2001 Chevrolet S10 Single Cab - One Take

This 2001 Chevrolet S10 single cab pickup features the 4.3L "Vortec" V6, a lightly modified suspension, and is the owners commuter for a 100+ mile round trip every day. Despite how these trucks resonate in our memories, we find this 160,000 mile example to be extraordinarily tight and surprisingly nice to drive with great inputs, a good ride, and decent handling. We could even call it fun!

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Matt and the owner was totally feeling each other. #bromance Nice little truck.

[@DJMotoVlogs]

were*

[@randomguy6330]

+DJ MotoVlogs Once the cameras weren't rolling... MUTUAL BRO ROOOOOAAAADDDD DDOOOOOMMMMEEEEE!!!!!!

[@MegamanEXEv2]

+DJ MotoVlogs *insert slow mo shots of looking into each other's eyes with Careless Whisper playing in the background*

[@Soil_Bound]

+DJ MotoVlogs "You're a ugh, ugh healthy gentleman" XD 2:31

[@DeFreshS10]

As an S10 owner, this makes me happy. 198k miles on mine, full bolt ons and lowered like his. I absolutley love my truck regardless of back killing shitty seats. Thanks for doing this video Matt.

[@budlit1854]

I love my s10 but can never get comfortable on the high way hahah

[@DeFreshS10]

stoned ryguy really? I do. pop that bitch in cruise and coast. the only thing is that the passenger door got bent somehow and the wind makes it sound like the window is open.

[@WhiskeysPaw]

DeFreshS10 both of my doors on my 88 have wind sound. I was detailing mine and saw that the door pins that run thru the brackets are starting to oval. Have you noticed anything?

[@_chipchip]

"you're a healthy gentleman". What an awesome sentence.

[@dashcamcalifornia5003]

+chipchip yea he's almost perfect. just look at his name...

[@manolo7178]

thanks chip

[@zackdl]

+Dash Cam California Why did I laugh so hard at this comment?

[@renerios1056]

I was thinking the exact same thing when I heard that haha.

[@KingStivan]

+chipchip wish i was one QQ

[@kenshinhimura9387]

The 4.3L Vortec engine was an amazing engine and they last a very long time if you maintain them.

[@TeeVo1983]

What a super nice guy, nice to see a manual S10. Love to see an LS dropped in it.

[@jeffanderson7256]

Donald Drumpf working around the injection system on the 4.3 is barley worth it

[@glennmanchester1568]

You dont see a ton of 4.3 vortec in front of a 5 speed stick. With a little bit more bolt on mods if he could get it into the 250 hp. Range being a stick it would be pretty quick as quick or quicker than most v8 swaps in s10s due mainly to the weight difference most 350s people drop in them aren't getting 250 hp and that's fun

[@lclnbm]

@@glennmanchester1568 the 4.3 is a 350 with two cylinders cut off. A 350 in a S10 would make around 250 wheel depending on the make.

[@ktown0173]

I love the 2.2 on mine, slow as it is. Cant beat 30mpg lol

[@hakeemsd70m]

Holy wow, that 4.3L Vortec sounds incredibly smooth and velvety. I could listen to it all day. Great S10 drive.

[@maximilianholland]

"Having an open mind... is so important, people" - another Matt Farrah quote for all seasons. Keep up the great work Matt.

[@ScagsLD]

I'm a huge S10 & Sonoma fan, I currently just retired my 2001 4.3L V6 that lasted me over nine years. 318,000km on the motor to be exact, Sadly the bodies on these trucks fall apart If not well maintained. I love these trucks so much I just bought another one last week, Picked up a 2000 for around the same price as the one In this video and I shit you not this truck drives amazing!!!!! Esp for being 16 years old, And I agree these trucks don't get enough credit.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

I have a 98SS I bought new. Has 43K on it. Love it

[@JA-rn5qv]

What body maintenance do you recommend to avoid that?

[@BCJDM]

Remember when mini trucks were a thing?

[@archibaldvonfookface7364]

Yeah I miss mini trucks.

[@ethownzbh]

REPU bruh!

[@MrSoxVictory]

+BCJDM they still are just not in Australia and we call them utes

[@Rentta]

+BCJDM They still are and have always been a thing here in europe. We never had those massive trucks you have in us

[@MrJk009]

+Rentta lol massive? come to America and come drive some of my buddies diesel trucks pretty good fun

[@deviantarsenal]

I have this exact same truck in Victory Red. The 4.3L Vortec V6 is surprisingly peppy! I have the same wheels/ZQ8 package but mine is automatic. I had mine lowered another 2in. in the front and 3in. in the rear. I added a Flowmaster exhaust system, K&N CAI, and an Air Raid throttle body spacer. Awesome truck! :)

[@buddypines]

Thank you Matt, the S10 community commends you sir! And that is a nice little dime there.

[@samsquantch14]

screw these haters...i think this is sick and i bet this truck has some get up and go.has so much potential

[@calumthestrong]

I had an S10 like that. Except white, with the 2.2 four cylinder. One of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned. I wish I'd never sold it!

[@averythepanda7004]

Old comment i know😂😂 but im looking at a 2002 s10 2.2 truck as my first vehicle, would you recommend?

[@erivera1993]

calumthestrong I just bought one today 47k miles clean for 1000

[@iDrive4fun93]

This is what draws me to this channel, when I see reviews like this. Awesome review, awesome little truck, the owner was cool, well spent 15 minutes imo.

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

You sir; are a healthy gentleman.

[@iansmith3975]

I have the same truck in blue. I’ve owned it for 10 years and it’s never let me down. Started out lowered now it’s lifted. I’ve driven it across the entire country twice. It’s even been stolen and I got it back lol. I love my S10!!!

[@StevenSVT]

I learned to drive standard, back in 2000, in my brother's 99 s10 extreme... It was a really nice truck!

[@DJCARBON2012]

I have a 01 S10 with the 2.2 manual LS extra cab. I love that truck, use it to commute 2 hours everyday and where I live, I'm usually always flying at speeds of 80+mph.It has given me a few electrical and fuel problems here and there, but nothing serious.

[@Abombproductions100]

I think it's awesome that Matt does a variety of cars, not just sports cars! Loving these one takes, keep it up!

[@pedropotomas]

I drive a 2000 Chevy S10 2.2L 4 cylinder 5 speed manual with 348K on it and still counting.

[@justinp8946]

Peter Parsell original engine?

[@brendame]

Nice!!! How did you keep the body from rusting?

[@hiphopcroaks24]

I have a 1996 2.2 5spd with 156k😬

[@HIGHER7RUTH]

Peter Parsell that’s good news I have a 1998 Chevy s10 ls 2.2 with 250 k miles. Had to get a kill switch cuss they want to jack my truck.

[@Andresortega-nd2js]

I got a 95 S-10 4 cylinder with a 5 speed Manuel and 131k miles on it. Came from Texas, so there’s no rust, and its so much fun to drive. It’s my first car and I’m planning on keeping it

[@kevinnorwood7880]

Those 4.3 engines were tough. They were more or less a 350 with two cylinders chopped off.

[@lethalzenki4078]

They actually have the same boor and stroke as a conventional Chevy 350. So they are a complete 350 with the 7&8 chopped off. GREAT motors :)

[@DeFreshS10]

+ryan collier I think it was 3-6 chopped off (technically) since 7-8 was the rear of the engine.

[@lethalzenki4078]

+DeFreshS10 that could be very true. Haha. But I love those motors. And I miss my truck everyday

[@EdwardAlcala]

They are awesome engines!

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

Right

[@nilknarf1596]

I totally agree with all the points about owning a small truck. I owned a 2014 ram 1500 quad cab for two years. I live in the DC are and the truck was a royal PIA. Parking was impossible. I was often forced to park miles away from my destination and cab/walk. My mirrors were struck several times. I needed a step stool for my shorter friends to enter the vehicle and check the oil !! I often allowed items to accumulate in the bed of the truck because it was so tall I couldn't see in the bed. Putting items in the back was a chore. I also got a stress fracture from jumping in and out of the bed.I traded for a 2016 frontier and couldn't be happier. I cant tow nearly as much BUT I can get in without using the hand rails and jumping, I can easily lift items in to the bed. and parking.... NO PROBLEM

[@brian5o]

Very, very nice S-10. I sure miss mine, it was a 1995 extended cab with the 4.3 V6 and 5-speed. I took it on many, many road trips and was still running strong at 150,000 miles when i traded it in. I sure wish that i would have held on to it.

[@Redmed427x]

I miss my 93 s10 SO much, I learned stick on it. I had SO many plans for it, being my first vehicle. I have since moved on from the truck scene but it will always hold a special place in my heart

[@NichollsSense]

I had a 1999 zr2. I spent more fixing it than I paid for the truck. I had a hard time getting rid of it though because when it ran, I loved it.

[@TheEasterFerret]

My dad owned a 96 S-10, V6 Auto, and used it for a 2 hour round trip commute every day. I learned to drive in it and I think it's great for learning. After it had about 215k on it, he sold it to my boss who used it for development reasons, then made it his daily for several more years. It finally died with about 240k on it. I don't have many good things to say about the Chevys my family owned (I'm a Toyota guy now), but that S-10 was the exception. A lot of things died on it, but you couldn't stop that engine.

[@bojangles3111]

I actually did learn to drive stick in one of these! Our friends loaned us the truck, the 5sp 4cyl version, but regular cab just the same. At 12 my dad took me to an empty school by our house, and its stuck ever since. I'll never forget these trucks, I'd love to have another someday.

[@cloudchaser8297]

this show has hit its pinnacle. I congratulate you sir

[@comprastps7993]

It is a jewel this S-10 is one of the most comfortable pickup, congratulations

[@mojostevo]

Lol, I wanted one of these so bad in high school. Cool review man, the oddballs are always winners.

[@Zach_A]

Those rims are probably the best looking rims on a regular, non-exotic, vehicle.

[@joshmartinak4315]

4.3 is an awesome motor

[@adrock84ify]

+Josh Martinak whats awesome is how gm sold so many people into buying a truck with a 1970s motor in it.

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

adrock84ify I drive a 2003 s10 with a 4.3 in 2017 and it hauls ass so idc if it was a 1870s.

[@laned8418]

I like it but its so back on fuel mileage

[@GarageSupra]

One of my favourite if not my favourite channels on youtube. Keep it up man, I cant wait for the 2016 focus RS!

[@grantp6451]

I was surprised to see this on here, especially with so few mods, but I'm glad to see it as I have a little soft spot for this generation of S trucks--my first car. Semi-pro tip: Upgrade to the Blazer brakes (front and rear) and you'll be impressed. Dual pistons up front and discs in the rear will have that thing stopping on a dime (pun intended). And underdrive pulley and an Electric radiator fan will really free up the revs in that 4.3.

[@metaren8829]

My first vehicle. So much fun to drive and didn't have much issues. Absolutely badass baby truck, despite what people may say! AC did great in the hot Louisiana weather.

[@SoFloCamejo]

That thing is fresh. I love it!

[@ccubsfan94]

6:31. Matt found his inner bakerxdickead.

[@califroniacrusin7945]

+ccubsfan94 lol

[@wckdvnmproductions]

Cheeeaaah

[@El_Scorcho_]

Hahahahahaha

[@WilDcAtpRid3]

Cheeah just cruising in the sex 10

[@MrBrennanCreeper]

He fits in that truck.. ahhhh...reeeeaaaallll gooooodddd

[@lethalzenki4078]

I love this video Matt! I had a 99 xtreme. LOVED that truck

[@twotrackjack2260]

Great video, was pleasantly surprised to see this pop up on here!

[@sleon7340]

Love the oddballs! Hope to own an oddball car one day and have you drive it.

[@gtrtalon45]

My 98 sonoma has 324K miles on it and the engine is still smooth. I love the old thing..nice to see this review.

[@markbunn8576]

Nice to see a good review of an S-10. My 94 4.3 4x4 has 210,000 miles and runs like a top. It's my work truck and I drive it every day.

[@herrpoopschitz928]

Drove a 4 cyl of this model as a parts delivery truck while in college. Great little truck that was relatively nice inside and could absolutely get the shit beat out of it. Fond memories.

[@Chilimustard]

Dude. This is one of my very favorite motors. I had a 2002 Sonoma.

[@Carlyle3rd]

matt ur the man bro! i love "one take" awesome show👍

[@Marcello1b]

Absolutely great feeling watching you guys. I never had the opportunity to "try" a S10. But, with you, I have a kind of feeling being there. The gears transmission are really great; it is handling the road really well; the acceleration is perfect... I guess, it's doing the great job and the perfect time... One thing though, it would have been great to see (with a third camera in the dash) the RPM as you go. It is great to hear the engine and to see (or hear) at which speed it's doing what RPM... Over all, maybe there are beautiful car there and there... "Those with big name on it". Me, I am the type of guy that likes to hear "good mechanic" that does the job well; to bring you From A to B.... and the rest, without "too much" repair. I am also "an open guy" and, I agree, it gives more opportunity to appreciate different and other avantage. I hope you program a great success. I hope you will go also further in "oldies"... and even some other little trucks or pick ups that "most of us" don't or did have the chance to try. With this channel, we are having an opportunity to "feel it great" So all the best and Thanks!

[@dabeardsmen3621]

That MF BEARD THO!!!

[@JustDan]

Your name fits your comment so well! :)

[@dabeardsmen3621]

Lol

[@plisskin83]

All men can do it. Called facial hair.

[@dabeardsmen3621]

+Aspen Look i wish lol

[@dabeardsmen3621]

+plisskin83 all men can not do it SUR

[@kennethmiller5187]

This little truck is actually pretty rare for as far as S10's go. At least here in Pennsylvania. Finding a regular cab, 2wd, 4.3, stick truck is near impossible. I know you aren't a sport truck fan Matt but that thing is a unicorn.

[@masonl8128]

I own this same truck (stepside) with a cold air,headers, cat back,high flow mass air and a chip. Absolutely love it, had 3000 when i got it over 200k now, rolled it twice through a creek in ky but she still chirps third. So cool to see this on The Smoking Tire!

[@criznitty]

Man, this is a great little truck. Great motor as well. This is the only little pickup I would consider other than Toyotas before their dimensions started to get the best of them.

[@Rasyed1027]

AMMO Rocks!! Larry is the detail King!

[@HiroshimaSpirit]

That's a really well-kept S10. Not many, let alone nice ones, left out there. Good on this guy for having some fun with it. I personally wouldn't buy one for myself, but I bet it's a fun little truck.

[@whelk]

I always liked my S-10. I wish they still made them.

[@viziocamaro]

sweet i like seeing smaller trucks get some love they are definitely fun to drive.

[@21April853BC]

I was into mini truckin' when I was a poor teenager and now that I'm older I had a full size single cab regular bed truck. I like his truck. I'd drive it for sure.

[@punitm85]

the newer generation 4.3 v6 had a balance shaft in the V of the block gear driven by the camshaft. A good ole engine.

[@Clutch_Kick187]

Cool dude in a normal truck.. and proud of it.. nice change of pace..

[@Low97ss]

Nice truck, mine is pretty similar to this one except it's an auto and a '97. I'm glad to see Matt liked it. ZQ8s are fun little trucks.

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

I did learn to drive stick on a small truck like this (a Ford Ranger, not an S-10) and I can confirm--a little truck like this is super-easy to learn on.

[@chrisrinard2981]

Matt your right about it being a good learning platform. I learned to drive stick in a 4cyl version of that truck.

[@rxforlife05]

Great video! I just picked up a 1997 S10 extended cab, 5speed, and step side. The truck actually needs some work, chief among them is a transmission. This video has inspired me to crack down and work on it more.

[@TheBrokenLife]

+Paul Trahan Be warned: There are lots of weird differences in manual transmissions for s10s around that period of time. So if you need a junkyard swap unit, make certain it's exactly what you need for the truck. Good luck!

[@kjrwhs2003]

I still miss my 92 s10 blazer that had the 4.3l cpi vortec motor. damn thing was a monster of an engine. kept up door to door with mustang gt of the sn95 era

[@markrich3271]

S10s are awesome I had a 89 w/ digital dash 10 tears ago . That is what introduced me to GM. I never went back.

[@OSUCherokee1]

My first vehicle was a Regular cab 2000 Chevy S10 with the 2.2L "Firebreather". :P I loved the heck out of that truck. It had a 4.10 gear ratio, so it was reasonably quick for what it was. I eventually lowered it 2 inches, tonneau cover, intake, exhaust. It could easily maneuver through traffic and parking lots. I used it for occasionally hauling hay, feed, furniture, drunk fraternity guys, and drove it from Oklahoma to NYC and back and got over 30mpg. Small trucks are the best. I'm glad you enjoyed driving this one . The ideal setup would be an "Extreme" regular cab, sport-side bed (fiberglass), 4.3L V6, 5 Speed Man, with the 4.10 gears from the 2.2L.

[@Borderline5440]

I've got a lowered '93 regular short bed with a 4.3 and the 5 speed. I love it to death and they're strangely wonderful for how cheaply they're built.

[@Borderline5440]

*regular cab

[@whoopharted1]

Pretty cool, shows that they make a good daily that you can use for hauling and some spirited driving.

[@Calikid42O]

Clean and Simple s10

[@Staki6908]

Thats funny I went to school with a friend that had a truck exactly like that and he looked nearly like the owners twin, but from Texas lol. I'm kinda sad to see all these little trucks drop off the map, Ranger and the S10 were just what you got back in the day while in school.

[@wccrispy]

+Todd Ison Last U.S. Ranger was 2011 but there was a 2012 model that was made available in Australia.

[@brendame]

Manual Chevy S-10 Rules!!! Thanks for the ride!!!

[@moeblisss12]

I love, love, love these odd cars. Keep it up.

[@christopherhernandez7454]

I learned to drive manual in my uncles sonoma and it was so simple so easy and so forgiving. Learned in maybe 15-20 minutes

[@ethownzbh]

We need to add "whee" to Farah's slogans.

[@allanb3222]

Or make a t- shirt with that saying!

[@brandonwilliamreed]

Really unique truck. Very cool.

[@WorkHorse.Fabrication]

I learned to drive stick on a s10 my dad brother and I built it a 2.2 5 speed with the xtreme package added (Bilstein Shocks bigger sway bars wider rims ) we also put in a quicker ratio steering box

[@Heretic306]

This was a nice change up from the usual.

[@ebarrett3735]

nice clean looking truck man

[@EsOoBaCtvp]

96' s10 4cyl 365k miles. Majority rust damage original engine, rebuilt trans. 10 bumper replacements which added up to a new refrigerator, dishwasher, and stovetop oven. Plus with no payments for the last 18 years and 1k coverage, descent mpg. I'd say its not a piece of crap.

[@GR1MRACER]

I love my 2000 Blazer. Matt, respect the 4.3v6.

[@saveryquinn]

never thought I would see a truck like my old truck in a one take...

[@BeachJedi101]

Love the oddballs!

[@skunkwrxs]

What a cool, gracious guest.

[@MacktasticDazzle]

I had a 1997 (last year with square headlights) single cab, 4 banger, lowered, CAI, dry shot of nitrous, and it was/is still one of my all time favorite vehicles I've ever owned. It was slow as garbage, but super easy to slide the ass end. Not to mention it was damn near bullet proof. Had that baby for 9 years. I still regret selling it back in 2006-2007 :(

[@brianpardee1281]

I learned on my 1996 2.2 still have it amazing little truck

[@TheMirageowner]

I have had (2) S10's. The first being a 1992 Ext. Cab V6 (non vortec) and a 2001 Sonoma (GMC version) extended cab V6 Vortec. Both were exceedingly reliable and I describe the the V6 power as effortless( it really seemed like the engine was never stressed). The interior pieces will become brittle and rattle but the engine/trans are pretty bulletproof

[@chevykid00]

I love my S10! I've got a 2002 2wd with 45k on it and it's fun to throw around on backroads. Even more fun in the snow. The braking does leave a lot to be desired though.

[@motolifealways]

Amazing trucks! I have a 98 extended cab 4.3 with 305,000 miles and is still amazing to drive ! This is my fourth one and having this one for 10 years! Only downfall is that they blow intake gaskets

[@AshtonCoolman]

I'm not a fan of this truck but that is a beautiful sounding engine. Well done!

[@ivorton23]

I actually like these little s10s they're pretty kool little trucks

[@ZROSTARS]

Keep the Truck reviews coming

[@mathieubeland9532]

small pick ups are much overlooked, i have a manual ford ranger 3.0 with 4;10 gears and its practical and very fun to drive and the steering is more direct than most modern electric steering crap. the low gears and low end torque makes slow city driving fun and on b-roads sweepers it handles surprisingly good

[@kenkozma9894]

I like this truck. I had a Sonoma 2.2. Tuff and sporty. That v6 sounds Goood.

[@killerdoxen]

Got an ‘03 extended cab with about 100,000 miles on it and it’s a great truck. Need to do some rear end work on it, though. Will be getting another for a custom project in the future here.

[@bonegoodson]

loved my 2003 gmc zq8. Procharged it with headers. Close to 300@the wheel.

[@furgulley8077]

I love the s - series trucks. I've owned 5 now (gmc highrider/zr2, 3 single cabs and e extended cabs) and still daily drive my 01 extended cab with 148k. so easy to work on and modify and huge aftermarket.

[@mondomoleno.3404]

My uncle has a dime as a drag truck. Older body than that from the 80s with a small block 350. Runs 12s. I do like the oddball vehicles. I've always said I'd modify any car I bought to my taste, and so far I have. I feel like a lot of the people that bring out the weird stuff are the same way. The modded Camry, this S10, that van with a toilet in the back, anything Corbin Goodwin touches. It's just a love of making your car your own.

[@redriver15262]

Do an Austin Healey, i wana see you in one 😂💃🏻🏎

[@TheSmokingTire]

+Ernesto Ortega R I have an MG mIdget next week. basically the same thing.

[@iliovecaRS]

+TheSmokingTire wow.

[@ryangodinho9541]

+TheSmokingTire Do a 1992 Honda prelude, those cars are pretty interesting.

[@redriver15262]

OMG YASSS!!!

[@connoisseurofcannabiscarsp3755]

+TheSmokingTire DUDE are you honestly that disconnected in regard to true air shocks?????? Im only 40 and air shocks where a big deal not only in my youth but hell my pops 1965 Dodge Coronet 426 wedge had them from factory! I had them on my 86 Mazda B2000 that was slammed to the ground with a 1990 mustang 302 drive train. I also had a 99 S10. and it was Far superior to the Ferrari 360 modena i got in the same timeframe.Did I also hear you think it was a 4x4!? yep Matt tons of people lower 4x4 S10s. im honestly wondering what you heard was so bad about this Gen S10. the previous model was the biggest piece of shit ever made. Ill go ahead and say the build quality is better than the 98 Corvette 6 speed I bought new and gave my dad.

[@CTjacob13]

My 1997 Ranger has 145k on it and it's still going good. It's the same as this S10. Biggest V6, 2wd, regular cab short bed but I have 4.30's in the back.

[@alcobra88]

What a perfect daily driver. I'm looking for something similar (Colorado/Canyon) to daily drive and haul the bike around.

[@hesco0528]

Clean little truck

[@mikebaconheart2620]

My 97 ext cab 164k is still as a tight as a new truck. Love my S10.