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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  Excellent 96 S-10 service - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Kirk M - July 12 - 4:43 pm

  Purchased in 02 with 107,000 miles, now has 165,000 miles with no trouble other than alternator, tires, brake pads (normal wearing items) Of course, I do all the normal maintenance that is supposed to be done (ex-auto mechanic with 15+ years experience)

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  Great S-10 - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By Rick B. - July 4 - 9:46 pm

  Bought new with 6 miles. TB V6 auto Red over Back. In 11 years, have replaced EGR (2 mo), A/C Comp., Evap., muffler. Thats it. Drives and handles great, rides great, fun to drive. The ABS is something else. Hard to brake & stop. Upgraded the rotors, calipers, drums and shoes to get it working properly. You can put a ton of stuff in this 1/2 ton and still have power and comfort. The worst thing about this truck was replacing the flasher for the turn signals. The engineer that placed the part is still laughing to this day!

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  Execlent ZR2 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By deibadboys815 - June 20 - 8:58 pm

  I bought this truck used, I have had it for a year. Put normal wear and tear on it and have yet to have a problem.

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  Best little green machine - 1993 Chevrolet S-10
  By s-10 chick - June 9 - 4:43 pm

  This was the first new auto I ever purchased and I have never regreted that. It was in two major wrecks and still no problems, regular maintance has been all that it needed (alternator, batteries, brakes, etc.) I have loved this truck. It has lots of get up and go with 2.8 v6 and 5 speed. It has never let me down. Hauls what I need it to and never complains. It has been a dream truck. I like the Chevrolet look of the truck and cannot believe how reliable it is.

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  2000 Zr2 2000 Problems - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By 2000zr2 2000problems - June 7 - 12:38 pm

  So much for built like a rock. This truck has been nothing but problems. The front end suspension can not handle the 31 inch tires. Spending 200- 300 bucks just to pass a sticker every year is stupid. Weak Transmision. Starting to slip at 80,000. Interior rattles like it is going to fall apart. Bad third door hinge design. I have had it fixed 3 times at a dealer and it still rattles a month later. I love the push 4x4 controls. Body Control Mod. went, 700 bucks fixed that problem. Great exterior looks. Paint chips easy. Gas gauge stoped at 65,000.

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  Pretty Satisfied - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Central VA - May 19 - 11:45 am

  Bought my S10 used 6 years ago, have driven it about 50K miles. Had to replace an alternator, battery and mirror, but otherwise nothing but tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage isnt very good, but truck is good looking, fun to drive and comfortable. 5 speed and V6 are a good combination. Paid $9000 for it used, according to Edmunds, its still worth over $4300. Pretty darn good buy as far as I can tell.

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  True blue - 1992 Chevrolet S-10
  By Bryan - May 15 - 8:32 pm

  This truck drives and handles well. I drive it hard like a Jeep and it always is ready for the next challenge.

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  1991 S-10 4.3 V6 2WD - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By Dave - May 5 - 2:14 pm

  Bought it new in 91 and currently have 228K miles on it. Except for a transmission seal and some paint issues, no other repairs until 130K miles. Engine was rebuilt at 155K and has been running strong since. Ive changed oil every 3K miles since purchase. Its been stolen twice in the last 3 years and keeps finding its way back home. If it wasnt for the peel-and-steal steering column I would continue to drive it to work every day. Wanted 4WD but glad I didnt get it now as some people have reported issues over the years with drivetrain. Its been a pleasure to drive and Ive had some heavy loads in it in the last two years.

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  Love this truck - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By dude - May 2 - 10:30 pm

  This is the first truck me and my dad has owned. In my opinion this is the best little truck ever. It is very dependable and has a little zip to it. It has a TBI 4.3 V6. It is a 1994 and has held up very well. It is very rusty and is pretty much a work truck. It hauls very well but the only complaint is that the rear is too light, so in the winter is handles very poorly without weight in the bed. And when it comes time to change a starter in it, the manual says to remove the exhaust to get it out, or remove the motor.

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  Okay Car - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Adam W. - April 21 - 3:08 pm

  I bought this truck with 135,000miles on it. About 2000 miles later I needed a new transmission. At 142,000 I needed a new gas line, brake line, and gas tank. I still need to get a O2 sensor, fuel sensor, new shocks, my transmission still isnt that great, and the gas mileage for a 4 cylinder isnt that great. All in all I wish I just bought a nice sedan..