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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  OK ,but please do better. - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By RayJ. - January 24 - 2:00 am

  ABS in this truck is a NIGHTMARE. Had to goto the shop 5 times. I cross my fingers it wont happen again, but I said that at 4 times in.Its a good truck for light work.

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  S10 - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Randy Auvil - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We have gotten about 17.0 mpg in general driving and 22.0 on a trip. It appears to lack power on hills. My wife calls it a girls truck. Its her truck.

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  little red truck - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By bird - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The truck was not what I wanted. Small, no frills. But when I drove it my mind changed. Its fun to drive around the city, if you like to drive. Oh its a 5 speed and I use it. Like most things we drive it could use more power, but then again I wouldnt be passing as many gas stations. I plan on keeping it until it or I give out. So far other the regular maintenance its got all the factory parts except the rear U joint. Great Driver

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  Perfect for me - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Indiana - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I just got my truck about a month ago. I love it so far. The truck feels solid, rides nice, and looks good to. Gas milage has been respectable for a truck, about 22 miles to the gallon. The seats are comfy and my 7 year old loves the jumper seat in the back. The truck dont sit to high for a kid to need lifted in and out either. I opted for the four cylinder and I dont regret it. Its got all the pep I need and wont dent my wallet at the pump. So far im very pleased and will keep you posted if I find any problems.

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  8 months into owenrship and 15452 miles - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By dave1012356 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleaed overall with this vehicle so far. I regret that I didnt get the 6cyc and dont recommend a truck with a 4 cyc to anyone. Othere than that this is the dream truck of small trucks. Chev has a winner here. dont get the caviler though

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  like my 2003 s-10 3dr ext.cab. 6 cyl - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By littlejohn126 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK FOR THE MONEY

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  Alaskan S-10 - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Scooter79 - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had NO problems whatsoever. Use 4WD daily during winter (October-May), with multiple switches between 2WD and 4WD on-the-fly each time out. Vortech V-6 is nice, but wish it had even more power as to drive home I need to go up STEEP hills, and pedal seems to be on the floor alot. Posi-traction and 3rd door are a must for my likings.

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  Rock solid - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Cabron2891 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck for almost 3 years. Ive owned fords and dodges, and neither one has come close to being as reliable as my chevy. Where Im from, I see alot more S-10s than fords and dodges combined.

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  Nice truck - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By HenryJ - December 5 - 2:00 am

  It took a few modifications to really bring this truck to life. Thank goodness for a wide variety of aftermarket parts being available. I will be keeping this one for a very long time. Every model has its "quirks" , but this one has been better than some for the problems being minor and few. Really suits our needs to a "tee" (Family, weekend offroading, daily commute).

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  little brother of Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By big4x4_22 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I really like the height this truck came stock and the performance with the V-6 engine. This truck can hang with the big boys in the mud and look good while doing it