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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  perfect - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Greendayhbt26 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  i have the 4 cyl with the 5 speed tranny, and all i got to say is it has incredable gas milage and pretty good acclerartion/power. the only problems i have had so far were that my wiper module had to be replaced which wasnt big, and just tonight i found out both my back up lamps arent working. other then that its been great. i bought it with about 33,000 miles on it and it looked new. everytime i change my oil, it looks like its just been changed, ver clean engine. so far the paint is great, very few scratches for being 5 years old, and the only rust is on the undercarrage.

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  Truck/Car - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By the wolf - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my truck, it is a fine looking vehicle, truck/car. I can haul the items that I couldnt in my other car. I have plenty of room to take up to 4-large people with me.It has plenty of power, with 4-wd. Check it out at your local Chevy dealer.

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  Perfect for me - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Indiana - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I just got my truck about a month ago. I love it so far. The truck feels solid, rides nice, and looks good to. Gas milage has been respectable for a truck, about 22 miles to the gallon. The seats are comfy and my 7 year old loves the jumper seat in the back. The truck dont sit to high for a kid to need lifted in and out either. I opted for the four cylinder and I dont regret it. Its got all the pep I need and wont dent my wallet at the pump. So far im very pleased and will keep you posted if I find any problems.

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  gtg - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By shellyjarv - December 30 - 2:00 am

  no power but very reliable

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  Chevys S-10 is the perfect truck !! - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By chitownrepoman - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S-10 and if they were still making them after this year I would buy another one. No problems out of my old one (1997 w/ 70,000) and none out of this one. The 4x4 is great, the motor will pull down a house, and the locking rear end rocks.

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  Cant wait to drive it again! - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By BillMe - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Fantasitc truck. Very fun to drive. Looks great! I hate to get where Im going. Fuel economy has been excellent. Holds just enough in the bed and we can squeeze 3 in the cab. Wish I had another one!

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  8 months into owenrship and 15452 miles - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By dave1012356 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleaed overall with this vehicle so far. I regret that I didnt get the 6cyc and dont recommend a truck with a 4 cyc to anyone. Othere than that this is the dream truck of small trucks. Chev has a winner here. dont get the caviler though

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  Nice truck - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By JFrankV - December 22 - 2:00 am

  My satisfaction with my 97 S-10 inspired me to get the 2004. I put 114,000 basically trouble-free miles on it. I havent had the opportunity to seriously use the 4-wheel drive yet. The interior and exterior styling are great. The ride and handling are superior. Havent found any faults yet. I will review again next year.

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  like my 2003 s-10 3dr ext.cab. 6 cyl - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By littlejohn126 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK FOR THE MONEY

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  mixed review - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jim1243567 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  overall truck has been dependable. Looks good, body has held up well. v-6 has plenty of power. However, 4wd not working right out of showroom. I found out in snow storm. Trans went at 36437 miles, thats right 437 miles out of warranty. Caused by faulty switch for 4wd. Turning radius is very poor for such a small truck. Stepside box is too narrow, you cant fit a sheet of plywood in it. 3rd door rattles. Jump seat is useless.