History of the GMC S-15/Sonoma

History of the GMC S-15/Sonoma

Special Thanks to Thad, Chris, Ron and Ken for this info.

Also special thanks goes to Sport Truck Magazine, for their 9 page article on the S-Series in the July 2000 issue.

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First Generation
1982

The S-15 was introduced by GMC.
The S-15 was identical to the S-10 with the exception of the grille and minor trim differences.
Rod linkage style clutch on manual trannies.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1983

An extended cab model and the Insta-Trac 4x4 system were introduced.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
an 83 HP / 108 TQ 2.0L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin Y)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1984

A heavy-duty suspension and off-road package was introduced.
Hydraulic style clutch introduced.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
an 83 HP / 108 TQ 2.0L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin Y)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1985

GM discontinued the 2.0L engine in the S-Series and replaced it with the 2.5L
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 92 HP / 132 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1986

GM discontinued the 1.9 Liter 4 CYL and the 2.2 Liter 4 CYL.
The 2.8 received Throttle Body Injection (TBI).
GM redesigned the interior of the S-Series.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).

1987

The 2.8L was converted to serpentine belts.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).

1988

GM introduced the 4.3 Liter V6.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 150 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1989

Rear wheel anti-lock brakes introduced.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1990

The 5spd manual tranny and the 2.5L 4 cyl were improved.
The standard equipment was increased.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1991

GM redesigned the grille so that it was one piece.
The GMC S-15 was re-badged the Sonoma. High Sierra trim is dropped, and Sierra Classic trim is changed to SLE.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A or E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1992

GMC debuts the Sonoma GT, available on regular-cab shortbed 2WD models and including many Syclone styling cues along with high-output, 4.3-liter V6. Front bucket seats are redesigned, integral head restraints are added, and Club Coupes can be equipped with leather seats. A new speedometer and four-spoke steering wheel are installed. Premium sound system with CD player is added to options list. 4wd models can be equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case. 806 were produced.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1993

In 1993 they changed the grill slightly.
The 4spd 4L60-E Electronic version of the TH700-R4 was introduced. Auto trannies second-gear start feature.
Manual lumbar adjusters are newly standard on front seats
The 4.3L received a balance shaft to help control vibration in the engine.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 165 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

Second Generation
1994

An all new S-Series was introduced with redesigned bodies and interiors and gained 10 inches in length.
New features include more powerful engines and available four-wheel ABS.
Side-door guard beams are standard.
Rear ABS is standard on four-cylinder models; V6 trucks get the new four-wheel ABS system that works in both 2wd and 4wd.
GMC Sonoma models receive the Highrider package option for serious off-roaders. Available only on regular-cab shortbed models, the Highrider includes four-inch wider track, three-inch height increase, off-road suspension and tires, wheel flares, and thick skid plates.
The ZQ8 Sport Suspension became available.
The 2.2L Gasoline engine was introduced.
GM discontinued the 2.8 Liter v6.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L MPFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 165 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).
a 195 HP / 260 TQ 4.3L CMFI V6 (Vin W).

1995

Driver airbag is added, and daytime running lights are standard.
The highrider off-road package can be ordered on the Club Coupe.
Power window and lock buttons are illuminated at night.
Remote keyless entry is a new option and a single key operates both the door locks and the ignition.
A manual transmission can now be ordered with the 191-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L MPFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 155 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).
a 191 HP / 260 TQ 4.3L CMFI V6 (Vin W).

1996

Extended-cab models get an optional driver's side rear access panel.
All S-Series are now equipped with four-wheel ABS.
A new sportside box options ends Ford's reign as lord of compact stepsides.
A new five-speed transmission improves shifter location and operation when equipped with the base four-cylinder.
The Vortec engine was improved.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 175 HP / 240 TQ (2wd), 180 HP / 240 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin W).
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1997

New colors are now available.
A console-mounted shifter for trucks equipped with a center console and bucket seats is a new option.
Extended cab models get an option for the Sport Suspension.
Lighter-weight plug-in half shafts for 4WD S-Series.
An improved 4spd automatic tranny was introduced.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 175 HP / 240 TQ (2wd), 180 HP / 240 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin W).
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1998

In 1998 the truck was redesigned inside and out to closer match the full size trucks. Changes included a new front and rear bumpers, fascia, and grille, along with a new instrument panel, new seat design, and a full length floor console.
4 wheel disk brakes, the Passlock theft deterrent, automatic exterior lamp control, and next generation driver and right-front-passenger airbags were introduced. New colors inside and out and upgraded stereos round out the changes.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 175 HP / 240 TQ (2wd), 180 HP / 240 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin W).
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1999

New steering wheels with mini-module depowered airbag, and larger, more robust outside rearview mirrors, with the uplevel power mirror gaining a heated feature.
AutoTrac was introduced, GM's electronic push-button two-speed transfer case, is now standard on four-wheel-drive models, and all S-Series get a content theft alarm with remote keyless entry as well as a flash-to-pass headlamp feature for the smart stalk. Serious four-wheelers can now order composite

skid plates.

Available engines included

a 120 HP / 140 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), a 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

Available trannies included

4spd auto /w overdrive (4L60-E) (gears 3.06, 1.62, 1.00, .70 Reverse - 2.29)
5spd manual /w overdrive (4cyl model) (gears 3.94, 2.37, 1.49, 1.00, .83 Reverse - 3.65)
5spd manual /w overdrive (6cyl model) (gears 3.49, 2.16, 1.40, 1.00, .78 Reverse - 3.55)

2000

Click here to download a PDF document with all the details on color and trim options, as well as other specifications, options and package information for the 2000 GMC Sonoma specs.

Available Colors included

Space Blue
Onyx Black
Cherry Red Metallic
Fire Red
Meadow Green Metallic
Indigo Blue Metallic
Pewter Metallic
Summit White

Available engines included

a 120 HP / 140 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), a 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

Available trannies included

4spd auto /w overdrive (4L60-E) (gears 3.06, 1.62, 1.00, .70 Reverse - 2.29)
5spd manual /w overdrive (4cyl model) (gears 3.94, 2.37, 1.49, 1.00, .83 Reverse - 3.65)
5spd manual /w overdrive (6cyl model) (gears 3.49, 2.16, 1.40, 1.00, .78 Reverse - 3.55)

If anyone has any information on this topic please email s-series