Yes. The Chevy S-10 was offered with a manual transmission at various times during its 1982–2003 production run. The five-speed manual was common with the 2.5-liter inline-four, and the 4.3-liter V6 was also available with a manual in multiple trims. As automatics grew more prevalent in later years, manual options became less common, but they remained available on several configurations.
Transmission options over the S-10's lifetime
Here’s a snapshot of the manual transmission options and where they appeared on the S-10 lineup.
- Five-speed manual transmissions were offered with the 2.5-liter inline-four on many model years and body configurations, including regular-cab and some extended-cab models.
- Five-speed manual transmissions were also available with the 4.3-liter V6 in a number of trims, especially on base/work-truck variants and 4x4 configurations.
- Manual gearboxes tended to be more common on lower-trim bases and early-generations S-10s; late-model vehicles more often shipped with automatics.
These points show that manual S-10s exist across several production years, but the option was not universal and availability varied by year, engine, and trim level. If you’re shopping, verify the specific vehicle's transmission before purchase.
How to verify a given S-10 has a manual transmission
When evaluating an S-10 to confirm whether it uses a manual transmission, look for the telltale signs of a manual gearbox and check the documentation.
- A clutch pedal on the far left of the footwell is a clear indicator of a manual transmission.
- A floor-mounted shifter with a manual gear pattern (typically 5-speed) is another strong sign.
- Check the owner's manual, window sticker, or build sheet for drivetrain specifications indicating "Manual Transmission" or "5-speed."
- For a quick check, use a trusted VIN decoder or contact GM Customer Care with the VIN to confirm the transmission type.
Using these checks will help you determine the transmission type of a specific S-10, which is especially useful when evaluating late-1990s or early-2000s models.
Summary
The Chevy S-10 did come with a manual transmission in several years and trims, most notably a five-speed manual paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and, in many cases, with the 4.3-liter V6. As automatics became the norm during the truck’s later years, manual availability declined, but it remained an option on a number of configurations. When shopping used, always verify the transmission on the specific vehicle through paperwork or a hands-on check.
What manual transmission did the S10 come with?
Second generation (1994)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L LN2/L43 I4 4.3 L LB4/L35/LF6/LU3 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 5-speed BorgWarner T-5 manual (1994–95 I4) 5-speed NV1500 manual (1996+ I4) 5-speed NV3500 manual (V6) |
| Dimensions |
How much is a 1990 S10 worth?
1990 Chevrolet S-10 Value - $947-$6,873 | Edmunds.
What year is S10 to stay away from?
There isn't a year of an S10 or generation that you should avoid. They're a reliable compact truck. As someone with a fairly high optioned 99 s10, this is accurate. There's so much oddball crap on that truck it's a little aggravating.
What is the rarest S10 ever made?
The 1997 S-10 EV Was The Rarest Chevy Pickup Ever Made
While other electric vehicles were in the experimental phase, Chevy made the bold move to produce a small fleet of electric pickups for the general public.