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Did the Chevy Colorado replace the S-10?

No, the Chevy Colorado did not directly replace the S-10 pickup truck. The Colorado was introduced as a new, mid-size pickup model in 2004, several years after the S-10 was discontinued in 2004. While the Colorado filled a similar market segment, it was a distinct model with its own design and features.


The Chevy S-10 Pickup Truck


The Chevy S-10 was a compact pickup truck that was produced by General Motors from 1982 to 2004. It was one of the first compact pickup trucks offered in the United States and competed with models like the Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. The S-10 was known for its rugged design, affordability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use.


The Chevy Colorado Pickup Truck


The Chevy Colorado was introduced in 2004 as a mid-size pickup truck, slotting in between the full-size Silverado and the discontinued S-10. The Colorado was designed to offer more capability and size than the S-10, while still being more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than the larger Silverado. The Colorado was positioned to compete with other mid-size trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.


Key Differences Between the S-10 and Colorado



  • Size and Capability: The Colorado was larger and more capable than the S-10, with more towing and payload capacity.

  • Engine Options: The Colorado offered a range of more powerful engine options, including V6 and diesel engines, compared to the S-10's four-cylinder and V6 offerings.

  • Design and Features: The Colorado featured a more modern, refined design and interior compared to the aging S-10 design.

  • Market Positioning: The Colorado was positioned as a mid-size truck, while the S-10 was a compact pickup.


So in summary, while the Colorado filled a similar market segment as the S-10, it was a distinct and more capable model that did not directly replace the S-10 when it was discontinued in 2004.

What replaced the Chevy S-10?


The Chevrolet Colorado replaced the Chevy S-10 in the North American market, with the S-10 being discontinued after the 2004 model year. The Colorado was developed as a joint venture between GM Brazil and Isuzu and was first introduced to North America around the same time the S-10 ceased production.
 
This video explains the history of Chevy trucks, including the S-10 and its replacement, the Colorado: 52sAll Cars with JonYouTube · Mar 23, 2024

  • The S-10 was phased out in North America following the 2004 model year. 
  • The Colorado was introduced as the S-10's successor in the compact pickup truck segment. 
  • The Isuzu i-Series was also discontinued around the same time and was part of the same replacement strategy. 

You can watch this video to see the design and features of the new Colorado: 57sAutoTrend YouTube · Apr 11, 2025



Is the Chevy Colorado the S10?


The Chevrolet Colorado (sharing mechanical commonality with the GMC Canyon) is a series of compact pickup trucks (mid-size since second generation) marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups.



Did Colorado replace the S10?


Yes, the Chevrolet Colorado was introduced in 2004 as the official replacement for the S-10 in North America, marking the end of the S-10's production in the U.S.. While the two trucks served a similar role as Chevrolet's compact/midsize pickup, the Colorado is a different model, with the S-10 being phased out and the Colorado taking its place in the lineup.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of the Chevy S10 and its replacement: 1mAll Cars with JonYouTube · Mar 23, 2024

  • Replacement timeline: The Colorado was launched for the 2004 model year, and the S-10 was phased out after the 2004 model year. 
  • Shared platform: The Colorado and the similarly timed GMC Canyon share a platform, and the Colorado was developed to replace both the S-10 and its GMC counterpart, the Sonoma. 
  • Different models: While they served the same purpose in the Chevrolet lineup, the Colorado is a distinct model and not just a redesign of the S-10. The Colorado is larger and has different engine options. 
  • International markets: Some international markets continued to use the S-10 name on their models, even after the Colorado took its place in the U.S.. For example, the Colorado is sold as the S10 in Brazil and other South American markets. 



What happened to the Chevy S-10?


The Chevy S10 was discontinued in North America after the 2004 model year due to low sales and was replaced by the Chevy Colorado. Production of the S10 line continues in other markets, such as South America, where it is a separate model from the Colorado sold in the United States.
 
This video explains the history of the Chevy S10 and its replacement by the Colorado: 52sAll Cars with JonYouTube · Mar 23, 2024

  • In North America: The S10 was discontinued after the 2004 model year. It was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, which was a slightly larger, more modern compact pickup truck. 
  • Other Markets: While the S10 is no longer sold in North America, it is still produced and sold in other countries like Brazil and Argentina. In these regions, the S10 has evolved into a separate model line. 
  • Rumors of Return: There are recurring rumors about the S10's return, but Chevrolet has not officially announced any plans to bring it back to the North American market. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.