Driving Impressions
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Its ride height and comfort aside, the Xtreme's truckness comes out in the driving.
Though the pricing reflects a four-cylinder model, all of our driving was restricted to an Xtreme with the Vortec V6. The V6 is tuned for low-rpm torque. It's best to shift early and use the torque for motivation. Revving beyond 4000 rpm yields acceleration but the engine feels forced. Run it to the redline and the transmission resists shifting, the synchros waiting until revs drop. Zero-to-60 times and quarter-mile ET's will suffer as a result, as will accelerating into a moving stream of traffic. Overall, the acceleration performance is snappy, but not breathtaking. The V6 delivers plenty of power and makes all the right noises.
The ZQ8 suspension that comes on the Xtreme is available on other S-10 models and it improves handling with some sacrifice in ride quality. The Xtreme corners flatter and with more confidence than a standard height S-10. The big tires offer lots of grip, even on wet pavement. Riding low, the Xtreme never feels tippy, so this truck can be hustled through the twisty bits with confidence, just so long as the road is smooth.
But we found the ride to be choppy. Lowering ride height limits suspension travel; add in tires with short sidewalls and a live rear axle with leaf springs and the Xtreme behaves like a throwback to performance from the '60s -- which it should, as cars of that era had a similar suspension setup.
There's a good on-center feel and the steering is responsive. Considered as a sports car, the Xtreme's primitive suspension and trucky engine and transmission give it a decidedly vintage feel. On the other hand, as a truck, the Xtreme handles very well. And no sports car offers the utility of a pickup bed. The Xtreme came in handy when we went to a big picnic, moving a gas grille, several tubs of soft drinks and assorted supplies. Let's see you do that with your Miata! While there, it drew many more positive comments.
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