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
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.
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