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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  Good value - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By E-Man - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I have two young daughters, 5 and 2, yet wanted a pickup. Bought the S-10 after a lot of research and shopping, comparing it favorably to the Tacoma (pricey) and F-150 (couldnt afford 4 doors plus 4WD). So far, so very good. Its a lot of fun to drive, handles exceptionally and was a tremendous value after the $4,000 rebate and other discounts. One suggestion: Buy a light color. I bought the dark, Indigo blue and, while I like it, it seems to scratch easily to a white undercoat. Otherwise, I bought a loaded pickup (all power, 4WD, cruise, CD, etc.) for less than $18,000, NOT including my trade. Until Ford makes a Ranger four door, I think its hard to beat.

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  Holds up alright - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By Smack02 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The main thing that turned me on to the S10 was the exterior looks. The interior comforts leave much to desire. There have been times where Ive put Chevys (built)Like a Rock statement to the test and the truck came thru boldly. During my course of ownership, there have been certain parts that break, which should never break: rearview mirror fell off, fold-a-way side mirrors break, heater core goes bad and drips antifreeze in cabin, clutch switch. 112K miles

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  2nd s-10 crew - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By kiddkat - September 6 - 2:00 am

  this is my second s-10 crew cab 1st one being 2001, all around good truck plenty of power, also added torneau cover improves gas milage for me considerably. a good buy for the $$ good resale value. the 2003 ive had for about 3 weeks and its the same as the first even in color (pewter). great cd/cassette stereo. tows my 4 wheelers with ease you dont need a full size. i would by a third one in a heartbeat.

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  My Wolf - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By obergeil - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The only problem Ive had with my little S-10 is that on two occasions my foot has slipped under the gas pedal and then knocked it from underneath as I pulled my foot back up. This has resulted in the accelerator cable coming free from the gas pedal. Im not sure who came up with the design for this assemblage but it seems flawed and potentially dangerous.

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  s-10 review - 2004 Chevrolet S-10
  By s-10 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Its sweet dude. The handling is outstanding and its really smooth. I got the leather interior and it is so comfortable. I give it 5-*****.

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  Nice little truck! - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Highseascop - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have done a couple of long road trips with this truck and Im impressed with the performence and the comfort, however I came out of a 2000 Grand AM GT so Im new with the hole truck experience. The gas mileage Isnt the greatest... I can say one thing DO NOT BUY IT IN BLACK! also I highly suggest buying custom mud flaps......

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  2000 S10 - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By DOOWRAH - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this truck for about three months. The truck had 44000 miles when I bought it and I have had to replace many "expensive" parts. Guess GM doesnt build to last. Also the real kicker is this truck has the 4L60E automatic transmission which is total JUNK! It needs to be rebuilt and after doing research on this trans I find that GM has known abouth this problem since 1996 but has failed to improve the design if this trans. So at or about 40000 to 60000 miles you can plan on rebuilding this junk transmission. Guess I would be happier if I didnt have to look forward to paying 1800.00 for a trans rebulid. Start saveing OR BUY A STICK SHIFT.

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  My Super Sport has been a pleasure - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By Red Vortec - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I really love this truck. I have put 140000 miles on it and it still looks and drives well. My only troubles have been the EGR valve and the CPI fuel injection pod. I have made many modifications for performance and this truck still moves out well when needed. I plan to drive this truck for at least five more years. It still turns heads wherever I go.

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  I love it!! - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By wanted a truck - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a truck, bought it used. When I first bought it...I had problems with Air Bag Light, brakes, and stearing. The dealership stood behind everything (it was all fixed). Since then I have no problems with it

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  s10 - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By Gera - August 28 - 2:00 am

  is amazing the best truck is a very powerfull truck is very strong