| Chevy S10: Compact GM Truck |
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Back in the early 1970s when small pickup trucks began to find their way to the market, GM was without a model of its own. That presented a problem for the automaker as customers were turning to Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan (Datsun) and others to meet demand.
Japanese Import
GM quickly responded by hatching a deal with Isuzu to sell its P'up model in the US as the Chevrolet Luv. Though it managed to fill a void in Chevrolet's line up, it soon became apparent that a homegrown model would better suit GM for a number of reasons including that these trucks also carried a 25 percent tariff when sold whole. A number of manufacturers, including GM, managed to avoid the stiff tariff by having their pickups shipped from Japan without a bed, finishing these trucks stateside.
Beginning with the 1982 model year GM did just that. They began to sell the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15 (later renamed the Sonoma) to replace the Luv. Immediately, the trucks were a hit powered initially by Isuzu's 1.9L I4 gas engine or in-house 2.8L V6. For a short time a diesel variant was also offered, but from 1986 on gas engines prevailed.
New Chevy
Offered in rear or all wheel drive, the Chevy S10 later included a four door crew cab model and short and long bed variations. Two generations of S10s were utilized, with the second generation model introduced in 1994. The SUV version was known as the Blazer.
Later Chevy S10 models were powered by a 2.2L I4 paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. A much larger 4.3L V6 was also available, the standard engine used in the full size Chevy truck line. As time went on both engines were tweaked and refined in order to produce more horsepower and torque, keeping it in line with offerings from Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Dodge.
Value Priced
If you're shopping for a low cost compact used truck, the Chevy S10 may have what you want, but you'll most likely prefer a later model. Earlier Chevy S10 trucks were short on safety equipment and featured cheap interiors while those built from 1998 through 2004 were updated and included ABS, air bags, an improved interior and optional sport suspension and aluminum wheels.
Quality was always questionable with the Chevy S10 as it was known to creak and rattle, lacking much of the polish offered by its competitors. Nevertheless, more recent used models are still prized for their price point with some specially outfitted Chevrolets in demand.
New Chevrolet
The 2004 model year was the final one for the Chevy S10, as it was replaced beginning in 2005 with the Chevrolet Colorado.
Interestingly, GM still builds the Chevy S-10 in Brazil models featuring flex fuel as well as diesel engines.
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