Chevrolet S-10

Chevrolet S-10 GMC S-15/Sonoma
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1981–2004 (North America) 1995–Present (Brazil)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact pickup truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Chevrolet LUV
Successor	Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (North America only)

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck that was produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version was released in 1991 and given the name of GMC Syclone. The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. Together, these pickups are often referred to as the S-series.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

First generation (1982–1993)

First generation
Overview
Also called	GMC S-15 GMC Sonoma
Production	1981–1993
Model years	1982–1993
Assembly	United States: Moraine, Ohio (Moraine Assembly) Shreveport, Louisiana (Shreveport Assembly) Pontiac, Michigan
Body and chassis
Platform	GMT325
Related	Chevrolet S-10 Blazer / GMC S15 Jimmy GMC Syclone GMC Typhoon Oldsmobile Bravada Grumman LLV
Powertrain
Engine	1.9 L LR1 I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L LQ2 I4 (gasoline) 2.2 L LQ7 I4 (diesel) 2.5 L L38 I4 (gasoline) 2.5 L LN8 I4 (gasoline) 2.8 L LR2 V6 (gasoline) 2.8 L LL2 V6 (gasoline) 4.3 L L35 V6 (gasoline) 4.3 L LB4 V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	3-speed THM-200C automatic 4-speed Isuzu S101 manual 4-speed Borg-Warner T4 manual 4-speed 700R4 automatic 4-speed 4L60 automatic 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 5-speed Getrag 290 manual 5-speed 5LM60 manual 5-speed NV3500 manual 5-speed Borg Warner T5 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,751 mm) (reg. cab short bed) 117.9 in (2,995 mm) (reg. cab long bed) 122.9 in (3,122 mm) (ext. cab short bed)

1991–1994 GMC Sonoma ST extended cab

1982–1990 Chevrolet S-10 single cab

1982–1990 GMC S-15 Sonoma single cab

The first compact truck from the big three automakers was the rebadged Isuzu KB sold since 1972 as the Chevrolet LUV, and Ford quickly responded with the Mazda-built Ford Courier the same year. However, the 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically produced compact pickup truck. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines (primarily from the GM G-body intermediates) were incorporated. Track width was similar to the former GM H-body subcompacts (Vega/Monza). The first S-series pickups were introduced in 1981 for the 1982 model year. The base engine (manufactured in Japan and imported) was a 1.9 L Isuzu four-cylinder (RPO LR1) shared with the LUV and Isuzu P'UP, with a 2.8 L V6 as an option. The Chevrolet and GMC models were identical apart from the grille, tailgate and assorted insignia. An extended cab and "Insta-Trac" four-wheel drive were added the next year along with two new engines - a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine (RPO LQ2) from the J-platform automobiles along with an Isuzu 2.2 L (RPO LQ7) four-cylinder diesel engine.

The sport utility S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy debuted for 1983; GM was the first to introduce the compact sport utility, followed by Ford and then Jeep in 1984. This occurred again when 4-door variants were introduced in March 1990 as 1991 models alongside the badge-engineered Oldsmobile Bravada.

New heavy-duty and off-road suspensions appeared in 1984 along with a hydraulic clutch, while the big news for 1985 was the discontinuation of the Cavalier's 2.0 L OHV I4 in favor of Pontiac's 2.5 L "Iron Duke" OHV I4. The OHV-derived 2.2 L diesel engine and 1.9 L SOHC gas engine, both from Isuzu, were 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 were 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. Added to this was the 4.3 L V6 Vortec W-code engine. This generation's last year was 1993.

Sonoma GT

Sonoma GT

The Sonoma GT was a performance package available on the two-wheel drive regular cab short bed Sonoma. It was available for the 1992 model year only as an entry-level version of the GMC Syclone. A total of 806 were built. The truck was powered by an enhanced Vortec 4.3 L V6. It featured central multi-port fuel injection and produced 195 hp (145 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) of torque.^[1] It was equipped with a 4L60 automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.42:1 gearing.

Modified by Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan, it was fitted with the Syclone interior package featuring black cloth bucket seats with red piping, a special gauge package, and a floor shift console.

Sonoma GT color breakdown;

• 1991 Black w/ Black (1 Total)
• Black w/ Black (406 Total)
• Black w/ Gray (30 Total)
• Frost White w/ Gray (107 Total)
• Apple Red w/ Gray (179 Total)
• Bright Teal w/ Gray (54 Total)
• Forest Green Metallic w/ Gray (14 Total)
• Aspen Blue w/ Gray (14 Total)

Second generation (1994–2004)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	GMC Sonoma Isuzu Hombre
Production	1993–2004 (North America) 1995–2012 (Brazil) 1996–2000 (Isuzu Hombre)
Model years	1994–2004 (S-10/Sonoma) 1996-2000 (Isuzu Hombre)
Assembly	Shreveport, Louisiana, United States Linden, New Jersey, United States São José dos Campos, Brazil (GM Brazil)
Designer	Jack Finegan (Brazilian version)[3]
Body and chassis
Platform	GMT325
Related	Chevrolet S-10 EV Chevrolet Blazer / GMC Jimmy / Opel Blazer Oldsmobile Bravada
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L (LN2/L43) I4 4.3 L (LB4/L35/LF6/LU3) V6
Transmission	4-speed 4L60-E automatic 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual (1994–95 I4) 5-speed NV1500 manual (1996+ I4) 5-speed NV3500 manual (V6)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,751 mm) (reg. cab short bed) 117.9 in (2,995 mm) (reg. cab long bed) 122.9 in (3,122 mm) (ext. cab short bed)
Length	190 in (4,826 mm) (short bed) 203 in (5,156 mm) (ext. cab) 205 in (5,207 mm) (long bed)
Width	67.9 in (1,725 mm)
Height	63.5 in (1,613 mm)

1994–1997 GMC Sonoma

1998–2003 GMC Sonoma

2001–2004 Chevrolet S-10 crew cab

1996 Chevrolet S-10 (European version)

1997 Chevrolet S-10 (European version)

The second-generation trucks arrived for the 1994 model year. All of the special models (the Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT) were discontinued, but the changes to the pickup brought it in line with its major competitor the Ford Ranger. The Iron Duke 4-cylinder and 2.8 L 60° V6 engines were retired, the 4.3 L Vortec V6 was enhanced, and a new 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine (which had been introduced in 1990 on various front-wheel drive GM compact and mid-size platforms) became the engines of choice to power the second generation of S-10s. In compliance with the Clean Air Act, all second generation S-10s and Sonomas equipped with air conditioning used CFC-free R134a refrigerant beginning in the 1994 model year. The all new 1994 S-10 didn't offer any airbag, presumably as a temporary measure to economize the introduction of the new body styles, as well as to gradually phase out steering wheel designs that didn't accommodate for airbags, though the vehicle itself was slated for airbag capability.

Many of the chassis components were the same as the first generation (the A-frames between the first and second generation were the same although they were originally sourced from GM's G-body vehicle lineup), along with the steering knuckle, leaf springs, and differential assembly but suspension and axles were greatly enhanced. Lower A-frames for the two-wheel drive model had 1/4-inch thicker steering stops - the second generation A-frames are commonly used as an upgrade for the first generation. Sport utility models (Blazer, Jimmy, Bravada) came with thicker front and rear sway bars.

Generally, for the two-wheel drive trucks, the 8.5-inch rear end was only used when it came with both a manual transmission and the large 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 engine; it was an option for four-wheel drive trucks with either transmission. This was also the year that GM introduced the ZR2 off-road package.

For 1995, a driver's side air bag was added as well as daytime running lights. In 1996 the 4.3 L engine was refreshed, and a third (rear) door was added for extended cab models, along with the sportside bed option. In 1998, the exterior, interior, brakes, and 2.2 L I4 engine were refreshed, along with a "next-generation" supplemental restraint system that added a passenger-side air bag. The SS package was replaced by the "Xtreme" package. In 2001, a crew cab option was added and was only available with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. For the 2004 model year, the regular and extended cab models were discontinued; only the crew cab model was retained.

Base two-wheel drive models came with 15 x 6.5-inch wheels with directional vents, Xtreme and ZQ8 models came with 16 x 8-inch wheels while four-wheel drive models (including the ZR2) used 15 x 7-inch wheels. The 14-inch (360 mm) wheels used on the first generation were discontinued.

SS

The Chevrolet S-10 SS was a high-performance version of the S-10, introduced in 1994. Fewer than 3,000 SSs were produced yearly on average. When introduced, the SS was only sold in three colors: Onyx Black, Summit White, and Apple Red. The SS was discontinued in 1998 and was replaced by the S-10 Xtreme for the 1999 model year.

A 4.3 L V6 (which was optional on regular S-10s) was the standard engine used in the SS, producing between 180 and 200 hp (149 kW). The SS included a lowered suspension (starting with the 1996 model year), cosmetic changes such as a different grille, body-colored bumpers, 16-inch wheels (available from 1996 to 1998, similar in design to the 1991 and 1992 Camaro Z28 with Chevrolet "bowtie" logo center caps), and other minor cosmetic differences. All SS versions were regular cabs, Xtremes were available with the "third door" extended cab. A step-side version was available from 1996 to 1998 and until 2003 on the Xtreme.

2001 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2

1994–1997 GMC Sonoma regular cab

Isuzu Hombre

1996–1997 Isuzu Hombre single cab

In 1996, Isuzu replaced its P'up with a version of the Louisiana-built Chevrolet S-10, the Isuzu Hombre, based on the Brazilian market S-10 (the front grille and fenders are based on the Brazilian S-10 along with the truck bed sheetmetal). The Hombre differed from its GM siblings mostly in the front sheetmetal, with different lights, grille, front bumper and front fenders, which were more flared out. The rear quarter panels were also different, as they had a slight flare over the wheel well to match the front fenders. The Hombre had a much smaller range of equipment options compared to the S-10 and Sonoma; aSpacecab extended cab, V6 engine and four-wheel drive were added for 1997 and available until 1998.

Two trim levels were offered: the base S and the uplevel XS. The XS had features like a cassette tape deck, higher-grade interior fabric, a tachometer, sliding rear window, and a split 60/40 seatback. Hombres were equipped with the Chevrolet S-series 15 x 7 steel wheels (with 8 directional vents) - the Hombre wheels were painted black (the S10, Sonoma, and Blazer/Jimmy wheels were painted silver) since a majority were equipped with wheel covers with the Isuzu logo. Hombres were also available with the S-10's aluminum wheels with Isuzu center caps.

Slow sales resulted in production ending in 2000. It would be another six years before Isuzu re-entered the pick-up market with the i-Series, which formed the basis for the S-10's successor, the Colorado.

Third generation (2012–present)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	GMC Canyon Isuzu I Series Chevrolet Colorado (North America) Holden Colorado (Australia) Isuzu D-Max
Production	2012–present

Although the North American version of the S-series was discontinued in 2004, the second generation S-10 was still being built in Brazil until 2012, when it was replaced by a Brazilian-built version of the Chevrolet Colorado called the S-10.

In Brazil, until 2014, the third generation S-10 offered a 2.4 L 147 hp Flexpower flex-fuel engine or a 2.8 L 180 hp Duramax diesel engine. For 2015 models, the diesel engine was refreshed, resulting in an increased power output of 200 hp. The flex-fuel (gasoline/ethanol) engine had an upgrade for some versions (LT and LTZ) and offered 206 hp with a 2.5 L LCV Ecotec with direct fuel injection. Also, for the first time in Brazil, Chevrolet offered the flex-fuel S-10 with four-wheel drive.

For the 2017 model, the S-10 received a facelift and the flex-fuel 2.4 L engine was dropped, with the remaining engine choices being unchanged. For 2018, the flex-fuel S-10 now offers an automatic transmission, currently the market trend on these vehicles in Brazil.

References

External links

Media related to Chevrolet S-10 at Wikimedia Commons