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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Xtreme-ly good, so far! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
By raceannouncer - March 22 - 2:00 amThis truck has the Xtreme package along with the 4.3 V-6 and 5spd. tranny. Truck has all the goodies too: A/C, tilt/cruise, PW/PL AM-FM/CD player. Standard cab doesnt have much room for anything other than the two passengers. Handles extremely well due to factory installed lowered suspension. Engine is better than average but not a speed demon. Shifts smooth, brakes well, ride is good despite the sport suspension. Fit/finish is very good and cab exhibits no rattles at just 12000 miles (bought used as a repo!) If you want to carry stuff inside, youll need the extended cab version.
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Like a Rock - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
By dasford1 - March 22 - 2:00 amI have been quite pleased with my S-10 extended cab 4X4. I ve taken it on a 2,500 trip and wasnt worn out at the end. Enjoyed the CD and cassette during the trip. Its been an easy starter - even in our cold Montana winters. Bucket seat could use a bit more padding but is adequate. All in all, after having driven a Ford Ranger, I prefer the S-10.
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Great Little Truck - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
By S-10 Lover - March 19 - 2:00 amPurchased my S10 LS extended cab new and added a bed liner and topper. Had trouble with the seat back latch breaking off but Chevy replaced those at no cost. Also developed a minor oil leak after 30,000 miles but hasnt gotten any worse with nearly 50,000 miles on the odometer. Great fuel economy with the 4 cylinder engine but not much pickup around town. Highway driving is a different story-the engine will keep up with the cruise control demands with little variation at almost any speed you want. Fun to drive with the 5-speed manuel. Very reliable and a real work horse.
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Not the best truck to drive - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
By Habnar - March 15 - 2:00 amWhen I first tried to drive this truck off the lot I put it in reverse and let out the clutch and heard the gears grinding. I went back in and told the dealer that there is something wrong with the transmission. Oh no, he says, that is normal, you have to wait 6 seconds after you put it in reverse before you can let out on the clutch. That is the biggest beef I have with this truck. I have the 2.2L, 4 cyl. and the head gasket went at about 85,000. Other than that it has been very reliable. The truck can be a handful to drive, especially around sharp turns and exit ramps at highway speeds.
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98 S-10 Ext Cab Pickup - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
By hoch2820 - March 13 - 2:00 amOriginal truck was 1.06 inches lower on left side. After much stalling, and finally arbitration, GM replaced w/truck that was 0.8 inches lower! Performance OK. Engine much smoother than 92. Brake problems persist. Had to replace pads & turn front rotors at 19,400 miles, at my own expense. Construction somewhat shoddy (poor fitup in sheet metal on roof).
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S 10 are too avg. - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
By Saint79 - March 12 - 2:00 amThe truck is extremely boring! The engine lacked power, the stereo lacked umph, and I just dont like the way the look.
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Hmmmmmm..... - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
By Matt R - March 11 - 2:00 amWell, I cant say I havent been totally dispointed.. But, I have owned this truck since it was brand new. I had to replace the transmission at 35,000 miles (which sucks). My wiper blades went out and than broke. But, other than that this truck has never has left be stuck somewhere. Its gets okay gas mileage. The performance sucks, it doesnt have a lot of pick up, but that is probably because I have an auto.
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Not So Xtreme S-10 - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
By Not So Xtreme - March 9 - 2:00 amI owned this 2001 S-10 Xtreme for a little over two and a half years. First off, this car got horrible gas mileage, about 15 city and 17 hwy. The build quality was not so great. The handle on the third door broke after about a year and a half (not covered by the standard warranty). The drivers side seat belt clasp stopped working. There were multiple squeaks and rattles coming from the dash and side paneling. Finally, the chip resistant paint the car salesmen told me the truck had turned out to be not so chip resistant. It seemed like any little speck of dust that went over my car while driving on the freeway took out little bits of the paint.
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got it for free - 1990 Chevrolet S-10
By BWAD - March 4 - 2:00 am252,000 and counting. Its never left me stranded. The bed holds a 4wheeler with room to spare. Couldnt even get the gate closed on my old tacoma. MPGs are down to 21 and power is down also compared to when I got it at 200k. But as long as it runs I will drive it.
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No more S-10 - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
By acmtx - March 2 - 2:00 amThis is my third S-10 and for the most part Ive gotten where I needed to go. The 1996 has been one problem after another. In order Brakes, Wiper Motor, Speedometer, A/C, Heater,Intake Leak, Radiator,Transmission and now the Water Pump! Throw in 5 Batteries, 5 Thermostats, Two Radios and a back window. Thats my 1996 Chevy S-10. All at 74,554 miles! BuyAYORisk!
