · June 2000

Brakes squealing could just be brake dust. Or, your brake pads might possibly need changing. GM brakes usually go faster than other manufacturers. Don't wait too long. You don't want to end up warping the rotors and be shelling out close to a hundred bucks a piece on them.

superjim2000 · June 2000

Disc brakes can squeal and theres a lubricant you can spray on the back of the pad, the side that does not come in contact with the rotor, the side that touches the caliper and it will prevent the squealing..

Sometimes you need this when doing a brake job.

woody2269 · June 2000

Yup, they must miss me over at the dealership. Going in again tonight because when I go to start my truck, it doesn't want to start. It eventually does after about 3-4 tries....Grrrr!! When will I ever get a break? In response to xena1a, I am in a pharmacy job, and going to school to become an EMT, so I think that the possibility of PT? Who knows....maybe I should go talk to them....*s* I guess that I kinda asked for it, a 97 with 82000 mi on it (it now has 95000 since Nov), but seriously now....how would I go about looking to find out if it was involved in any floods or anything of the sort? What about major accidents? Also, I have to replace the belt (the one that is in the front, I can't think of the name of it right now....darn!!) can I do that myself? If so, how? If not, how much SHOULD it run me?

cthompson21 · June 2000

Head on over to carpoint.com and sign yourself up for a personal web page. You can input your vehicle. It will tell you how much a common repair should run.

BTW, it seems like you're talking about a serpantine belt. Make sure to get a new tensioner along with the belt. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to change, but I'm sure that someone who can read a Chilton's and turn a wrench should be able to get it done. A little help from a friend wouldn't hurt either.

chevy10 · June 2000

Hey everybody! Just like to let you know how my '99 Zr2 is doing. I think anyone who has ever said theyve had a problem with one is a fraud. The more i drive it the better it works. It gets faster and smoother. Funner too! No interior noises except for me laughing at anyone who bought a Ranger Off-Road XLT for the same price. Ive added front and rear carbon fiber light covers. A bug deflector. Ameraguard in my bed. All that black goes real well with the Green. Talk about turning heads. The Ranger is just a normal looking truck. I'd hate for people to stray from the normal. Personally i just like whats better. I outran a new Tundra V-8 the other night. As a 17 year old there is nothing better than a truck with attitude. Dont think i dont pay for it. I got a deal for 225/month with 2.9% on a 3 year lease and will by it for 13k when the lease is up. Im tinting my windows this week. Getting new wheels in about a month. Im getting a picture on the net soon and will send it to anyone who wants a pic. You all probably think im just some punk kid who thrashes on this 25k dollar truck. Well i detail it once a week and i only race if i need to prove something. I bought it last july and now have 10k miles on it. It is awesome and i wouldnt have done anything else with my money so what the hell! I hope you all have a wonderful day and ill keep you updated.

Ryan Tuttle
Missoula, MT

P.S. for a pick E-mail me at football@montana.com

xena1a · June 2000

I don't think that I would refer to Woody as a "fraud." She is just an honest ZR2 owner who is having some REAL problems with her truck. Why would she post fraudulent information about that? As far as paying 25K for a Ranger XLT Off-Road, you are severely mistaken, my friend. Over in the Tacoma vs Ranger room, it was reported that in Denver, that particular package can be had for 16.3K. So, continue to be happy with your expensive ZR2. Us Ranger types just smile all the way to the bank...

woody2269 · June 2000

Definately not a fraud here. Going to look up and see if I can find out something through the DMV if there were anything big that happened to my truck. Who knows....I'll keep you all posted. Also, when I brought it in last night, they wanted to keep it overnight to see it in full action. Haven't heard anything yet....:( Again, I'll keep you all posted. Yes, it was the serpentine belt that needed replacement, and thanks for the advice concerning it. I was actually thinking about just throwing in the towel and going back to a car, but then again, I don't know if I could handle riding that low....*L*

modvptnl · June 2000

Anyone that says they outran a V8 Tundra in a Chevy S-10 is a..........well no flames.

cthompson21 · June 2000

Hmmm... 25K for a ZR2?

I paid 18.5K for a loaded (absolutely everything except ext-cab and LSD) for a Ranger.

Have a good time with your truck. It was second on my list when I bought the truck. As you can see, price was extremely prohibative. I'll just stick that extra $6,500 in my pocket or maybe buy something to tow behind my truck...

xena1a · June 2000

Chevy10 should have gotten a Dakota with a V8. Then maybe we would believe his drag-racing story!

superjim2000 · June 2000

Hey the 4.3 S10 is fast and smaller than a tundra, mine is a 2wd. I dont know how much of a penalty the weight of 4wd and the ZR2 suspension are. I paid $16k for my loaded truck.

cthompson21 · June 2000

Hey, throw in another $1500 and you've got a Lightning sitting your driveway. That guy sitting next to you in his Camaro SS or Cobra had better hit every damn gear perfectly, or you'll eat his lunch.

Maybe the guy in the Tundra didn't know he was racing???

I think it would be close should the S10 be equipped with the lowest gearing and a 5-speed.

superjim2000 · June 2000

According to Car & Driver the S10 will remain a compact for '02 and there will be a SUV based on it, just like there is now.

The Blazer name will be put on a midsize SUV.

There was nothing mentioned about a midsize truck, but they mentioned a turbocharged 5 cyl for '03 or '04 to provide V8 power with better gas mileage than a V8.

woody2269 · June 2000

Well, some of you will remember that in March (the end of it anyway) I went in and got basically my whole fuel system redone....fuel pump, injector, and sensor. Well, take a guess as to what is out? Yup, all three. But that isn't even the best part yet!! *L* (You are all going to die laughing....) The rental that they gave me was a used car through the dealership (where my truck is being worked on.) They call me this afternoon (while I am BUSY at work) and say that they made a mistake and gave me a car that is actually SOLD and the owners are going to be there in about an hour to pick it up!! (Meanwhile, my truck is actually done, but they want to keep it overnight and see if it going to work tomorrow morning.) I told them that I have no time to go and drop off this car that they mixed up on and that if they need the car now, they'll have to come get it. Well, it has been 3 hours and they haven't come to pick up the car yet, but I hope that they didn't just pick it up and leave me stranded....*LOL*

cthompson21 · June 2000

Well, that was close. It sounds like GM didn't screw up the S10 by making it a mid-sized truck. A turbo I5 in a compact 2wd p/u with a 5-speed and a LSD sounds like big time fun for a tuner.

cthompson21 · June 2000

It sounds like they've recruited oompa loompas from Willy Wonka's chocolate factory to run that dealership!

scotti81 · June 2000

Hey woody good luck with your truck. I know what u mean though, riding low sucks. I was at work tonight and one of the guys was saying how awesome my truck looked. Everyone is always impressed by my truck. It's a tough looking truck. I am 100% glad I bought the ZR2 and not the Ranger. (i have no problems with rangers most of my family owns them) I'm just glad I bought something that not everyone has. Thanks for the advice on the breaks guys.

afey · June 2000

Just letting everyone know that my 95 s10 has just logged 103k. She still is running well. I believe I need a new timing chain. There is minor
detination. I hope the chain is just worn. I believe it is finally time to replace the original clutch. I checked my brake pads and still had about .25 inch left on the original pads. Yesterday I finally changed the rear diff fluid for the first time. I know I know. It is the only thing I have not kept up with. I have taken good care of this truck and it takes care of me.
Replacing the fuel filter on this thing is a pain.
Also the plug wires are a serious pain.

superjim2000 · June 2000

All 3 DOHC engines sound good and since they will be built on the same assembly line I'm sure there will be lots of performance parts for S10's no matter what engine is in em.

Yes I agree staying compact was a good idea, why abandon the #2 spot? They'd be crazy to do so. Only the Olds Bravada was previewed in the article, no future Chevy SUV or S10 pics.

afey · June 2000

Did yall notice that if was in fact larger than previous. I read in the motor trend but do not remember. I sure hope the new 4.2 is as long lasting as the old pushrod 4.3.
They are still using the 4.3 in the new silverado as the base motor. What about this one???

superjim2000 · June 2000

More efficient, more power and naturally balanced. 250 HP.

cthompson21 · June 2000

the brevada in the article is a good indicator of things to come. usually, GM just has different sheet metal and trim levels to set apart the Jimmy and Blazer.

For a turbo I5, you can just change the pulley to turn up the boost. Whammo! Another 30hp for $100. What could be better than that?

superjim2000 · June 2000

I'm sure there will be lots of tricks with em, we'll have to wait and see, I like the way the S10 looks now, wonder what the '02 will look like.

A guess here but a mild makeover from the current sheetmetal.

modvptnl · June 2000

Turbos don't use pulleys. You can ,however, tweak the waste gate to increase boost.

Y2K Chevy S-10ZR2 vs. Y2K Ford Ranger XLT Off-Road

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