The versatile and ubiquitous Chevy S 10 pickup and other variants of that worthy vehicle has been around since 1982. It managed a 22 year run as Chevrolet's top small pickup, being replaced in 2005 by the Chevy Colorado and hundreds of thousands of them are still plying the nation's roads, trails and other thoroughfares.

Categorized as a compact truck, the S 10 also ran for a time in the General Motors stable as the GMC S 15, though that model eventually became the Syclone. Chevy's model was a replacement for the Luv, which had seen service since the early 1970s and was a rebadged Isuzu KB. The Arab oil embargo pointed out the need for small, fuel-sipping vehicles and Chevy make a concerted effort at delivering them.

Because of that effort, Chevy trotted out the truck in 1981 for the 1982 model year, introducing a 2-door SUV shortly thereafter in 1983. Chevy beat Ford to that segment of the market, though both finished behind Jeep, which had put a 2-door SUV up just before Chevy. No 4-door SUV version of the S 10 (the Chevy S 10 Blazer) was offered until 1990.

General Motors, the parent of Chevrolet, began to put out a number of small trucks and SUVs beginning in 1982. The S 10 itself was a well-liked and mechanically proficient model for well over 25 years, and for a time was a favorite of backyard do-it-yourself wrench types due to its relatively straightforward engine/transmission setup.

Given the initial desire by Chevy to feature what passed for good fuel economy in those days, the debut S 10 featured a standard 4 cylinder powerplant, which was an Isuzu carryover engine from the old Chevy Luv. It kicked out 84 ponies which, by today's standards of power and economy, would be considered anemic but which was actually fairly good in 1982. It also offered 101 pounds-feet of torque.

Optional mills in the little Chevy truck were mainly of the V6 type. From '82 to '85, it was a 2. 4 liter with a 2-barrel carb from Rochester. This combo put out 115 horses and 148 pounds-feet of torque that gave the truck so get-up-and-go from standing start. There was a diesel i the line from '83 to '85, but it died a well-deserved death.

Over the life of the vehicle, both 4 and 6-cylinder models continued to be offered, and horsepower, torque and fuel economy improved. Fuel injection eventually became standard, replacing the less-efficient carburetor, which happily disappeared from the scene after a time. Sequential port, multi-port and throttle body injection all played a role at one time or another, along with 3 and 4-speed automatic transmission and even a slick 5-speed Borg Warner manual.

Second generation S 10s ('94 to 2004) continued to improve, adding to the fun factor with even more 2 or 4-wheel drive versions. Larger, more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines also were offered, even including a hot SS type that came with a 4. 3 liter engine that kicked out from 180 to 195 horsepower. Improved graphics packages and a lowered profile on 16-inch rims complete the set-up. It was discontinued, however, in 1998.

The Chevy S 10 is still a ubiquitous sight on the roads, highways and trails of North America. It was an extremely popular little truck, and came to be thought of as a vital part of Chevy's effort to bring reliability and economy to the truck segment in the company's lineup. As a chord in the Chevy 'Heartbeat of America' theme's music, it played its role well.