What is the GM version of the S-10?

The direct GM version of the Chevrolet S-10 is the GMC Sonoma, a twin compact pickup that shared GM's S-series platform and mechanics while wearing GMC branding. This article explains what the Sonoma is, how it fit GM's two-brand strategy, and when it lived in production.

Overview of GM's S-series twins

For decades, GM offered two badge options for the same compact pickup: the Chevrolet S-10 and its GMC counterpart, the Sonoma. They were engineered to share a common frame, drivetrain options, and body shell, while giving buyers a different brand experience and styling cues.

Origins and branding

The Sonoma was introduced as GM's GMC-branded complement to the S-10. It debuted in the early 1990s as part of the company's strategy to market two distinct but related two-door pickups across Chevrolet and GMC dealerships.

Key facts

Before listing the core facts, note that exact features varied by year and market. The Sonoma ran parallel to the S-10 for over a decade and served as GM's entry in the competitive compact-truck segment.

• Model name: GMC Sonoma; sister model to the Chevrolet S-10 in GM's S-series


• Production span: model years roughly 1991–2004 (the GMC variant overlapped with the S-10)


• Body styles: Regular Cab and Extended Cab (X-Cab)


• Drivetrains: available in 2WD and 4WD configurations


• Successor: replaced in GM's lineup by the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado in the mid-2000s

These points illustrate how the Sonoma served as GM's branding extension of the S-series, offering the same capability with GMC's distinct badge and options.

Lifecycle and market role

Throughout its production, the Sonoma competed in the compact pickup category, appealing to buyers who valued truck practicality with a GMC-brand image. In 2004 GM began phasing out the S-series pickups in favor of the mid-size Colorado and Canyon, marking the end of the Sonoma's run.

Summary

The GMC Sonoma represents GM's answer to the Chevrolet S-10: a badge-engineered twin that provided a GMC alternative in the popular compact pickup segment, produced from the early 1990s until the mid-2000s and eventually replaced by the Colorado/Canyon lineup.

What is the GMC version of the S-10?

S-15
The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its badge engineered GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s alongside these brands' full-size SUVs with near identical nameplates, but ...

Is GM bringing back the S-10?

Yes, but not in the North American market. Chevrolet released a refreshed 2025 S10, and also a 2026 version with added safety features, in Brazil and other South American countries. The S10 is not being brought back to the U.S. and is separate from models like the new C10 that are inspired by classic truck designs, like the ones you see in this YouTube video. 
You can watch this video for a first look at the 2025 S10 Max pickup truck: 56sAutoShowYouTube · Oct 15, 2024

• Where it's available: The S10 is currently produced for markets like Brazil. 
• What's new: The 2025 and 2026 models feature updated styling, new technology like an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and 11-inch infotainment display, an updated powertrain, and enhanced safety features. 
• Not for the U.S.: There are no current plans to sell the S10 in the United States. 

What is another name for the Chevy S10?

The Chevrolet S10, also known as the S-10 or S-Series, is a midsize pickup truck marketed by General Motors since 1981 primarily across the Americas. The S10 was introduced for the first time in North America as the S-10. A variant of that model launched several years later in South America.

What did Chevy replace the S-10 with?

The Chevrolet Colorado replaced the Chevy S-10 in the North American market, with the S-10 being discontinued after the 2004 model year. The Colorado was developed as a joint venture between GM Brazil and Isuzu and was first introduced to North America around the same time the S-10 ceased production.
 
This video explains the history of Chevy trucks, including the S-10 and its replacement, the Colorado: 52sAll Cars with JonYouTube · Mar 23, 2024

• The S-10 was phased out in North America following the 2004 model year. 
• The Colorado was introduced as the S-10's successor in the compact pickup truck segment. 
• The Isuzu i-Series was also discontinued around the same time and was part of the same replacement strategy. 

You can watch this video to see the design and features of the new Colorado: 57sAutoTrend YouTube · Apr 11, 2025