1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet S-10. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet S-10.

1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Review

Chevrolet redesigned its compact S10 pickups for 1994 on a modified version of the prior platform with longer bodies. Again sharing styling with GMC's Sonoma, pickups had rear or 4-wheel drive, regular or extended cabs, and 4-cylinder or V6 engines. Side door-guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp were installed. Wheelbases were the same as before. Cargo beds measured 6 feet (short) or 7.5 feet (long). All three body styles gained about 10 inches in overall length. Rear antilock braking was standard on 4-cylinder models, but V6 trucks got 4-wheel ABS that worked in both rear-wheel drive and 4WD. Cabs gained three inches in shoulder room. The redesigned dashboard featured round analog gauges and soft-touch rotary climate controls, and a new console contained two cupholders. Base and upscale LS models went on sale. A Super Sport package included the "enhanced" 195-horsepower V6 engine, automatic, and a sport suspension. A ZR2 off-road package gave the 4WD regular cab a 4-inch-wider track, 3-inch higher stance, and an off-road suspension/tire setup.

Year to Year Changes

1995 Chevrolet S-10: A driver-side airbag arrived for 1995, as Chevrolet replaced the previous S10 designation with S-Series nomenclature. Daytime running lights became standard during the model year. Backlighting was added to switches for power windows, locks, and mirrors.

1996 Chevrolet S-10: A rear side door became optional on extended cabs during '96, and a Sportside model with flared-fender cargo bed joined the Fleetside trucks. The optional door is on the driver's side and cannot be opened unless the front door is opened. All S-Series models, including 4-cylinder trucks, now had 4-wheel antilock braking, operating in both 2WD and 4WD. Both V6 engines were revised, joining GM's Vortec family.

1997 Chevrolet S-10: An optional floor shifter for the automatic transmission was the main change for 1997.

1998 Chevrolet S-10: Chevy reverted back to S-10 nomenclature and gave its compact pickup new exterior and interior styling. The new interior added a passenger-side airbag with an on/off switch. The base engine is also revised to lower noise levels (and it gains two horsepower).

1999 Chevrolet S-10: Chevy traded the sporty SS package for the even-sportier Xtreme. Available only on 2WD models, it featured a lowered suspension, body-color aero trim pieces, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

2000 Chevrolet S-10: Extended-cab versions got a new base-trim model, and 4x4s gained standard bucket seats.

2001 Chevrolet S-10: S-10 added a 4-door crew cab and dropped the 4-wheel-drive regular cab model for 2001. The new crew cab came only in 4WD with a 4.6-foot bed. Regular cab 2001 models were only available in 2WD with a 6- or 7.3-foot cargo bed.

2002 Chevrolet S-10: Air conditioning and a tachometer were newly standard, and the long cargo bed, which had been dropped at the beginning of the model year, was reinstated. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer was a new option, and Crew Cabs were now available with heated front seats.

2003 Chevrolet S-10: Little change was evident for '03 as replacement Colorado waited in the wings.

2004 Chevrolet S-10: The S-10 continues only as a 4WD 4-dr Crew Cab for '04.

1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger room	Fuel economy

Acceleration (V6)	Ride (4WD models)

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat room (extended cab)

Ride (2WD models)

Optional third door (1996-later)

Handling

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Pleasant to drive, the S-Series is a solid-feeling truck. Cabins feel roomier than before, with more rearward seat travel and storage space. Extra glass area gives great visibility and an airy feel. Wind noise is reduced. Acceleration is good with the V6. Automatic-transmission gear changes are smooth, though downshifts might be delayed for low-speed passing. An extended-cab V6 LS averaged 17.2 mpg in a long-term trial. When cold, however, that engine ran somewhat roughly, and its fan was intrusively loud. If you prefer a 4-cylinder pickup, your best bet is manual shift. An extended-cab 2WD LS delivered ride quality as smooth as many cars. These pickups easily absorb most bumps, and take dips with minimal bouncing, but some optional tire/suspension setups are rougher. When the cargo bed is empty, the tail tends to hop over sharp bumps and ridges. Body lean is evident in turns, but the truck feels balanced and poised in directional changes. Standard antilock brakes prevent lock-up during simulated panic stops, but brake-pedal feel on early models is disturbingly spongy.

Value for the Money
In their latest form, these compact pickups rank among the best in overall performance, ergonomics, and refinement. A Dodge Dakota has heftier hauling ability and an available V8 engine, but most buyers will be pleased with the Chevrolet. It outsells the Dakota and is a worthy contender to the sales-leading Ford Ranger.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet S-Series ext. cab	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	1

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	6

Total:	38

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.

1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Reliability

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.

Engine knock: Knock in the 4.3-liter engine is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not fix it, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings. (1994-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Oil consumption: High oil consumption on 2.2-liter engine may be due to a loose baffle in the valve cover. (1998-2000)

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	$550

Alternator	$255

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$750

Brakes	$210

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$545

Exhaust System	$460

Radiator	$410

Shocks and/or Struts	$345

Timing Chain or Belt	$420

Universal Joints	$190

NHTSA Recall History

1994 2WD/4WD: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1994 w/2.2-liter engine: Vacuum hose can detach from power-brake-booster check valve, as a result of engine backfire.

1994-95 Postal Vehicle: Loose/worn steering shaft can result in separation from steering gear.

1994-96 w/4WD and ABS: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.

1994-97: Seatbelt webbing on certain models can separate during frontal impact.

1995 w/air conditioning and V6 engine: Rivet can break and allow fan blade to separate from hub.

1996 2WD manual-shift w/2.2-liter engine: Drive wheels could seize and lock while truck is moving.

1996: Top coat of paint on a few trucks peels severely.

1996-97 w/V6 engine: Front brake line can contact oil pan, causing wear that may result in fluid loss.

1997: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1997-98 electric: Fuel-fired heater-pipe ground strap contacts rear brake pipe, leading to premature corrosion and eventual loss of brake-pipe integrity.

1998: Daytime running lights do not meet FMVSS No. 108 requirements.

1998: Fatigue fracture of rear-axle brake pipe can occur, causing slow fluid leak and resulting in soft brake pedal; if pipe breaks, driver would face sudden loss of rear-brake performance.

1998: Wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto exhaust manifold, possibly resulting in fire.

1999: Safety-belt retractor may not meet the locking requirements, leaving the occupant improperly restrained in a collision.

2000 w/2WD: On certain vehicles, right-hand ABS module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe-tube nuts could have been tightened improperly; seal could have been broken, causing leakage and increasing stopping distance.

2000 w/all-disc brakes: Out-of-spec spring clip in ABS motor could allow bearing to become misaligned; eventually, ABS and Dynamic Rear Proportioning system would become inoperative.

2000-01: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
S10 2WD	$1,500-2,300	$1,000-1,500	$200-300
S10 4WD	$2,100-3,000	$1,500-2,100	$400-600

1995
S-Series 2WD	$1,700-2,800	$1,100-1,900	$300-400
S-Series 4WD	$2,600-3,700	$1,900-2,700	$500-800

1996
S-Series 2WD	$2,000-3,200	$1,400-2,200	$300-500
S-Series 4WD	$3,100-4,500	$2,400-3,500	$700-1,100

1997
S-Series 2WD	$2,400-3,900	$1,700-2,800	$500-800
S-Series 4WD	$3,800-5,400	$3,100-4,400	$1,200-1,700

1998
S-Series 2WD	$2,900-4,600	$2,200-3,500	$700-1,100
S-Series 4WD	$4,500-6,300	$3,700-5,200	$1,600-2,300

1999
S-Series 2WD	$3,500-5,500	$2,800-4,400	$900-1,500
S-Series 4WD	$5,200-7,400	$4,400-6,300	$2,100-3,000

2000
S-Series 2WD	$4,100-6,800	$3,400-5,600	$1,400-2,200
S-Series 4WD	$6,000-9,000	$5,200-7,800	$2,500-3,800

2001
S-Series 2WD	$4,700-7,700	$3,900-6,500	$1,800-2,900
S-Series 4WD	$7,200-10,200	$6,400-9,100	$3,500-5,000

2002
S-Series 2WD	$5,500-9,000	$4,700-7,700	$2,300-3,700
S-Series 4WD	$8,000-11,000	$7,200-9,900	$4,100-5,600

2003
S-Series 2WD	$6,300-10,000	$5,500-8,800	$2,800-4,400
S-Series 4WD	$9,000-12,500	$8,100-11,300	$4,700-6,500

2004
S-Series 4WD	$13,500-14,700	$12,300-13,400	$8,000-8,700

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.

1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	crew cab	ext. cab	reg. cab long bed	reg. cab short bed

Wheelbase, in.	122.9	122.9	117.9	108.3

Overall Length, in.	204.8	203.3	204.6	188.6

Overall Width, in.	67.9	67.9	67.9	67.9

Overall Height, in.	63.4	62.2	62.1	62.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	4039	3081	2874	2822

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1111	1460	1715	1654

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	19.0	19.0	19.0

Seating Capacity	5	5	3	3

Front Head Room, in.	39.4	39.5	39.5	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	43.2	43.2	43.2

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2	--	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.6	--	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A new 118-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder served as base engine, with 5-speed manual shift or electronic 4-speed automatic. That engine was revised in '98 with 2 more hosepower. A 165-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 was optional (standard with 4WD), and any model might have the 195-horsepower "enhanced" version. With the ZR2 option, that engine could only have manual shift. Available 4WD was again an on-demand, part-time Insta-Trac setup. Automatic-locking hubs were standard and an electronic transfer case was available, using pushbuttons instead of a floor-mounted lever. Output of the regular V6 engine dropped by 10 horsepower (to 155) for 1995, while the enhanced engine dipped to 191 horsepower. Automatic was mandatory on SS models with the 191-horsepower engine. For 1996, both V6 engines were modified internally, becoming part of the Vortec family. The standard V6 now developed 180 horsepower (170 when installed in 2WD trucks). The step-up version was rated 190 horsepower (180 with 2WD).

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.2 / 134	118-120	130-140	5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 20/27	5-speed manual: 22.3 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	155-180	235-245	5-speed manual: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 20/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.4

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	180-195	245-260	5-speed manual: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 20/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 S-10	1999 S-10

Front Impact, Driver	--	--

Front Impact, Passenger	--	--

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series Review:

Chevrolet S-Series

Chevrolet S-Series Road Test

Chevrolet S-Series Reliability

Chevrolet S-Series Prices

Chevrolet S-Series Specs & Safety

Chevrolet S-Series Photos

Chevrolet S-Series Full Review