Chevrolet S-10 - Second Generation

The second-generation trucks arrived in the 1994 model year. All of the special models (the Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT) were discontinued, but the changes to the pickup brought it in line with its major competitor the Ford Ranger. The Iron Duke 4-cylinder and 2.8 L 60° V6 engines were retired, the 4.3 L Vortec V6 was enhanced, and a new 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine (which had been introduced in 1990 on various FWD GM compact and mid-size platforms) became the engines of choice to power the second generation of S-10's. In compliance with the Clean Air Act, all 2nd Generation S-10s and Sonomas equipped with air-conditioning used CFC-free R134a refrigerant beginning in the 1994 model year.

Much of the chassis components were the same as the first generation (the A-frames between the first and second generation were the same although they were originally sourced from GM's G-body vehicle lineup), along with the steering knuckle, leaf springs, and differential assembly but suspension and axles were greatly enhanced.

Generally, for the 2WD trucks, the 8.5-inch rear end was only used when it came with both a manual transmission and the large 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 engine; it was an option for 4WD trucks with either transmission. This was also the year that GM introduced the ZR2 Offroad Package.

For 1995, a driver's-side air bag was added. In 1996 the 4.3 L engine was refreshed, and a third (rear) door was added for extended cab models, along with the sportside bed option. In 1998, the exterior, interior, brakes, and 2.2 L I4 engine were refreshed, along with a "next-generation" supplemental restraint system that added a passenger-side air bag. "Auto-Trac" all-wheel drive also became an option starting in 1999 for the 4WD Blazers. The SS package was replaced by the "Xtreme" package. In 2001 a Crew Cab option was added and was available in 4WD and automatic transmission only. The S10 extended and short cabs were discontinued in 2003 and the S10 crewcab was discontinued in 2004 in North America.

Base 2WD models came with 15x6.5-inch wheels with directional vents, Xtreme and ZQ8 models came with 16x8-inch wheels while 4WD models (including the ZR2) used 15x7-inch wheels. The 14-inch (360 mm) wheels used on the first generation were discontinued.