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

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

EngineDisp.ConfigHPTorqueYearsNotes
2.2 L Vortec 22002.2 LI4118130 lb-ft1994-2003introduced 1994; L43 120 hp from 1998
2.5 L Iron Duke2.5 LI4105135 lb-ft1991-1993
4.3 L LB4 TBI4.3 LV6160230 lb-ft1991-1995
4.3 L L35 CPI / Vortec4.3 LV6195260 lb-ft1992-2004195 hp in 1992-94; 175-190 hp 1995-2004
4.3 L LB4 turbo (Syclone)4.3 LV6 turbo280350 lb-ft1991 (2,995 + 3 in 1992)
2.8 L V6V61991-1993listed in the 1991 brochure (5-speed manual); EPA lists a 2.8 L V6 Sonoma for MY1991-1993

Related

Predecessor

Successor

Siblings

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.

Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains

Trims

  • SL (1991)
  • SLS
  • SLE (1991)
  • SST
  • ST
  • Syclone (1991) — turbocharged 4.3 V6 with 4-speed automatic, full-time AWD and four-wheel ABS; finished by Production Automotive Services; 2,995 built for 1991 plus 3 in 1992
  • Sonoma GT (1992, 806 built) — 2WD with the naturally aspirated 195-hp 4.3 V6 and 4-speed automatic, Syclone-style body cladding and interior and a Bilstein sport suspension; finished by Production Automotive Services; one model year only, 806 built

Cab and bed

  • Body styles: Regular cab, Extended cab, Crew cab (2001-2004, LS/SLS-equivalent), Syclone / Sonoma GT performance trucks
  • Beds: Short, Long (not available on crew cab), Sportside (from 1996)

Drivetrain and transmissions

  • Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD, AWD (Syclone/Typhoon)
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic

Highlights

  • 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)
  • Sonoma GT (1992): 195 hp 4.3 L CPI V6, RWD short-bed regular cab, limited-slip, 806 built
  • GMC Typhoon SUV twin (1992-93)
  • Crew cab added 2001
  • Production ended 2004

Sources