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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  Great truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By bowtieguy - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my S-10 for almost 6 months and have only had 2 problems with it, both under warranty, and fixed by my local dealership in a few hours. NOt that i recommend doing it allot, ive hauled over a half ton of dirt in my little quarter ton truck. Plus its the 2.2 four. I get almost 30 miles to a gallon, and once i put a taneu on it i expect it to jump higher. I took it camping with a big load in the back and the truck never had problems accelerating, even passing on the expressway.

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  Great little truck! - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Handy Andy - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first truck (Ive owned 8 cars before). I love the convenience of being able to haul all kinds of stuff. I have all the options that I need. Supprizingly comfortable ride for a 4WD! I only have 1300 miles on it now, and have a wheel shimmy in the back (feels like the back). Will have to get that checked out...

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  chevrolet truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Greg Brooks - July 17 - 2:00 am

  At 1000 miles door handles broke.16000 Miles fuel pump went out and the front oil seal.18000 miles brake problems.Very unhappy with the chevrolet s10

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  I LOVE my Truck! - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By malinche - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought it based on the 3rd door and the color (indigo blue)--yeah, it is a "girl" thing, but I am from a true Chevy family (5 Chevy cars, truck, SUVs from the same dealer) and my getting it was no-brainer. I live in the Bay Area and the V6 has served me well go up and down hills. I drive A LOT to SoCal and it is a comfortable drive. Ive have had no maintenance problems other then normal wear and tear. I will buy another truck.

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  1997 Chevy S10 LS 2WD Regular Cab Review - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By BCJ - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This truck is real nice to me. I drive it a lot, but mechanically it is not to strong. Ive had to replace the water pump and fan bracket and this truck only has 69,000 original miles on it.

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  Black S-10 Crew Cab 4WD - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By flynhi - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Got the 3.73 gears, and the trucks performs great. Has great pickup from highway speeds, and is nice off the line. The 4x4 engages nicely and works well. Very comfortable inside.

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  Overpriced and built cheap - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Scooba - July 7 - 2:00 am

  S10 had 4.3 V6 and 5 speed manual transmission. Front brake pads dont seem to last long on this truck. Neither did the Delco batteries. Replaced battery 3 times in 6 years. Major problems began at about 45,000 miles. First the altenator dies. At 50,000 miles the transmission craps out. Transmission, clutch and slave cylinder were replaced with new one at dealership. AC quits working a couple months later. About 14 months after having new transmission put in, the transmission starts messing up again. I took good care of this truck. It had regular maintenance and was not driven hard, nor was it used for towing and hauling heavy loads.

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  Extreme! - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By 2Extremeforu - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck 99 Chevy s-10 pickup extreme extended cab stepside If anyone is looking for a truck and still wants something sporty this is the truck for u!

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  Tried Tested and Boooo - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By shimmer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Extended Cab with sport suspension, handles well. Many issues with check engine light. Air pump gets dirty and fails, replaced two. Aluminum brake lines required replacing- leaking, ignition switch failed, transmission hunts for gear when excellerating - annoying, dash lights reflect in side mirrors - annoying, hood release pops too easily with foot, no box light, too much body flex, rotors warp prematurely, ABS kicks in on bumps as previously mentioned - way too easily. I have a complete lack of confidence in build quality and reliabilty. Have not been stranded but truck is only 2.5 years old.

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  Bought Used - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By StevL - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used for my 16 year old son. The V6 has good response and is a positive. Transmission had to have work after 5,000 miles. Side mirrors rattle terribly. Cab fairly noisey. Had to replace wiper motor after 3,000 miles. Two O2 sensors after 6,000 miles. At about 7,000 mile (now) the a/c compressor is leaking. This truck had one owner and looked very good for its age. I had it checked out by a Chevy dealership before purchase. Everything was checked to be in "Excellent" condition. Truck had 112,000 miles when purchased.