Chevrolet S-10 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.03/5 Average
647 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 531 through 540 of 647.00
  • My new old car - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Had always wanted a truck. Thought Id start with a used one that was well cared for. I like the feel of ride. Its a good size Tahoe and sofar so good. Anything I should know?

  • Generally not pleased - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    generally very unhappy. build quality is very poor...windnoise, etc. Recurrent check engine light issues, clunky brakes, and power steering decides not to work well at times. Transmission not smooth in city driving

  • 91 s10 2.8 litre - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    Ive only put 6000 miles on it so far however not a single problem yet, and Ive made 3 750 mile road trips back home included in those miles! I hear alot of bad PR about this Chevy 2.8 V6: sure theres not alot of pickup and mediocre power but it sure runs smooth and reliably so far. I had a camaro with the same engine no probs there either.

  • GOOD SOLID TRUCK - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    THis is a good solid truck i think every young teen should have one.

  • Trustworthy, but... - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    I have had no reliability issues with this little gal. My 4X4 regular cab does the point a to point b shuffle post haste, managingaround 29 mpg on the highway. The catalytic converter or the muffler is making a rattly noisy that makes the truck sound a bit like a disel at certain r.p.m.s. Aslo there was a clang in the driveline that the dealer could never officially fix, however id has been quieted witha drive shaft isolatorand has never caused any drivability issues.

  • My Xtreme - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    My Xtreme has been a very fun truck to drive and has a big opening for aftermarket add-ons which i dropped plenty of money into. The ride in my truck is comfortable if you like the sporty bumpy pick up truck style but i didnt buy my Xtreme for the purpose of comfort. The handling on my truck, along with the new tires i installed, allows me to keep up with a lot of more expensive sports cars that. The one downside of my truck is the fuel economy, it sucks literally. I did opt for the V6 and the automatic in my truck and i must say that with a few bolt-ons my truck is a rocket.

  • Good solid truck - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    I have had no problems with my truck, the power is great, the gas mileage is okay, never have had to do anything to my truck except maintenance...I would highly recommend a S-10 to anyone...

  • Great Truck - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    My S-10 has been a great truck. I have had it now for 8 years and in that time it has only let me down one time. (Dead Battery) When I get in I know it is going to start and take me wher I need to go. The only problem I have had with it is brackets that hold the torsion bar cross-member have broke a couple of times. That dosent leve you stranded but you still have to fix it.

  • lot of power in a small package - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    I bought myself this truck for christmas last year after the trans. went out in my lumina (115,000 miles). I love this thing. the truck is perfect. except for one thing. i wish it had a tad more power from the factory. maybe a high flow exhaust or underdrive pulleys. both of which would also increase gas mileage.

  • Content - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
    By -

    A good compromise in power and economy for anyone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel but still has a frequent need for a truck. With the optional 4.3L V6 the power is there to carry or tow most most things. Not a substitute for full size trucks in that department. Reliability has been a plus as has been my experience with other S-10s Ive owned.

Chevrolet S-10 Reviews By Year:
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