The GMC Sonoma was a compact pickup truck from General Motors. When first introduced in 1982, it was known as the S-15 - a sister model to the Chevrolet S-10 pickup. A high-performance version was the GMC Syclone. The Sonoma was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. Together, these trucks are often referred to as the S-series.

Isuzu was successful in marketing their compact pickup truck since 1972, and the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo forced GM to design a domestically-produced compact pickup truck — as usual, parts from other GM chassis lines — primarily from the GM G-body intermediates — were incorporated.

The S-series was replaced by new models, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series, in 2004.

1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup

1982

The first S-series trucks were introduced in 1982. The Chevrolet and GMC models were identical apart from the grille. An extended cab and "Insta-Trac" four wheel drive were added the next year along with two new engines. New heavy-duty and off-road suspensions appeared in 1984 along with a hydraulic clutch, while the big news for 1985 was the discontinuing of the Cavalier's OHV I4 in favor of Pontiac's Iron Duke. The OHV-derived 2.2 L engine and Isuzu 1.9 L were both gone the next year, leaving just the Iron Duke and updated 2.8 L V6. A much-welcomed 4.3 L V6 was added for 1988, and anti-lock brakes came the next year.

The GMC S-15 became the GMC Sonoma in 1991, and the Sierra trim packages are dropped to avoid confusion with the new GMC Sierra full-size pickup. The GMC Syclone also appeared that year. The Sonoma GT bowed in 1992, and balance shafts were added to the 4.3 L V6 in this generation's last year, 1993.

Engines:

• 1982-1985 - 1.9 L Isuzu I4, 2 barrel, 84 hp (63 kW) and 101 ftˇlbf (137 Nˇm) (VIN A)
• 1982-1985 - 2.8 L 60° V6, 2 barrel, 110 hp (82 kW) and 148 ftˇlbf (201 Nˇm) (VIN B)
• 1983-1985 - 2.2 L Diesel I4, 58 hp (43 kW) and 93 ftˇlbf (126 Nˇm), (VIN S)
• 1983-1984 - 2.0 L OHV I4, 2 barrel, 83 hp (62 kW) and 108 ftˇlbf (146 Nˇm) (VIN Y)
• 1985-1989 - 2.5 L Iron Duke I4, TBI, 92 hp (69 kW) and 132 ftˇlbf (179 Nˇm) (VIN E)
• 1986-1993 - 2.8 L 60° V6, TBI, 125 hp (93 kW) and 150 ftˇlbf (203 Nˇm) (VIN R)
• 1988-1993 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6, TBI, 150-165 hp (112-123 kW) and 230–235 ftˇlbf (312-319 Nˇm) (VIN Z)
• 1990-1993 - 2.5 L Iron Duke I4, TBI, 105 hp (78 kW) and 135 ftˇlbf (183 Nˇm) (VIN E)

Sonoma GT

A limited edition model was sold in 1992, the Sonoma GT. It used a 4.3 L L35 V6 which produced 135 hp (101 kW). The appearance was similar to the 1992 GMC Syclone "super-truck". 806 Sonoma GT's were produced in 1992.

1994

The second-generation trucks appeared in 1994. All of the special models (The Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT) were gone, but the changes to the truck brought it in line with arch-rival Ford Ranger. The Iron Duke and 2.8 L 60° V6 engines were dropped, leaving just the 4.3 L Vortec and a new 2.2 L engine, itself a derivative of the old Cavalier OHV. A high-output version of the 4.3 was offered on the "SS" model.

The 4.3 L engines were refreshed for 1996 and a third (rear) door was added for extended-cab models. The Isuzu Hombre version also appeared that year. The exterior and 2.2 L engine were refreshed for 1998, and "Auto-Trac" all wheel drive was optional starting in 1999. An electric S-10 also appeared that year, balanced with an "Xtreme" sports model.

Engines:

• 1994-1997 - 2.2 L OHV I4, MPFI, 118 hp (88 kW) and 130 ftˇlbf (176 Nˇm) (VIN 4)
• 1994-1995 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300, TBI, 155-165 hp (115-123 kW) and 235 ftˇlbf (319 Nˇm) (VIN Z)
• 1994-1995 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300, CMFI, 191-195 hp (142-145 kW) and 260 ftˇlbf (353 Nˇm) (VIN W)
• 1996-1997 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300, CSFI, 175-180 hp (131-134 kW) and 240 ftˇlbf (325 Nˇm) (VIN W or Y)
• 1996-1999 - 4.3 L Vortec 4300, CSFI, 180-190 hp (134-142 kW) and 245-250 ftˇlbf (332-339 Nˇm) (VIN X)
• 1998-1999 - 2.2 L Vortec 2200 I4, SFI, 120 hp (90 kW) and 140 ftˇlbf (190 Nˇm) (VIN 4)