1990-1993 Chevrolet S10 Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 Chevrolet S10 Pickup
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1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
- Price Range: $600 - $1,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Payload
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
Identical except for badging, Chevrolet S10 and GMC S15 compact pickups held 4-cylinder or V6 engines. On-demand, part-time 4-wheel drive was available on all three sizes: short bed (108.3-inch wheelbase and 6-foot cargo bed), long bed (118-inch wheelbase and 7.5-foot bed), or extended cab (123-inch wheelbase and 6-foot bed). A 3-place bench seat was standard, with bucket seats optional. Extended-cab models also have two folding rear jump seats. Rear-wheel antilock braking had arrived for 1989. An optional electronic instrument cluster used vacuum-fluorescent displays.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet S-10 4.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet S-10:
Facelifted as early '91 models, the S10 pickups had a new grille, wheels, bodyside moldings, and bumper rub strips. Suspension revisions aimed to improve ride quality. Later in 1991, the base 4-cylinder engine added power. GMC replaced the S15 badge on its version with a Sonoma designation this year.
1992 Chevrolet S-10:
Optional pushbutton shifting now was available on 4WD models. Adjustable head restraints were installed on bench seats. Steering wheels had a new 4-spoke design, and the standard speedometer abandoned its hockey-stick shape.
1993 Chevrolet S-10:
Automatic transmissions added electronic shift controls, including a feature that allows second-gear starts for better traction on slippery surfaces. Any model with bucket seats might now be equipped with a central console. The 4.3-liter engine gained an internal balance shaft to reduce vibration.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
We prefer V6 engines in an S10, because automatic transmissions rob too much performance from the 4-cylinder. If you definitely must have a 4-cylinder, stick with manual shift. The 2.8-liter V6 is adequate for most 2-wheel-drive requirements, but the brawny 4.3-liter engine sends these trucks to the head of their class for acceleration and towing prowess. A basic long-bed 2WD with the 4.3-liter V6 and automatic averaged about 21.5 mpg. A short bed with the same powertrain but with a Baja 4x4 package averaged just 16 mpg. Rear-wheel ABS improves control in stops, but otherwise, braking power is nothing special. Extended-cab models have 18.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the front seats (13.7 cubic feet if equipped with optional jump seats, which are large enough only for children). Even when equipped with extra-cost interior trim packages, these pickups tend to feel crude inside, with too many sharp plastic edges and a cheap feel to most controls. The optional front stabilizer bar improves steering response and reduces body lean in turns. Heavy-duty shock absorbers are also a good idea, cutting down on bouncing and pitching. Analog gauges are standard, and are easier to read than the optional electronic cluster.
Value for the Money
Popular for both work and play, S10 pickups score well against their natural rival, the Ford Ranger, and the availability of the 4.3-liter V6 engine placed the S10 a step ahead of its competition.
Popular for both work and play, S10 pickups score well against their natural rival, the Ford Ranger, and the availability of the 4.3-liter V6 engine placed the S10 a step ahead of its competition.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet S-10 4.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet S-10 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet S-10 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $365 |
| Alternator | $195 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $735 |
| Brakes | $207 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $415 |
| Exhaust System | $335 |
| Radiator | $325 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $370 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $205 |
| Universal Joints | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet S-10 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1993 | |||
| S10 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| S10 4WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| S10 2WD | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| S10 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| S10 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| S10 4WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| S10 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| S10 4WD | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet S-10 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.9 | 117.9 | 108.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.8 | 194.2 | 178.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.7 | 64.7 | 64.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 61.3 | 61.3 | 61.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3024 | 2773 | 2635 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1869 | 1902 | 1886 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Standard engine in 2WD models was a 92-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A 2.8-liter V6, rated 125 horsepower, went into 4WD models and was an option for 2WD trucks. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard with the 4-cylinder and 2.8-liter V6; 4-speed automatic was optional for the 4-cylinder. Pickups might instead have an optional 160-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6, offered only with automatic transmission. On-demand, part-time Insta-Trac 4WD has shift-on-the-fly capability between 2WD and 4WD High. Automatic-locking front hubs were standard with the Insta-Trac system. Previously an option, the 4.3-liter V6 became standard on all 4WD models for 1991, and could be ordered with manual shift for the first time. Four-cylinder engines gained 11 horsepower during the 1991 model year, courtesy of a new intake manifold and cylinder head, and revised exhaust system.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 151 | 94-105 | 130-135 | 5-speed manual: 23/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: 22.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 2.8 / 173 | 125 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 160-165 | 230-235 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet S-10 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 S-10 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-92 without air conditioning:
Fan blades on 2.5-liter engine can break as a result of fatigue.
1991:
Fuel tank sender seal may be out of position.
1991-93 w/4WD and ABS:
Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.
1993 S10/T10 with folding rear seats:
Rear-outboard seatbelt assembly will not release webbing from retracted position.
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