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The Chevy S-10 is an icon. OK. “icon” might be a bit strong, but the pickup truck sorely misses the Chevy S-10. These tiny pickup trucks were cheap, reliable, and practical. Models like the 2022 Ford Maverick are attempting to fit the small shoes of the S-10, but even the newer versions of small trucks are pretty big. So, why not just buy a brand-new old Chevy S-10? This 1988 Chevy S-10 fits the bill and is for sale.

1988 Chevy S-10 is basically brand new with only 8,500 miles
1988 Chevy S-10 | Cruisin’ Classics

This brand-new 1988 Chevy S-10 is better than a 2022 Ford Maverick

According to GM Authority, the Chevy S-10 dropped in 1982 – a great time for the tiny trucks – following the oil/gas shortage of the 1970s. This shortage changed the American automotive market forever. Muscle cars died and trucks got smaller and lighter. While many still mourn the death of the big-block muscle, the little pickup truck was a welcomed addition. 

There was a 1.9-liter Isuzu four-cylinder and a 2.8-liter V6 available for the S-10. Both Chevy and GMC had their own versions of the S-Series trucks, with cosmetic differences in the grille, tailgate, and badging.

What makes this Chevy S-10 so special? 

This 1988 Chevy S-10 is in immaculate condition. Not only is it cleaner than a Nun’s Habit, but this S-10 is also the top trim Tahoe trim. The factory color is called Steel Gray Metallic over a Carmine Red Special Cloth bench seat interior. 

This crisp Chevy S-10 is powered by a fuel-injected 4.3-liter V6 producing 160 horsepower, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission – oh, and it only has 8,500 original miles. 

Though it has barely seen the road since it rolled off the factory floor, it has seen some light custom work. The owner lowered the S-10 two inches upfront and three inches out back. The S-10 also got some era-correct Camaro wheels. However, the paint and interior are bone stock and look incredible, which is no small feat for a GM from this era. 

The only other additions seem to be the short bed tonneau cover and era-fitting bug guard on the front. Nothing says late-’80s GM products like optional plastic and vinyl. 

How much is this pristine Chevy pickup?

S-10 interior in bright red
1988 Chevy S-10 interior | Cruisin’ Classics

Cruisin’ Classics has the S-10 for sale at $24,995. While that may seem like a lot for an old chevy pickup, compare it to the current truck market. The base-model 2022 Ford Maverick is technically cheaper than this vintage pickup and better equipped. However, it isn’t even close as far as coolness goes. 

The 2022 Ford Maverick has computers, gets better gas mileage, and is likely 10x more comfortable, but it doesn’t have the drip. The immaculate red interior of the Chevy S-10 screams personality and flair. Aside from the look, everything inside the Chevy is spotless. The gauges are crisp, the dash unfaded and uncracked, the door handles are tight, and nothing rattles. This is a nearly brand new 1988 Chevy S-10 and it’s as close as you can get to having a new classic tiny truck. The Ford Maverick isn’t cut from this cloth, though it’s trying to be.

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Staff Writer

Peter Corn

Peter Corn joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2020 and brings his quippiest Southern drawl to our table. Having, in his words, “helped” rebuild his dad’s 1959 MGA as a small child, Peter grew up loving vintage cars and trucks, adding motorcycles and all things 4×4 as he went.

Peter earned a Bachelor of Archeology and Creative Writing from the University of Alabama and has since melded his love of driving with storytelling. His voice, full of pleasantries and witticisms, can be enjoyed in The Gentleman Racer, The Vintagent, Gear Patrol, Iron & Air Magazine, and Classic Car Club Magazine.

Peter is a co-founder of both The Colloquial Magazine and The Fire Escape, the official podcast of The Colloquial. In an effort to increase his abilities in “ramping anything with wheels,” Peter has taken track training from Classic Car Club Manhattan and attended Rally School at Monticello Motor Club, where he was coached by eight-time Performance Rally motorsport champion Chris Duplessis.

On a lucky day, we get to hear Peter tell the story of his first car, a jewel of a 1958 Ford Fairlane, into which he dumped more time and money than made sense, but he has no regrets.