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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  REVOLUTION!! - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By Terrance McCarthy - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Surprisingly comfortable. Seats are more comfortable than the SUV I traded. Excellent towing capability for my camping trailer. Sharp exterior lines and the radio has features I never before had. Love the truck!

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  been great for me - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By mikal2 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new. It fits my needs well. The truck has been back to the dealer twice for minor repairs, one muffler and one hyd.line. It averages 22mpg consistently, and will get 26+ in extended highway driving. I have used Amsoil since the first oil change,and have experienced no oil loss to note. I did have to replace the radio in 2002, when the cd player quit working. The lever for the drivers side seatback broke shortly after purchase, due to poor design, and inferior materials. Overall, I have been satisfied with it.

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  Great Reliable Vehicle - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By chevy4life - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck as used with only 36,000 miles and am still driving it with zero problems. The only maintenance Ive had to do is the usual oil change and air filter change. I definitely got my moneys worth.

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  Buy it Again. - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By KAM - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 10 months ago, we have 15k miles on the truck with no issues. With the 4 cyl and 5 speed transmission plus a tonneau cover (highly recommend) this truck gets 28-30 mpg with A/C running, loaded bed and running 75-80 mph. I just changed from Valvoline to Mobile 1 0w30 and fuel economy went from 28 to 30 mpg. Note- to get performance from this engine shift at 4- 4500 rpms. Peak HP is at 5200 rpm. You have to drive it like a Honda not a V8 Chevy to get it to run. I did a lot of research, and talked to the mgr. of an Advance Auto Parts, they use the same truck with auto trans as parts runners. They run 100-150K abusive miles with no problems.

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  Great Truck All Around - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By dss70 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S-10 and have been very happy with it, I have had more minor issues with this one all mentioned already. lumbar, seat adjusters, 3rd door handle and ignition wires have all broken at least once most several times dealer support varies depending on the milage. but it gets great millage for a truck always around 23mpg and handles great very comfortable. exterior remains in great shape, even after fairly heavy work use. the 4 cyl. is fine to get around but would be wise to go with 6 if you will be haulling or towing much

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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By BDAD - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Great overall truck for the "budget" minded. Pulls my 18 foot boat like a dream. Would like to see a tail gate open light installed on future models. I droped my payload on the road not knowing my son opened up the tailgate.

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  135000 miles and still running good - 1993 Chevrolet S-10
  By kup - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had very few problems with this truck. Have 135000 miles on engine and it still is running good.

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  25k so far - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Tb917 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great Looking and turns heads. The ZR2 is a great factory off road package. It has the power, and the 4.3 runs strong. In my experience i am very disappointed in the gas mileage, the EPA estimates arent close to what i get. I can match the EPA driving like a grandmother (not exaggerating) but if you give the gas more than a touch watchs your fuel needle. Definatley not for a heavy foot, although it does have the power and "get up and go" for passing and when you need it. The torque is great and more than the new Colorado. The tires in later 2003 models were changed to crappy general ameritracs rather than the previous BFG ATs. GM cuts corners

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  Truck - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By Darwinynigal - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Needs bigger tires

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  2002 Chevy S-10 - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jacquelyn - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. This is the 2nd S-10 I have owned and I have always regretted trading the first one. I dont drive much, as I am disabled and also use a disabled bus for long distances. I use it for errands close by, etc. After almost 2 1/2 years, it is still in immaculate, brand new condition with a whopping 1250 miles on it. I still change the oil, even though the mechanics tell me that my oil is cleaner than what they put in cars. Its a shame that Chevy stopped making this modeal. They only make the extended cab versions of the S-10, which is a very popular 4 cyclinder pick up. Love it!