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Chevrolet S-10

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck introduced by Chevrolet for the 1982 model year in North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck introduced by Chevrolet for the 1982 model year in North America. It was produced in two North American generations through 2004, then replaced there by the Chevrolet Colorado; the S10 name continued in Brazil from 1995 onward as a midsize pickup.

History

The Chevrolet S-10 launched for the 1982 model year and was Chevrolet’s first domestically produced compact pickup. It replaced the Chevrolet LUV in North America and later received a full redesign for the 1994 model year.

Generations and redesigns

The North American S-10 ran through two generations before ending after 2004. Sources also describe a broader three-generation S10 history when including the Brazilian model line.

Markets and production

In the United States and Canada, the S-10 ended when the Colorado took over. In Brazil, the S10 nameplate has remained active and is marketed as a midsize pickup.

Body styles and engines

Over time, the S-10 was offered in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab forms, with four-cylinder and V6 engines available depending on year and drivetrain. Later models included the Crew Cab as a key configuration.

Key facts

  • The Chevrolet S-10 debuted as Chevrolet’s first domestically produced compact pickup truck in North America.
  • It was originally created in response to downsizing and fuel-economy trends in the early 1980s.
  • A second-generation S-10 arrived for the 1994 model year with updated styling and safety features.
  • North American production ended after the 2004 model year, when the Chevrolet Colorado replaced it.
  • In Brazil, the Chevrolet S10 nameplate has remained in production since 1995.
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Canadian context

The S-10 was sold in Canada as part of Chevrolet’s North American pickup lineup, and its replacement by the Colorado is relevant to Canadian truck market history.[2][6]

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chevrolet S-10?
It is a compact pickup truck sold by Chevrolet beginning in the 1982 model year in North America, later continuing as a Brazilian midsize pickup under the S10 name.
When was the Chevrolet S-10 discontinued in North America?
It ended after the 2004 model year and was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado.
Was the S-10 sold outside North America?
Yes. Chevrolet continued producing the S10 in Brazil from 1995 onward, and it remains in production there.
How many generations did the S-10 have?
Sources describe two North American generations and three generations overall when the Brazilian continuation is included.
What kind of truck was the S-10?
It was a compact pickup in North America and a midsize pickup in Brazil.

References

  1. GM Authority — https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/s10/
    Supports: North American and Brazilian production history, discontinuation in North America, replacement by Colorado, and generation count.
  2. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-s_10/
    Supports: 1982 debut, first domestically produced compact pickup, first and second generation dates, and replacement by Colorado.
  3. J.D. Power — https://www.jdpower.com/cars/history/chevrolet/s-10
    Supports: Downsizing origins, redesign timing, body styles, engine availability, and end of production after 2004.
  4. Wikipedia (Portuguese) — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_S10
    Supports: Brazilian production since 1995 and milestone production figures.
  5. Autoevolution — https://www.autoevolution.com/news/remembering-the-chevrolet-s-10-on-its-40th-anniversary-173564.html
    Supports: 1982 introduction context and later Brazilian continuation.