Overview & Reviews

Introduced as a response to the success of Japanese pickups at the start of the 1980s, the Chevrolet S-10 quickly became a prime competitor in the compact pickup truck segment. Affordable and highly configurable, it was an everyman's truck, meeting the needs of anyone who didn't need the towing and payload capacities of a full-size pickup.

During the S-10's 23-year lifespan, there were two generations. Most used-vehicle shoppers will be looking at the second generation. Alas, we were never particularly impressed with this S-10, finding it to be inferior to competing small trucks from Dodge, Ford, Nissan and Toyota.

Most Recent Chevrolet S-10

The second-generation Chevrolet S-10 was produced from 1994-2004. It was offered in regular, extended and (later on) crew cab bodies with short and long beds. The Sportside bed arrived in 1996 along with the optional three-door access cab. The ZR2 package was available on regular-cab short-bed models (it was available with the extended cab in 1995), as was an SS package that included a high-output V6, sport suspension and alloy wheels.

The boulder-crawling ZR2 package added some machismo to the S-10 that the regular and LS versions lacked. ZR2 S-10s featured larger off-road tires, tougher suspension components and standard four-wheel drive.

The S-10 extended cab model was offered with a third-door access panel on the driver side that aided loading cargo, pets or an unfortunate passenger into the rear compartment with its fold-down jump seat. This third door tended to rattle on broken pavement, though.

The 1994-'97 S-10 featured a standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine on rear-wheel-drive models that made 118 horsepower. Optional with 2WD and standard with 4WD was a 165-hp 4.3-liter V6. The high-output V6 put out 195 hp. These V6s were upgraded in 1996 to provide more horsepower and torque. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

Safety was never a point worthy of applause for the Chevrolet S-10, and the early years of this generation were light on safety equipment. Rear antilock brakes were standard, but four-wheel ABS was optional on four-cylinder models and standard with the V6. (All S-10s had four-wheel ABS after 1996.) A driver airbag became available in 1995, but there was no passenger protection until the 1998 update. For this reason, and the shabby interior, we'd steer clear of these early second-generation S-10s.

This S-10 underwent a midlife freshening for '98 that saw more aggressive front styling and an improved interior with dual airbags. The S-10 Xtreme that debuted in 1999 was the street-oriented counterpart to the ZR2. It was offered only in rear-wheel drive with a 2-inch-lower ride height. It also added a body-color grille and bumpers, full ground effects with wheel flares, the sport suspension and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The only other major change for this S-10's run was 2001's new four-door crew cab model with five-passenger capacity.

The Chevy S-10 was loaded with value and versatility for the compact pickup truck buyer, but we were never thrilled with it. The revised interior featured good ergonomics, but the materials were low rent, and the driver sat low, facing a tall steering wheel and dash. The S-10's tendency to squeak and rattle didn't provide the feeling of brawny quality we'd like from a pickup. Nor did lousy crash test scores provide the feeling of invincibility one expects from a pickup. In a comparison test we conducted for 2001, the S-10 finished fifth out of five trucks. Production soldiered on until 2004, at which point Chevy replaced the S-10 with the all-new Colorado.

Previous Chevrolet S-10 Models

The original Chevy S-10 was built from 1982-'93. This S-10 was also available in extended and regular cab styles, with the latter available in two wheelbases. It, too, was available with four- and six-cylinder engines, although the 2.5-liter four-banger made only 105 horsepower.

User Reviews:

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  Chev S10 Crew Cab - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Mary W - December 29 - 2:49 pm

  The 1st 3 years of ownership I was lucky to have a warranty. Replacements included battery, serpentine belt, alternator, shock and more. There has been a nagging rattle in the dash. It has been to the dealership 4 times with the dash taken out, and they still cannot find it. All in all it has been the service that keeps me hanging in with this vehicle. It is a nice truck and I get a lot of use out of it. Not only that, it is bright red with black sport trim package and is awesome to look at.

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  Good truck between major repairs - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tim - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  Im the original owner of my 4wd ext. cab ZR2 with 100K mi as of 12/05, and the truck has been a blast to drive off road and to haul stuff with. However, there have been several major repairs that have cost much $$: Tranny at 50K mi, fuel pump, pwr window motor & switches, 6 batteries, oil leaks, two A/C units, two alternators, electrical problems, idler pulley and recently some ignition system problems. Also, at 16 MPG on the highway it is a lousy commuter. Im convinced the ABS never worked right in spite of at least 3 recalls/bulletins. The 4.3L Vortec V6 has been strong and burns no oil.

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  First Impressions - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By ken G - November 11 - 5:43 pm

  Having driven a Nissan Pu 4X4 for 11 years,lets say I was a little hesitant about buying domestic. At this time I am very impressed with the ride and driveability of this truck. Very comfortable, plenty of zip from the 4.3 V6, nicely equipped. It has the optional limited slip rear axle. Easy access with all four doors. No problems to date. Fuel mileage is as expected with a 4X4 not great, but you dont purchase a vehicle of this type for fuel economy, nor will you carry 4X8 sheets of lumber in the bed, a trade off for having the crew cab. Dependability is still to be determined.

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  To bad they stopped making them. - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By VTorres - October 31 - 9:24 pm

  I was looking for a basic 4wd compact pickup truck with 36k miles or less with a v6 for under $10k. After 40k miles I have had zero problems with it. I get 19-21 mpg. It uses no oil.

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  If you are not looking to spin tires! - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Satisfied - October 24 - 3:02 pm

  Bought this S-10 in May of 2005 overall is a great truck, but the flaws are it shift with a temperment some times she is happy sometimes she is mad! Really Mad!! Overall ride quailty is good on long trips and the wallet still has some cash in it after the 25MPG. If you dont mind a few MPG get the 6 - cylinder you will be glad you did! It is just more fun to drive and you dont have to ride with the hazard lights on while getting up to speed on the interstate! Overall cannot complane never been stranded or brokedown knock on wood!

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  Was a nice Truck. - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Fossil - October 14 - 5:49 pm

  Leased this vehicle for 4 years- bad news! GM LeaseCo is a situation to be avoided at all costs. Just try to get out of your lease- I dare you! Truck always started and ran well. Problems with suspension (truck developed a lean to one side, then the other), battery replaced under warranty, 4X4 system worked well most of the time, but if you change tires, you must change all 4 together, otherwise difference in tire circumference will bind up transfer case. Tires from dealer were the worst Ive ever had. Truck tough looks, but only 4 ply rated. Had flat tires more than 4 times after travelling on roads which others travelled unscathed. End of lease- good bye! Engine too thirsty for me.

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  Good so far - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By jpearce - September 17 - 8:27 am

  Just bought the pickup in sept 2005. It is a black reg cab SB LS/ZR2 model.An excellent, sharp looking truck! I picked it up with only 20,000 miles, being a 1997!! and have put around 600 0n it. So far it is great but the rear wheels ABS sensor failed and is being replaced on warranty.

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  Problem Free - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By NA - September 15 - 2:39 am

  Ive owned my Chevy for almost a year and have had absolutely zero problems mechanically. Its a suprisingly smooth and quiet ride. A little more get-up would be nice but the gas mileage makes up for it. I average about 27MPG. Thats better then most sedans. The stereo could use a little more beefiness and the seats are not the most comfortable things. Do not recommend extremely long road trips! The third door is an awesome feature that makes this truck very versitile, would recommend it!

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  Great truck - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By hobie237 - September 14 - 3:20 pm

  This truck has never given me any problems, other than ones Ive caused myself. Towing three times the capacity has cost me 2 transmissions so far. All in all, the truck starts when I want it to and takes whatever I need wherever I need it. I was a Ford guy. This truck made me a Chevy guy.

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  Alright car - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Adam - August 30 - 12:24 pm

  I bought the car with 135k miles on it and within 800 miles I needed a new transmission, but other than that its a good truck to have