1998 Chevy S-10 Review
1998 Chevy S-10 Review
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Used S-10 for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet S-10 model years
Chevrolet S-10 types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fuel efficient base engine. Sporty styling. Powerful optional V6. Handy third door option.
Cons
- Shabby build quality. Low seating positions. Rattly third door option.
What’s new
The S-10 gets a sheet metal makeover and a new interior with dual airbags that incorporate second-generation technology for reduced force deployments. The basic four-cylinder engine benefits from Vortec technology this year, while 4WD models now have four-wheel disc brakes and a more refined transfer case on trucks with an automatic transmission. New radios, automatic headlight control and a standard theft-deterrent system sum up the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for S-10 LS
S-10 LS
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Like most of today's compact trucks, Chevrolet's S-Series grew more car-like when it was redesigned for 1994. That's the trend, and Chevy has done a good job of transforming its small-scale pickups without blurring their identity as practical machines. Riding smoother and handling better, they gained plenty in performance potential and overall refinement, ranking closer to their main competition, Ford's similar-sized Ranger. Grasp the S-10's long manual-transmission gearshift lever and it's easy to imagine you're wielding a big rig, while enjoying the blissful comforts of a compact.
Four-cylinder models need that manual shift to derive top performance, but the two V6 engine options are strong with either manual or automatic transmissions. For maximum output, the optional 180-horsepower L35 Vortec 4300 V6 is the engine to select (190 horsepower in 4WD models). The slightly less energetic LF6 Vortec 4300 V6 is no slouch, nearly matching the L35 in power and torque.
Extended cab models can be equipped with a handy access panel that opens wide to allow for easier access to the rear of the cab. Located on the driver's side, the optional third door deletes one of the extended cab's jump seats, but makes it much easier to load cargo, a friend, or your pal Spot into the S-10. Be warned, the third door can make for aggravating rattles on broken pavement.
Two- and four-wheel drive trucks come in several configurations, with a short or long bed, fleetside box or sportside box, and a short or extended wheelbase available. Ride comfort varies from car-smooth to strictly firm, depending on the choice of suspensions and tires.
Headroom is ample and seats are supportive, but the driver sits low, facing a tall steering wheel and cowl. In theory, three people fit across an S-Series bench seat, but it's hard to imagine an adult human being slim enough to squeeze into the space allotted. Surprisingly, the extended cab's rear jump seats are comfortable for short trips, as long as only one adult occupies the space behind the front seats.
Full gauges are excellent and easy to read, but the upright dashboard is constructed of cheap and brittle-looking plastic. Despite a low-height windshield--not unlike the Ranger's--visibility is super, helped by huge mirrors. Dual airbags and daytime running lamps are standard. All models have four-wheel antilock braking. Off-roaders will want the burly ZR2 package that makes the truck's body wider and taller, featuring special wheel flares, tough suspension components, and aggressive rubber.
For 1998, the S-10 gets a new front end and redesigned rear bumper. The new styling helps to associate the S-10 with the rest of the Chevy truck lineup thanks to a thick horizontal chrome bar and thin stretched headlamps just below the edge of the hood. The interior is revised, and a new dashboard debuts with dual airbags. Ergonomics are very good, but the plastic used to construct the dash still looks like it belongs on a Tonka truck. Standard equipment now includes a theft-deterrent system and automatic headlight control. On 4WD models, four-wheel disc brakes have been added, and with an automatic transmission, the transfer case is refined for smoother and quieter operation. The standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder benefits from the same Vortec technology Chevrolet bestows upon the optional V6 engines. There are also new radios and automatics have a column-mounted shifter instead of a space-robbing console stick.
Like many Chevrolets, the S-10 is loaded with value, but we've never warmed up to it. With the refinements made for 1998, perhaps this little pickup will prove to be likeable.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet S-10.
5 star(39%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(2%)
67 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Will last forever
driven_it_all, 10/02/2012
1998 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought mine used in 2000 with 34k miles. Sold her in 2011 with 240k miles.
Pros
-never replaced clutch
-brakes last long time
-never any major work done
-decent on gas
-took the abuse I gave to it.
-motor and transmission are very good
Cons
-cosmetic & electrical issues
-a/c issues ( I gave up after 3rd time)
-leaks oil at 100k miles
-cluster went out at 200k
Would highly recommend if … you are looking for a reliable cheap truck.
5 out of 5 stars
1998 s10
Daniel, 05/17/2016
1998 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This is a great little truck for a first truck. Got mine with 129 K miles. And just sold it for something bigger. The double Cardan u joint did make a noise but that just happens with the post 1995 models.overall was reliable and a great daily driver with the 4 cylinder engine. Not worth a lot of money but it gets you a bed and up to 26mph for inexpensive purchase prices.
3.88 out of 5 stars
1998 S10 ZR2 Ext Cab
Bigstik, 05/27/2003
1998 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 4A)
An extremely reliable vehicle from the
day I drove it of the lot. Very limited
repairs needed over the 5.5 years I
have owned it. Ask your mechanic about
these 4.3 liter Vortec V6 engines,
he'll tell you that they are built for
the long haul. I tow my 19' Sea Ray,
haul mulch, furniture, and anything
else that will fit in the bed, and
racked up about 60,000 miles the … first
2 years working the MD/VA territory -
all highway, and I don't baby this
truck. It still runs like the day I
drove it off the lot.
3.13 out of 5 stars
I could have done better...
What was I thinking?, 05/16/2003
1998 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
My gut instinct was not to buy this
truck, but somehow that day I kinda
liked it. The possibility of a few
quirks would have been acceptable since
I only needed it for home ownership
purposes. When I took it to an
independent mechanic I learned it
couldn't even pass a simple state
safety inspection. Poor build quality
had sent it to be traded in, and the
dealer … wouldn't give it the help it
needed without added cost. There are
several, better choices out there for
the consumer to choose from.
1998 S-10 Highlights
Extended Cab
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,500 lbs. |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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