1994-2004 Chevrolet S-Series - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Chevrolet S-Series ext. cab Rating (See All Ratings)

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 Score:	38

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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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 >

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