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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  Worth It! - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By Jai - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S-10 used from a local dealership. So far, it has ran excellently but needed a few minor repairs. A few specks of rust needed painted over (costing approx. $50) and the winshield wiper engine needed replaced.I need to eventually replace the speakers, the sound doesnt always come out of both sides...Other than that, I love this little truck!

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  S10 ZQ8 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By mbaker - June 25 - 2:00 am

  The S10 is, in my opinion, a great value in todays automotive market. Yes the design is old and the engine is not the most refined. GM will fix that in a few months with the release of the all new Colorado and Canyon. However, the S10 gets the job done quite well. With the ZQ8 package and a strong V6, I can tackle the curvy backroads as well as weekend chores. I do pay a price for the tight suspension. The ride is harsh. Right now is a great time to take advantage of the rebates and finance rates. My truck is loaded. I paid thousands under sticker and I have no intrest to pay. If thats not a great deal I dont know what is.

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  Best One Yet - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Slickeeboy - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Great overall truck. This is my third one and is by far the best. Good torque for off-road and the posi doesnt hurt either. The 190hp 4.3 moves the heavy S-10 model better than I thought it would.

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  most gut less vehicle i have ever owned - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By jim my real name! - June 19 - 2:00 am

  motor has NO power,downshifts on every incline no matter how minor,at 60 u r forcing it,and a " go- cart" like this thing should get much more than 25 to 27 mph,i have a 91 dodge spirit with a 4 banger in it that will eat this things lunch any day of the week n gets 32 to 35 mph. most gutless vehicle i have ever owned,definately regret buying it,will never repeat this mistake!

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  Black Crew - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By malligood - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I really have enjoyed my CC with no problems other than a paint issue. Its fun to drive and the way I have it dressed up it really turns heads.

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  3months and all is well - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By MyZR2 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck a couple of months ago and love it. The fit and finish is good, the truck drives and looks great. I have gotten many comments on the looks of the truck. So far so good!

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  Wont do it again - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By sabdsbu - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Over all I like the truck it is just little problems that have irritated me. Broken reline handle on driver seat, broken lumbar support cable. Paint chipping off behind tires and I dont drive dirt roads, Rattles inside, doors leak water in a good rain storm, wind whistles. Also starting to find gasket problems, what is next??

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  So far so good - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Blair105@aol.com - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this truck last week. so far very comfortable ride, smoothe vortec 4300 engine - could use more low end power. very roomy for a compact pickup. love the insta trac shift on the fly 4wd. had to use it the 2nd day I had it in the sand. Would reccomend. have heard a lot of good stories about these durable trucks.

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  Biggest lemon ever built - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By Stomper - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Since day one never ran right with miss in engine and stalling spent most of first two years in service bays. Trans. died at 75000mi. Compressor died at 20000mi. Movement in rear axle since 50000mi. Chevy says that is ok no problem!!!. All S-10 have that problem, learn to live with it!!!!

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  No Problems - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By beafreak - June 8 - 2:00 am

  The only problem that I have had is the seat back adjuster handles have both broken off. This is a common problem with this truck(there is a technical service bulletin on this). Ive got as high as 27mpg on a 700 mile trip and average about 20. The 2.2L is no powerhouse but it gets the job done. I would surely buy another.