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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  super fun - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By mikes97 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  this truck us super fun to own service and drive. the cab is a little small for three people but well designed.

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  S-10 - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jason Lieu - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my s-10 for about 7 months and i really enjoy it. I have done a few mods and it really makes me enjoy it alot more. Although with most new vehicles There is to much brakable plastic.Also to do any engine work is really a pain that needs alot of special tools, which gets annoying but after your done it the day is over.

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  My first compact pick-up - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By hadleybradley - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle siutes my needs very well. It has never let me down, ecsept for the ocational battery failure, but all automobiles have this concern. The four cylender is OK on gas, but has potient torque off the line, even when towing. The S-10 i think is the perfect first vehicle for your kids, very reliable, stylish good looks, and easy on the bank! Oh and dont forget the drivers side air bag, a must have now a days!

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  Good Truck - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By mikeyz - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I have been reading the reviews of this vehicle and am surprised by the reports. I purchased my 1996 Chevy S- 10 ZR2 Extracab in may of 1998--when i purchased it the vehicle had 58,000 miles. I recently broke 100,000 and have had (knock on wood)no major problems to report. I do change the oil regularly but other than that I have done regular maintence. I changed my transmission filter and fluid, put new brake pads, changed the idler pulley and my belts and have replaced the A/C condensor. I did all of this myself so the cost has been relatively low. My truck still has lots of power and I haul my ATV with it and I 4X4 alot with it while hunting.

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  Proud Owner - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Yellow S-10 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this 4-dr S-10 and I love it. I traded in a 2001 Grand Am GT and I dont miss it a bit. There is as much room inside as the Grand Am. Handles wonderfully in the ice and snow and the "switch-on-the-fly" 4 wheel drive is wonderful.

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  If you like little trucks good choice - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By AJP - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S10 used and have only had it for a couple of months but I like it I use it to go to college and part time work even though it is no speed demon the little four cylinder has plenty of pulling power yet save you tons on gas the extended cab it great I have children and some times they ride in the back even if there is no one else in the truck they love it. I am a male about 200 hundred lbs and I have also rode in the back it was not the most comfortable ride but suitable when neccesary. Love my litte blue skidder (some times I help my brother drag down timber out of his wooded area so that we can cut it up for fire wood). Anthony

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  Good Truck! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Bmore Ravens fan - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Been almost a year and has been a great truck. Only problems has been some fit and finish issues but been reliable transport. Great 4wheeling on the beach and tailgating vehicle. Added Yakima roof rack for the bike and a hitch. Seems to have more interior room then a Toyota or Nissan. 4.3L has great low end torque. Great price and its got everything I need and more.

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  GOOD BUT CRAMPED - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By orchunter - January 12 - 2:00 am

  A good small truck,the 4x4 is a very nice option not to be without. This truck has always been up to any challange that I came up with!.

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  Nice Truck - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By N2deeptn - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Got a 3 year lease. I have never had to put it in the shop for anything. Nothing has been replaced in 3 years of daily driving, not even the tires.

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  Its not a full size truck. - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By e_mac - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is what it is. Its a compromise between a truck and a mid size car. It provides adequate hauling and carrying capability with the V6 yet it is economical to operate if you drive a lot. The vehicle could benefit from a slight lift to make it look a little more muscular, much like Nissan did with their 2WD pickups. Other than that the truck has been a solid performer so much so that I would likely by another or more likely the new Colorado due to replace it.