‘Motorweek’ Looks Back on 1994 Chevrolet S-10 in Retro Review
Back in the days where you could buy a simple, honest, inexpensive pickup truck.
Earlier this month, MotorWeek dug into their archives and pulled out this classic, a retro review of the 1994 Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma. We know that there are some other S10 fans out there, so we thought we’d share it with you.
The S10 started life as a low-buck workhorse, and many even saw use as inexpensive commuters. In the years since, however, they’ve endeared themselves to a dedicated group of Chevy truck fans who know that great things come in small packages – especially when you replace the factory four or six cylinder engine with a V8!
For some of us who live in snowy climates, this will be the first time we’ve seen a non-rusty S-10 in over a decade. Depending on how much you like S-10s, this video might now be safe for work.
Everyday Hero
Despite their popularity as light-duty fleet vehicles, the second-generation S-10 was designed from the outset to be a comfortable, practical, and livable small pickup for daily use. Interior comfort and ride quality were given lots of attention during the design process. Thankfully, the S-10 remained a capable work truck and was a respectable performer off-road (in 4×4 form).
On the road, performance was good, especially for V6-powered S-10s. Handling prowess was applauded, and the brakes weren’t terrific, but better than what most truck buyers were accustomed to in 1994. Fuel economy was also fairly good for a pickup truck.
Here at Chevrolet Forum, we lament the loss of small pickup trucks like the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma. We’ll even shed a tear for the dearly departed Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger. While new midsize trucks are available from GM and Ford, it just isn’t the same.
The 1994 S-10 started at under $10,000, or around $17,000 today. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, small pickup trucks offered a practical alternative to subcompact economy cars. These days, however, you’ve got to spend some serious money to get a larger truck with more equipment than you may want or need.
What we really want is simplicity, value, and, most of all, a pair of framerails that can accommodate a V8 when the warranty’s up. Are you paying attention, GM?
