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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  To the Xtreme - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By bigjr_fan - November 29 - 2:00 am

  It took me awhile to find an xtreme in my area with the right color and engine combo (for me: black, 4.3, 5 speed) but once I found it I was very happy with almost every aspect of the truck. I have made several modifications to the engine and interior to boost performance. I wouldnt recommend this vehicle for a daily driver, rather a weekend toy.

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  The S-10 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By S-10 Owner - November 29 - 2:00 am

  It is a simple truck and I recommend it only for commercial usage for it is not a family car (truck). It is not entirely good looking but once again, this truck is not for the style, but for the dirty and tough jobs. It is like a Blazer minus 3 seats and 1/2 of the roof. Has an old body design (dated back to about 1995). Oh yeah, there is one more thing, check out on this site the 2004 Chevy Colorado.

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  Chevrolet S-10 - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By Bill Worsley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle engine occasionally "revs up" when trying to shift from low to drive. The dealer is aware of this problem and is working with me to correct it. It is aggravating. You expect a new vehicle to preform problem free.

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  Chevy Scores High with me! - 1995 Chevrolet S-10
  By Matt Johnson - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I think that this truck is a very good buy for someone who needs to be able to tow small things and also get good gas milage. However, being six foot four inches tall I think that it is just a little bit to small for me. I love how dependable this truck is.

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  My 1999 S10 - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By Dean Maropoulos - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle 0n September 29, 2002 as a used vehicle. I noticed a few drops of oil on the garage floor and first thought it was from the dealer oil change from the filter. But it has persisted and gotten larger. I took it back to the dealer today to see if it is a main seal leak. The truck has just 56,000 miles on it.

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  Great looking, great on gas - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By ChristopherS - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive used this truck for 5-1/2 years and have only replaced one radiator (under warranty). Never had any major work. Ive driven this truck from Vancouver over the Cascades into Leavenworth several times, as well as down to California twice and Calgary a few times. Great reliable truck! Dont try stacking three guys into a standard cab (did that in LA with no A/C - Oi!) but fits great for two. Super little features (3 cig-lighter- type outlets, many lights, HUGE mirrors) make this truck a pleasure, whether parked (perusing a map) or driving!

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  S-10, best car ever! - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By Snayperskaya - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have only driven chevys and american cars and of all the cars I have owned or driven I have to say that my 98 s- 10 is the best I have ever owned. Powerful, comfortable, looks like a million bucks and above all it is very dependable. I have 98000 miles on it over four years of ownership and it has been in the shop only three times for fairly minor repairs. I have been in all types of climates and roads you can imagine, deserts, mud, dirt roads and highways. Getting groceries or camping this truck does it all. It rules!

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  New TRUCK - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Don Biser - November 23 - 2:00 am

  WANT TO UP GRADE MY TRUCK. I HAVE A CHEV S-10 AND IT IS A 1989 WITH 123000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD VEHICIE FOR ME.

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  Never Again!! - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By surf - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I new this truck had a spotty record, but didnt think it would ever be this bad. The trucks on its 5th water pump. It blew a rod at 102K and the entire engine is replaced. Power windows have had problems. The AC compressors been replaced. All fuel injectors have been replaced – more than once. Alternator is gone too. The inside is all plastic and things rattle. It was recarpeted by the dealer because of such a poor fit. This truck is garaged and highly maintained. I hate to see one that is neglected! You need a kidney belt to ride in this thing because its so bumpy. The only thing thats been good on it is the brakes.

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  Not reliable - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By Boris2 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle falls appart at 125,000 miles in spite of carefull and regular mainteance. Air conditionner stopped working: $800 Transmission broke twice! $2000 + $1500 Intake gasket leak: $500 The oil pressure has dropped considerably lately and the car may need a rebuilt engine soon $$$??