The Chevrolet S-10 is among the most popular trucks ever made in the brand's history. The pickup has for long been known for its inspiring appearance and performance that comes second to none. The pick-up made its debut in 1981 and was sold as a 1982 model. Sales quickly took off and inspired GMC to develop an identical S-15 pickup truck, which was later renamed Sonoma. S-10 Blazer was also available as the only SUV version of the pickup, but it never really had quite the same charm as the original S-10 or the same sporty touch as the newer Baja.

Introduced in 1989, the Chevy S-10 Baja was an appearance package that was introduced as an available feature on all four-wheel-drive S-10 pickup trucks. From then on, all S-10s with the Baja package came in either a solid Apple Red, Midnight Black, or Frost White body coloring.

The package also embraced new features, such as new suspensions, “BAJA” lettering, new bumper and grille, among others, which not only gave the four-wheel-drive S-10 a new advanced look but also boosted its performance. Today, the Chevrolet S-10 Baja is one of the classic pickups that are expected to rise in value.

The 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Baja boasts a rare fashion and comes at a decent price tag in 2021.

Here’s How Much The Chevrolet S-10 Baja Costs Today

1989 Chevrolet S-10 Baja
Via: Mecum Auctions

During the time of its production, the Chevrolet S10’s retail price ranged from $6,796 for the regular Cab Short Bed model to upwards of $11,537 for the long cab short bed pickup model with the standard four-wheel-drive system. The optional Baja Appearance package retailed for a few extra bucks but was exclusive to the four-wheel-drive models.

Typically, a used 1989 Chevy S-10 Baja is an ordinary condition with a mileage of about 216,534 can cost you $3,250. On the other hand, we found a Standard Cab with a solid condition and approximately 87,000 miles on the odometer retailing for up to $7,500 on Carsforsale.com. This leaves the average price of a used 1988 Chevrolet S-10 Baja at around $5,375, which is an affordable price, especially when compared to its classic rivals.

Finding a used 1989 Chevrolet S10 Baja may seem like a daunting task, but they’re not actually rare – at least not as rare as the Chevrolet S10 EV truck – an S-series model you’ve likely not seen or heard of before. The easiest Chevy S-10 Baja models to find are the ones that were made between the 1990 and 1991 model years. If you take a hard look, we can guarantee that you’ll find a 1989 Classic Chevy S-10 Baja pickup in a good condition and with a lower odometer reading.

Speaking of mileage, the best part about Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks is that they can usually run for anywhere between 200K and 250K mileage before they need to be refreshed. Anything with more mileage may need a lot of repairs. But some pickups can even go above the 300K mile mark and still run like new. All in all, this usually depends on how they were cared for by the previous owner(s).

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The Chevy S-10 Appearance package Makes A Great Impression

1989_Chevrolet_S-10_Baja_Rear_Angular_View
Via: Mecum Auctions

As we mentioned earlier, the S-10 Baja isn’t a pickup truck line-up of its own. Rather it’s an optional appearance package that was offered to all four-wheel-drive S-10s and was available on the models ranging from the regular-cab with short-box pickup, to stretched-out-cab models with a short box S-10 trucks made from 1989 to 1991.

During production, all models of the Baja were sold in only three solid colors: Midnight Black, Apple Red, and Frost White, as is the one in the picture above. On the other hand, the two-wheel-drive pickup trucks were offered with optional S-10 Cameo and Cameo EL styling kits within the same model years, and also offered similar body color options.

Aside from the trifling color selections, the Baja optional styling kit featured some great exterior complements, such as the larger front tubular grille guard that was integrated with sporty fog lights, a tube-shaped rear bumper, and a single-inch wide-body banding. The new suspension package worked with the 125 hp 2.8-liter V6 engine and rear-wheel drive system for a better off-roading capability. The package also comprised of an advanced underbody shield package, which included added shield on vital elements, like the fuel tank, front differential, transfer case, and steering.

1988 Chevrolet S-10 Baja
Via: Barn Finds

The Baja appearance package also added the distinctive “BAJA” lettering on the box sides – and on the top part of the windshield too, and off-road lights on a roll bar, which gave the S-10 a sporty, and sophisticated overall appearance. Customers would also opt for an extra-cost Baja package, which included aluminum wheels, a cargo-net end-gate, and a tire carrier for the spare. By it's closing year, the Baja package added a unique “BAJA” lettering styled in red and gray bucket seats and door panels. Today, this Baja special package is the most common embroidering you will find.

The S-10 Baja kit will always be remembered as one of the most impressive appearances and performance packages in the S-10s history. This is impressive considering that this was about three decades ago.