Chevy S-10 Pickup Truck Guide

You can virtually buy a custom...        read full caption You can virtually buy a custom sport truck right from the factory with the introduction of the &821799 Chevy S-10 Xtreme. The trick 16x8 wheels, P235/55R16 Goodyear tires, lowered ZQ8 handling suspension package, and handsome ground effects body kit make this S-10 an instant standout.

There&8217s very little difference...        read full caption There&8217s very little difference between Chevy S-10s and GMC Sonomas. Many people prefer the GMC grilles. The Extended Cab with the shortbed is probably the most popular body combo. The 4.3L Vortec V-6 is the engine to get.

First-series S-10s were produced...        read full caption First-series S-10s were produced as pickups from 1982 through 1993. The bargain trucks are the early longbed examples with the four-cylinder engines and manual four-speed transmissions. Shortbed S-10s are a far better starting point for a custom truck. The newer the truck, the more apt it is to have the 4.3L V-6.

This 1997 S-10 was built by...        read full caption This 1997 S-10 was built by the specialty truck parts company, Trader&8217s Truck Accessories in Whittier, California. The low 5/6 stance was achieved with dropped spindles and lowering coil springs in front and de-arched springs with lowering blocks in the rear. The front 17x8 wheels use P35/45ZR17 BFG Comp T/A tires. Out back, the 17x91/2 wheels use P275/45ZR17 tires.

Easily the two most collectible...        read full caption Easily the two most collectible S-10 variants are the GMC Syclone pickup and the Typhoon Jimmy/Blazer. Both awesome trucks were powered by turbocharged 280hp 4.3L V-6 engines. Both used full-time all-wheel drive in an attempt to get all that power to the ground. Not only were they incredibly quick, but they also handled very well.

One of the most popular compact pickups ever made is the Chevy S-10 and all its siblings: the Blazer (two- and four-door models), GMC S-15, Sonoma, Jimmy, Envoy, Syclone, Typhoon, and Oldsmobile Bravada. There are great numbers of used S-10s around, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000. The aftermarket industry is well aware of the S-10's tremendous popularity, which means there's a wide array of performance and cosmetic parts available for the truck.

The clean, straightforward styling of first-series S-10s lasted from 1982 until 1993 for the pickups and until 1994 for the Blazers. Second-generation S-10s are every bit as good-looking and just as popular as their predecessors. The longevity of the first series means a few simple changes can make an '82 look as fresh as a '93. That's an attractive feature for first-time builders and people looking to build a budget sport truck. The Chevy S-10 lineup offers a wide variety of sport truck possibilities.