GMC Sonoma I photos

The first generation of the GMC Sonoma was introduced in 1991, succeeding the long-running GMC S-15 badge and sharing its architecture with the Chevrolet S-10. Built on General Motors' durable compact GMT325 body-on-frame platform, the vehicle was offered in two primary cab configurations: a standard two-door Regular Cab and an extended Club Coupe/Extended Cab with extra storage behind the front seats, paired with short or long cargo beds. Compared to the preceding S-15 series, the first Sonoma brought unified branding, updated front-end styling with distinct grille trim, and modernized interior switchgear. The powertrain options ranged from an economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder Tech IV engine to versatile 2.8-liter and robust 4.3-liter V6 engines with electronic throttle-body and multi-port injection systems. Transmission choices included four-speed and five-speed manual gearboxes alongside the widely used four-speed automatic transmission (4L60/TH700-R4). The Sonoma was available in both rear-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive configurations. It was marketed primarily across North America, serving private and commercial customers who demanded a sturdy, maneuverable workhorse. The first generation concluded its brief production run in 1993 to make way for a fully redesigned generation on the updated platform.