Against 435 other V6 cars rated 2002–2004, the S-10 Pickup trails their 18.8 mpg average by 3.8 mpg, about $517 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1984–2003), does 23.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1994–2004), 17.8: $523 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet S-10 Pickup engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 20.8 / 26.8 | 1984–2003 | $1,634 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20.5 / 25.6 | 1986–1993 | $1,714 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 16.7 / 23 | 1984–1993 | $2,043 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 15.6 / 21.1 | 1994–2004 | $2,157 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the GMC Sonoma gets 18 mpg, next to 15 mpg for the 2004 S-10 Pickup. The S-10 Pickup costs the most of them to run: $427 a year more than the GMC Sonoma.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2002–2004 | +$517 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,129 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup gives up 4 mpg in town: 18 on the highway against 14 in the city, $610 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the S-10 Pickup changed over the years
The S-10 Pickup peaked in 1984 at 24 mpg (21.5 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 15 — 9 mpg apart, or $960 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 15. The 2004 model loses 5 mpg against 20 for the 2003, with 1 version instead of 2.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1999 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1998 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 19 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1994 | 18 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1993 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1992 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1989 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 17.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1986 | 18.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1985 | 21.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1984 | 21.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 41 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet S-10 Pickup — 4 engines across 1984–2004. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,129. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup get?
15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the S-10 Pickup has averaged 20.6 mpg.
Is the 2004 S-10 Pickup more efficient than the 2003?
No: 15 against 20 mpg combined, about $640 a year more to run.
Which S-10 Pickup year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 24 mpg combined (21.5 city, 28 highway).
Does the S-10 Pickup get better gas mileage than the GMC Sonoma?
No: 15 mpg for the 2004 S-10 Pickup against 18 for the 2004 GMC Sonoma, about $427 a year more to run.
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