Compact Pickup

GMC · 1991-2004

Sonoma

The Sonoma was GMC's version of the S-10 from 1991 to 2004, covering the late first-generation and entire second-generation trucks. It is best known for the turbocharged 280-hp Syclone (1991) and the limited Sonoma GT (1992), plus the arrival of a crew cab in 2001.

Years
1991-2004
Drivetrain
RWD · 4WD · AWD (Syclone/Typhoon)
Engines
2.2 L Vortec 2200 · 2.5 L Iron Duke · 4.3 L LB4 TBI
Sold in
US · Canada

Spec sheet

Spec sheet
Production
1991–2004
Assembly
Shreveport, LA
Linden, NJ
Pontiac, MI (early)
Sold in
US
Canada
Codes
GMT325 platform
Body styles
Regular cab
Extended cab
Crew cab (2001-2004, LS/SLS-equivalent)
Syclone / Sonoma GT performance trucks
Bed lengths
Short
Long (not available on crew cab)
Sportside (from 1996)
Drivetrains
RWD
4WD
AWD (Syclone/Typhoon)
Transmissions
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Trims
SL (1991)
SLS
SLE (1991)
SST
ST
Syclone (1991)
Sonoma GT (1992, 806 built)
Wheelbase
108.3 / 117.9 / 122.9 in
Length
178.2 / 192.8 / 194.2 in
Curb weight
Syclone: 3,521 lb
Payload
1,190-1,915 lb (1991, by model)

Engines

2.2 L Vortec 22002.2 L · I4 · 118 hp · 130 lb-ft · 1994-2003
Displacement
2.2 L
Config
I4
HP
118 hp
Torque
130 lb-ft
Years
1994-2003
Notes
introduced 1994; L43 120 hp from 1998
2.5 L Iron Duke2.5 L · I4 · 105 hp · 135 lb-ft · 1991-1993
Displacement
2.5 L
Config
I4
HP
105 hp
Torque
135 lb-ft
Years
1991-1993
4.3 L LB4 TBI4.3 L · V6 · 160 hp · 230 lb-ft · 1991-1995
Displacement
4.3 L
Config
V6
HP
160 hp
Torque
230 lb-ft
Years
1991-1995
4.3 L L35 CPI / Vortec4.3 L · V6 · 195 hp · 260 lb-ft · 1992-2004
Displacement
4.3 L
Config
V6
HP
195 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
Years
1992-2004
Notes
195 hp in 1992-94; 175-190 hp 1995-2004
4.3 L LB4 turbo (Syclone)4.3 L · V6 turbo · 280 hp · 350 lb-ft · 1991 (2,995 + 3 in 1992)
Displacement
4.3 L
Config
V6 turbo
HP
280 hp
Torque
350 lb-ft
Years
1991 (2,995 + 3 in 1992)
2.8 L V6V6 · 1991-1993
Config
V6
Years
1991-1993
Notes
listed in the 1991 brochure (5-speed manual); EPA lists a 2.8 L V6 Sonoma for MY1991-1993

Highlights

Highlights
01
Syclone (1991): 280 hp / 350 lb-ft turbo AWD truck; fastest production truck of 1991; built with Production Automotive Services (PAS), Troy MI; 2,995 in 1991 + 3 in 1992 (2,998 total)
02
Sonoma GT (1992): 195 hp 4.3 L CPI V6, RWD short-bed regular cab, limited-slip, 806 built
03
GMC Typhoon SUV twin (1992-93)
04
Crew cab added 2001
05
Production ended 2004

Photos

  • GMC Sonoma 1991-2004, image 1 of 3

  • GMC Sonoma 1991-2004, image 2 of 3

  • GMC Sonoma 1991-2004, image 3 of 3

Related

Predecessor

S-15

Successor

Canyon (1st Gen)

Related

S-10 (1st Gen)Chevrolet S-10 (1991-93)S-10 (2nd Gen)Chevrolet S-10 (1994-2004)HombreIsuzu Hombre

Overview

GMC renamed the S-15 "Sonoma" for 1991 and kept it paired with the Chevrolet S-10 for its entire life, including the redesigned 1994 trucks and their 2.2-liter Vortec four and 4.3-liter V6. It was offered in regular, extended and, from 2001, crew cab forms, with short or long beds (long not on the crew cab).

The Sonoma's claim to fame is the 1991 Syclone: a 4.3-liter turbocharged, intercooled V6 rated at 280 hp and 350 lb-ft driving all four wheels through a 4L60 automatic. Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan built 2,995 for 1991 plus three in 1992; Car & Driver measured 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds in 1990 and pitted it against a Ferrari 348ts in 1991. The 1992 Typhoon SUV used the same drivetrain.

The 1992 Sonoma GT was a cheaper naturally aspirated alternative with a 195-hp 4.3-liter CPI V6, limited-slip differential and Syclone-style cladding; only 806 were built. The Sonoma gave way to the Canyon for 2004.

Sources