What transmission does a S10 have?
The Chevrolet S-10 pickup typically uses a 4-speed automatic (4L60-E) or a 5-speed manual (NV1500 or NV3500), depending on the year and engine. If you meant the Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, it does not have a vehicle-style transmission; it uses digital radios and networks for data transfer instead. This article covers the S-10 pickup specifics and notes the phone context where relevant.
To avoid ambiguity, “S-10” most often refers to Chevrolet’s compact pickup produced from the early 1980s through 2004. Transmission options varied by trim, engine, and generation, so exact configurations should be confirmed on a per-vehicle basis.
Chevrolet S-10 transmissions
Below is a quick reference to the transmissions most commonly installed on S-10 pickups over their production life.
- 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission (the standard automatic option on many S-10 models, paired with 2.2L/2.5L four-cylinders and the 4.3L V6 in various years).
In addition to automatics, the S-10 offered manual gearboxes that varied by engine and year.
- NV1500 five-speed manual transmission (a common manual option on many S-10s equipped with smaller engines like the 2.2L/2.5L).
- NV3500 five-speed manual transmission (used on some later S-10 configurations, typically with larger engines or specific trims; availability depended on year and market).
Note: Exact transmission availability can differ by model year, engine, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), and market. Always check the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN-derived specifications to confirm the original transmission installed in a given S-10.
Technical context and maintenance notes
The 4L60-E is a widely used GM 4-speed automatic that supported overdrive and was common in GM small trucks and SUVs of its era. The NV1500 is a light-duty manual designed for smaller four-cylinder configurations, while the NV3500 is a heavier-duty 5-speed manual used with higher-torque engines. Transmission issues in these models can include worn gearsets, synchronizer wear, and hydraulic/clutch concerns, so periodic servicing and proper fluid specifications are important for longevity.
Note on other uses of the name “S10”
The label S10 can also refer to other products (for example, the Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone). In that context, there is no vehicle-type transmission. Smartphones use radio transceivers and network protocols for data transmission, not a gearbox. If you meant the phone, specify the model variant (S10, S10e, S10+, or S10 5G) for more precise mobile-network details.
Summary
For the Chevrolet S-10, the typical transmission lineup consisted of a 4-speed automatic (4L60-E) and two main manual options (NV1500 and NV3500), with exact choices depending on year, engine, and trim. Always verify the specific configuration for a given truck. If your question was about the Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, there is no automotive-style transmission; it relies on wireless communication technologies instead.
