Years
1982-1993
Drivetrain
RWD · 4WD
Engines
1.9 L LR1 Isuzu · 2.0 L LQ2 · 2.2 L LQ7 Isuzu diesel
Sold in
US · Canada · Export (Kuwait Patriot S-10; China Jinbei)

Spec sheet

Spec sheet
Generation
1st Gen
Production
1982–1993

Production: August 26, 1981 (first truck, a 1982 model, at Moraine, Ohio) to 1993.

Assembly
Moraine, OH
Shreveport, LA
Pontiac, MI (Pontiac West)
Sold in
US
Canada
Export (Kuwait Patriot S-10; China Jinbei)
Codes
GMT325 platform
S/T series (S=2WD, T=4WD)
Body styles
Regular cab
Extended cab (1983)
Bed lengths
Short (108.3 in WB reg cab)
Long (117.9 in WB)
Ext cab short bed (122.9 in WB)
Drivetrains
RWD
4WD
Transmissions
4-speed manual (Isuzu / BorgWarner T4)
5-speed manual (Getrag 290, BorgWarner T5, 5LM60, NV3500)
3-speed THM-200C
4-speed 700R4 / 4L60 / 4L60-E
Trims
Base
Tahoe / Tahoe EL
Sport
Baja (4WD appearance pkg 1989-91; Midnight Black, Apple Red, Frost White)
Cameo / Cameo EL (2WD appearance pkg 1989-91)
Back Country (predecessor to Baja)
Top Gun
Wheelbase
108.3 / 117.9 / 122.9 in
Payload
Up to 1,883 lb (1992 V6 2WD)

Engines

1.9 L LR1 Isuzu1.95 L · I4 · 82 hp · 101 lb-ft @3000 · 1982-1985
Displacement
1.95 L
Config
I4
HP
82 hp
Torque
101 lb-ft @3000
Years
1982-1985
2.0 L LQ22.0 L · I4 · 83 hp · 108 lb-ft @2400 · 1983-1984
Displacement
2.0 L
Config
I4
HP
83 hp
Torque
108 lb-ft @2400
Years
1983-1984
2.2 L LQ7 Isuzu diesel2.2 L · I4 diesel · 62 hp · 96 lb-ft @2200 · 1984-1985
Displacement
2.2 L
Config
I4 diesel
HP
62 hp
Torque
96 lb-ft @2200
Years
1984-1985
2.5 L Iron Duke LN8/L38 TBI2.5 L · I4 · 92 hp · 134 lb-ft · 1985-1993
Displacement
2.5 L
Config
I4
HP
92 hp
Torque
134 lb-ft
Years
1985-1993
Notes
92 hp (1985-89), 94 hp (1990), 105 hp (L38, 1991-93)
2.8 L LR2/LL2 V62.8 L · V6 · 125 hp · 150 lb-ft · 1982-1993
Displacement
2.8 L
Config
V6
HP
125 hp
Torque
150 lb-ft
Years
1982-1993
Notes
110 hp carbureted 1982-84; 125 hp TBI 1986-93
4.3 L LB4 V6 TBI4.3 L · V6 · 160 hp · 230 lb-ft @2800 · 1988-1992
Displacement
4.3 L
Config
V6
HP
160 hp
Torque
230 lb-ft @2800
Years
1988-1992
Notes
165 hp / 235 lb-ft in 1993
4.3 L L35 CPI Vortec4.3 L · V6 · 195 hp · 260 lb-ft @3600 · 1992-1993
Displacement
4.3 L
Config
V6
HP
195 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft @3600
Years
1992-1993
Notes
Sonoma GT / select trucks

Highlights

Highlights
01
First domestically built compact pickup from a Big Three automaker (introduced as a 1982 model in late 1981)
02
4.3 L V6 added for 1988; anti-lock (rear) brakes 1989
03
Spawned S-10 Blazer / S-15 Jimmy for 1983 (first compact SUV from the Big Three)
04
Hydraulic clutch and heavy-duty/off-road suspensions in 1984

Photos

Related

Overview

GM's answer to the Ford Ranger and the Japanese imports, the S-10 arrived for the 1982 model year as a domestically built compact. It was offered in regular cab and, from 1983, an extended "Maxi-Cab", on short or long wheelbases in 2WD or 4WD. The S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy followed for 1983.

Powertrains started with Isuzu's 1.9-liter gas four and 2.2-liter diesel and GM's 2.0-liter four and 2.8-liter V6; the 2.5-liter Iron Duke took over from 1985, and the 4.3-liter V6 was added for 1988. Anti-lock brakes were added in 1989.

Special editions included the 4WD Baja package (1989-91) with roll bar, skid plates and decals and the 2WD Cameo (1989-91) with ground-effects body kit and two-tone paint. GMC's twin became the Sonoma in 1991, bringing the Syclone and, in 1992, the Sonoma GT. The second generation arrived for 1994.

Sources