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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  Goodies and baddies - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By SneakyStiffler - April 18 - 8:29 pm

  This truck handles great, the ZQ8 sport supension package hugs the road like a car. The 16x8" wheels put plenty of rubber on the road to keep the truck there. The motor has a lot of take-off power and will easily smoke both tires. Very thirsty at the pump. Average 16 MPG, 19.5 gallon tank, you do the math.

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  Its a good buy - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Nick Atyia - March 22 - 5:13 pm

  I feel like it meets all my needs. I dont drive to far places and I dont take lots of people around town with me. It runs good, not fast, but good. it is comfortable and sporty. I like it.

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  Still going strong - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By wjhm - March 19 - 2:05 am

  Ive loved this truck, currently at 160,000 miles and running strong still. Have had only very minor problems that came with age. I expect itll keep going for a while longer. Great for hauling things (from furniture, rocks, dirt, etc.) and passing other cars on the road.

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  ZR2 upkeep disappointing - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By turbo7106 - February 25 - 3:30 pm

  Bought this truck with only 9,000k when one yr old. To date have had following problems: 10k drivers wiper stopped moving,tighten nut. 12k ignition module replaced as truck would not start at times. Throttle body sticking, cleaned twice. Leaks in Oil cooler lines and Pwr Steering pump line. $1,000 repair for the leaks. Should have bought the extended warranty. Not happy with repairs I have had to do. Loved GM all my life, not sure if I will buy another GM product.

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  Best quality TRUCK in the WORLD.....!!!!!!! - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Hayden Stoterau - February 11 - 2:01 pm

  This is an awesome little truck, GREAT for EVERYTHING especially in the snow it slides around corners nice and does great in the mud (NEVER have gotten stuck) Rivers and bridges are not its friend. Parts are extremely cheap.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By dlr - January 31 - 2:09 am

  I have owned small trucks for 30 years, starting with Datsun, 2 Mazdas, a Toyota, and now an S-10. This truck has been great so far....everything works, its economical (over 23mpg in town, with canopy), very comfortable (Im 61", 250lbs), and fun to drive. The rig also came with more accessories as standard then any other truck Ive owned. I used my GM card to discount it to $8000 cash....I have been offered more than I paid for it by my brother, who is also impressed. The last small truck I had was a 90 Toyota, which was a great little truck too, but didnt have near the amenities and cost $7000 in 90 (after much haggling with the dealer). The Mazdas scored less-so.

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  Best Truck Ive Owned Yet - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Big Kat - January 29 - 9:19 am

  S-10 Crew Cab LS 4WD! Yes, it is great to drive, and own. After a few full size trucks (and very poor mileage), I was looking for a smaller, more practical family vehicle, and still wanted a truck. My wife has a 98 Astro Van with the 4.3 Vortec V-6. The S-10 Crew Cab was one of my first choices. Great power, loaded with every possible option. I get 16-17 MPG in town, and 20-23 on the highway. Awesome deal as I bought this slightly used lease return (10,000 miles on it), so the deal was great as well! I will keep this one a while. Has plenty of room for family and a fun truck that I can use to haul things around in. I put a fiberglass topper on it, looks like a Tahoe!

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  Dependable Truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By David - January 22 - 11:25 am

  Have enjoyed this truck since purchasing. Ride is good for a truck, handles well, good gas mileage. Performs adequately on flat or rolling hills unless you are on an interstate. Do not get the 2.2L 4 cyl engine if you live in the mountains or hilly country. Also bad glare from instrument panel at night on back window. Would buy this truck again but with an engine upgrade. Never had one problem after leaving the dealership.

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  S-10 ZR5 - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By Chevy Queen - December 31 - 10:52 am

  Although the seat material is real bad its a nice riding truck and the ZR5 comes with a very nice design. The Colorado , to me, has absolutely no storage. You can at least put things behind the seat of the S-10, where the Colorado hasnt even got run for a long ice scraper

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  Last Chevy I buy . . . - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tock - December 7 - 12:05 am

  Its a good idea for a truck, but 26 mpg isnt enough mileage for me. Beware of electrical problems . . . first thing that happens is in cold weather, it wont start unless you have more than 1/4 tank of gas. Then the lights start to flicker, and the brake lights go (had the brake lights fixed once, theyre out again). Good luck trying to find the cause once the warranty expires