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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  Great Truck! - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By darkembrace - April 17 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased this truck with 57000 miles on it in 5/04. Ive had it just under 2 years and it now has 98000 miles on it. The only work Ive had to do is a starter, tires, and a radiator hose. The fuel economy is great. I drive it 600 hundred miles every other weekend through the Ozark Mountains to pick my daughter up for visitation. That is lot of hard driving for a 4 cylinder motor. I still havent even had to put a clutch in this truck, and I drive it hard. The a/c still blows cold. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  New toy - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By erik d - April 11 - 11:17 am

  If the Colorado was like this, I would have bought a new truck! Ive only had this truck a week, and am already impressed. When passing, I found that the 190 hp launches you to 90 mph faster than youd expect for a 4x4. Its high mileage, but most of the major components I was worried about were just rebuilt/replaced at almost 100,000 miles, so it sounds like it lasted well. It was well maintained, so I have no complaints. The fuel economy is about what Id expect from a 4x4, but the ride is much better than any 4 wheel drive Id owned. For the price (well under blue book!!), you cant beat the value this truck proves it has left in it.

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  Stephen review - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By Stephen - April 8 - 10:23 am

  I have driven this vehicle throughout Germany. I love the truck. It has been 100% reliable. Problems I had were as follows: The recline handles on both seats broke before 30000 miles becuase of substandard metal used where they scew onto. The truck wants to slide easy and traction is not good, despite the tires. After 140,000 I still dont burn oil, I am religious on changes. Also the brakes tend to wear out fast on the front and rotors warp quick. (All GMs seem to do this) I love the body style it is timeless and the 4.3 is a great little engine, but I really dislike the plastic coolant outlet valve on the radiator. Apart from these things shes done me great. Reliable as hell. Wind noise is bad.

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  Go anywhere, do anything... Love It - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Todd H. - April 7 - 11:35 pm

  This is a great starter truck for a small family with young children. Used for hunting in the rugged back country of New York, Mass, Maine, Vermont, Missouri, and California with no problems. Used to tow a 18" Boat, up to a mountain lake with no problems. 4x4 that I have never gotten stuck in. Fuel pump problems but warrenty fixed it.

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  3rd and LAST S-10 - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By Carlos - March 31 - 7:22 am

  First 2 S-10s I owned were 4-cylinder 2-wheel drive. Good bang for the buck little truck, but dont expect more than 100,000 miles out of them. The last one is a 4.3 4x4. Fun truck, good power and handling, great 4-wheel drive, But wheel cylinders and ball joints are junk and need to be replaced frequently, very expensive. I have replaced all the wheel cylinders at least once at $500 each. I replace at least two ball joints every year. Other front suspension problems as well. The 100,000 mile coolant needs to be changed at 60,000 miles or your heater core will get clogged and heat will stop working. Gas gauge stopped working in last two S10s, too expensive to fix.

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  Gets it done - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By John - March 29 - 3:07 pm

  Highly versatile truck does everything well. Just reached 50,000 miles with only a few cosmetic problems. Motor does a good job. Peppy, but no speed demon. Driver/front passenger in comfortable well laid out interior. Back seat room for children/ short trips only. 4.3L V-6 good torque/hp but geared for low-speed power & economy. Wide turning radius can be a problem in tight areas. Doesnt like quick turns either. Having bought the vehicle in one of its later years of production. I expected to have less fit & finish problems already worked out. Slightly disappointed with that. Still this highly versatile vehicle just "Getser done.

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  Great Truck So Far - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tony Cross - March 9 - 10:11 pm

  I just got this truck and so far so good. When I first got it it was on E and I put $10 in it and it got me almost a half of a tank so I can imagine how much it would be to fill it up. I was shocked because before I had a gas guzzling Dodge Dakota and $10 from E might get you 1/25 of a tank. This S-10 has a smooth idle and runs quiet when driving. This truck is not afraid to get up to speed either. You will be at 70 before you know it. That is when the cruise control come in handy.

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  Reliable, economical,comfortable - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Becca - March 8 - 8:19 am

  This truck got 28 MPG on the highway. It always was comfortable and dependable on long drives. It had the X motor in it so it never lacked any power. On corners it held the road very well and hills were no problem. It was a great little truck.

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  2004 S10 Crewcab - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By oldpawdad - February 22 - 1:14 am

  I have a hard cover on the bed, so I call it my 4WD car with a large trunk. My wife and I have been to Florida and also to WV and we like the truck. Only 19 mpg on the road with the 3:73 axle, but good acceleration.

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  Best Chevy I ever had!!! - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By S10s FOREVER!! - January 23 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this S10 new in 91. It sat on the lot almost a year, since it has no AC. It is mint green & white 2 tone (Have only seen 1 other like it). I LOVE this truck. Have only spent about $300 on it other than routine maint. It has 197,000+ miles on it with a 2.8 V6 and 5 spd tranny. Daily driver, still gets hwy mileage around 28 mpg, uses 1 qt of oil between 3,000 mile changes (its been like that since it was new). I would strongly advise if you can find a good older S10, BUY IT!! Im on the lookout for another one.