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:

• 

  I could have done better... - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By What was I thinking? - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My gut instinct was not to buy this truck, but somehow that day I kinda liked it. The possibility of a few quirks would have been acceptable since I only needed it for home ownership purposes. When I took it to an independent mechanic I learned it couldnt even pass a simple state safety inspection. Poor build quality had sent it to be traded in, and the dealer wouldnt give it the help it needed without added cost. There are several, better choices out there for the consumer to choose from.

• 

  Johns review - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By tankerman83 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a good truck im happy with what I got for the price but it needs a little more leg room and power but other that that its a all around good truck I suggest you buy it but get an extracab.

• 

  96 Chevy S-10 - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Singleton - May 6 - 2:00 am

  After owning my S-10 for about four years, I would recommend it to anyone. I have taken it places you would never believe and if you enjoy smaller trucks, dont overlook this one.

• 

  Dissapointing - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By fjvwj - May 6 - 2:00 am

  My first brand spankin new car/truck. Treated it like a baby. After only 21000 miles, the car feels slugish, until you smash the gas pedal. Clicking noise from underneath the car. Seats are squeaking. Outside air comes into the cabin, whether you like it or not. Anti-lock brakes engage too easily. Because of that, I almost got into so many accidents. More of a liability than an asset. Chevy will have to do better than this to get me to buy another one of their cars.

• 

  Great Offroad vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By StoutZR2 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Looks great, rides great and can tackle any obsticle you throw at it. It has a mean look to it with the lift kit and big tires that come from factory. I really like the third door option. Not bad mileage. I can tow my toys without any problems and when I feel adventurous the truck handles awesome off the beaten path. The best offroad truck I have ever driven that comes from factory. Good job GM,were gonna miss the ZR2 in 04. Lets hope the Colorado keeps up the tradition.

• 

  Eh.... - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By volcomfreak - April 29 - 2:00 am

  All in all, I would *not* buy this truck again if I had the chocie. The wheels are DANGEROUS. Ive hydroplaned hardcore 2 times already, the second one resulting in the near destruction of my truck and my life. They are constantly requiring my attention with air. The suspension is very fun though, taking curves at 90mph+ totally works with this little truck. The 2.2L in heat is absolutley horrid. The engine will make a thunderous roaring noise when accelerating from a complete stop...the engine sounds like itll explode sometimes.

• 

  This Aint Like The Old S-10s - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By MGDguy - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive have owned a 89 S-10 Reg Cab 4cyl/5spd, a 91 S-10 Reg Cab 4cyl/5spd, and now a 99 S-10 Ext Cab 6cyl/5spd, and by far I liked the two older ones the best. The 99 Ive owned for only 9 months and I already want to get rid of it. Sqeaks and rattles while driving down the street, not to mention the automatic headlights, the radio that stays on after the ignition is turned off, and the interior light that comes on after removing the ignition key are too much. Plus the fact that the newer S-10 are cheaply built. This is by far the worst S-10 Ive owned. Do yourself a favorite if you want a S-10 buy one thats pre-94.

• 

  This Aint Like The Old S-10s - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By boogerathome - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive have owned a 89 S-10 Reg Cab 4cyl/5spd, a 91 S-10 Reg Cab 4cyl/5spd, and now a 99 S-10 Ext Cab 6cyl/5spd, and by far I liked the two older ones the best. The 99 Ive owned for only 9 months and I already want to get rid of it. Sqeaks and rattles while driving down the street, not to mention the automatic headlights, the radio that stays on after the ignition is turned off, and the interior light that comes on after removing the ignition key are too much. Plus the fact that the newer S-10 are cheaply built. This is by far the worst S-10 Ive owned. Do yourself a favorite if you want a S-10 buy one thats pre-94.

• 

  S10 - Midsize Dream Truck - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By abottorf - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Chevy. I havent been disappointed. Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against my Ranger, its a sharp truck. But the S10 is built like a tank but rides like a car. I love it!

• 

  30K and no problems at all - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By gjc866 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Got my blue S-10 extended cab in Feb 02 currently has 30k on the clock (April 03)The 2.2 4 cyl auto is a bit sluggish but more than adequate for light hauling or city driving. Its not a race vehicle by any strech, but it is solid, reliable, comfortable and nice looking and best of all. Not one single problem in 30,000 miles. The 2.2 liter 4 cyl is very reliable. Keep the oil changed and dont abuse - will easliy last 120K