1982-04 Chevrolet/GMC Truck & SUV Vehicle History

1982

Chevrolet S10 and GMC S15 are introduced replacing the LUV mini-pickup sourced from Isuzu of Japan. The S-series was a new size, larger than the LUV mini-pickup and smaller than the full size CK pickup. In the first year only two-wheel drive versions were available. Standard equipment included a 1.9L four-cylinder engine, four speed manual transmission, bench seat and dual outside rearview mirrors. Also available as an option was a 2.8L V6 engine.

1983

The extended cab pickup was introduced. Also introduced were the forerunners of the compact-SUV, the S10 Blazer and the GMC S15. The Blazer and Jimmy models were available only as 2 door models and featured a drop down tailgate with lift glass window at the rear. All models were available with four-wheel drive as an option and a new 2.0L four-cylinder engine was made available.

1984

Overall appearance remained unchanged. Features were expanded to include a new sport suspension for regular cab two-wheel drive pickups and four-wheel drive SUVs could be ordered with an off-road package which included Bilstein shock absorbers, skid plates, tow hooks and bigger tires.

1985

The most notable difference from the outside was the change to the fender emblems. The new emblems were bigger with a large red S. Under the hood was a new 2.5L four-cylinder engine with TBI (throttle body injection).

1986

Interiors were updated. Changes included new dashboard, door panels and seat trim. Like the 2.5L, the 2.8L engine adopted throttle body fuel injection boosting power from 110 to 125 horsepower. A new emblem that read 2.8L Fuel Injection appeared below the driver's side headlight signifying the change.

1987

A serpentine drive belt replaced the multiple standard V-belts on both the 2.5L and 2.8L engines. Although the output remained the same, the 2.5L received a revised intake manifold and cylinder head. Overall appearance remained unchanged.

1988

Chevrolet's new 4.3L V6 engine became an option as well as a manually operated factory installed sunroof. The rear seats on Blazer and Jimmy models received shoulder belts for added safety.

1989

Now standard on all models were rear wheel anti-lock brake systems. A new electronic instrument cluster was now an option. It included speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, fuel, oil pressure and engine coolant temperature gauges. Four-wheel drive models with the standard 2.8L engine received a new transfer case designed for smoother operation and reduced road noise. A special version of the truck called the Cameo was introduced. Only 2,198 were produced. Blazer and Jimmy models were offered with an optional rear window wiper and washer combination.

1990

The standard instrument cluster was improved and now included voltmeter, engine coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges. Front tow hooks also became standard. The 4.3L engine was standard for all Blazer and Jimmy models as well as all four-wheel drive pickups and was mated to an all-new Hydramatic built five-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

1991

The four-door version of the Blazer and Jimmy was introduced with fourwheel anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. Grilles revised to 1-piece design on Chevrolet and GMC models. Chevrolet offered horizontal bar and criss cross pattern grilles on pickups and Blazers, both interchangeable. New emblems and body side moldings were also among the changes. The GMC S15 pickup was renamed Sonoma. A limited edition GMC Sonoma Syclone pickup was offered for one year. 280 HP turbocharged, intercooled, fuel injection, 4.3L Vortec V6 engine, featuring all wheel drive and four wheel anti-lock brakes, the Syclone could do zero to 60 in less than 5 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles of any kind on the road.

1992

The GMC S15 Jimmy was changed to simply GMC Jimmy. The EL trim level previously available only on two-wheel drive pickups was extended to the four-wheel drive pickups as an entry-level model. A new electronic-shift transfer case was optional for all four-wheel drive models except the EL. A new 4.3L V6 was offered with 200hp, 40 more than the other 4.3L V6. Much like the Syclone of the previous year, a limited edition of the two door GMC Jimmy called the Typhoon was introduced that had a 280hp turbocharged 4.3L V6 and all-wheel drive.

1993

The S10 Blazer's name changed to S-Blazer and the S15 Jimmy was changed to Jimmy since larger full-size Jimmy was renamed the Yukon in 1992. A new electronic 4L60-E Hydramatic four speed automatic overdrive transmission was available. A new heavy-duty cooling system with the automatic transmission was introduced. It included an engine cooler as well as a transmission cooler. This was the final year for the GMC Typhoon.

1994

The S-Blazer and Jimmy continued mostly unchanged from the previous model year but did receive impact guard beams in the doors and a highmounted 3rd brake light in the rear for safety. The all-new S-Series trucks were designed for value, performance and comfort. They featured a forward sloping hood, wraparound grille, were 3 wider and had 20% more glass area than previous models. The Chevrolet S10 was available in two trim levels: base and LS, and the GMC Sonoma was available in three: SL, SLS and SLE. A new 2.2L 4cyl engine was standard on two-wheel drive models and the 4.3L that was standard on four-wheel drive models was optional. Rear wheel ABS was standard on 4cyl trucks; 6cyl models received 4-wheel ABS. Optional ZR2 four-wheel drive off-road package featured a 3-inch lift (over regular 4X4s), 3.9 wider stance, 31 tires, fender flares and skid plates. SS package for two-wheel drive models included ZQ8 sport suspension, body colored bumpers and grilles, aluminum wheels and fog lights.

1995

The S-Blazer was renamed Blazer, being designated as a compact-SUV since the full-size Blazer was renamed Tahoe. The Blazer and Jimmy were updated and appeared similar to the pickups that underwent redesign the previous year. Driver's side airbag and daytime running lights standard. ZR2 package available on extended cab models. Keyless entry optional. Backlighting was added to power window, lock and mirror switches. All-wheel drive optional on four door Blazer LT and Jimmy SLT models.

1996

Driver's side third door optional on extended cab models. Sportside model introduced. 4.3L V6 engines were revised and now identified as 4300 V6, featuring OBD II diagnostics. Brake/transmission shift interlock included with automatic transmissions. 4-wheel ABS was standard on all models. Five speed manual transmission optional on two door Blazer and Jimmy models.

1997

Blazer and Jimmy models were available with optional one-piece liftgate with an integral glass hatch. ZR2/High Rider Package now available on two door Blazer and Jimmy models. Rear disc brakes standard on all wheel drive models. A special standard cab short bed electric pickup was introduced for fleet buyers. A power sunroof became available on Blazer and Jimmy models.

1998

Styling revision included new front bumper fascia, grille and standard composite headlights. Interior received new instrument panel, seats and floor console. Dual front airbags standard; the passenger side featured a deactivation switch. All models featured Passlock theft deterrence and battery rundown protection. Rear wheel disc brakes standard on two and four-wheel drive Blazer/Jimmys and four-wheel drive pickups. Envoy package available on Jimmy models. Electric pickup dropped.

1999

Xtreme model pickup replaced SS package. The two-wheel drive Xtreme was lowered two inches and included ground effects, sport suspension package, monochromatic grille and bumpers. Larger folding rear view mirrors were standard and flash to pass feature was added. Trailblazer package added to Blazer. Autotrac feature added to four-wheel drive Blazer and Jimmy. Autotrac feature allowed automatic engagement of 4WD when wheel slippage was sensed.

2000

Base trim level was available on extended cab models. Base and SL trim level was dropped from Blazer and Jimmy. Diamond edition of Jimmy was introduced with quilted seat upholstery and aluminum lower body molding. Vortec 4300 engines received enhancements for smoother, quieter running. Four-wheel drive models received a standard heavy-duty suspension.

2001

Four-wheel drive, four-door crew cab introduced with 4.3L V6 and a 55 bed. Crew cabs featured a Z85 increased capacity suspension and factory installed bedliner. Four-wheel drive standard cab models dropped. Xtreme model Blazer offered on two door models only. Last year of production for the Jimmy, replaced by the Envoy.

2002

All extended cab pickups included driver's third door. Air conditioning and a tachometer were standard on all models. Crew cabs were now available with leather seats.

2003

Sonoma ZRX Street Rider package featured a stepside bed, ZQ8 suspension, bedrails and power sunroof. Heat appearance package for Xtreme models featured front fender and door flame graphics.

2004

Pickups available only as a crew cab 4X4 with 4.3L V6 and automatic transmission. S10 and Sonoma trucks were replaced with all new models, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

2005

The Blazer four door is sold primarily to the fleet market leaving only the two-door model for sale to the public. Last year of production for the Blazer, replaced by the TrailBlazer.