GAZ GAZ-2308 Ataman

GAZ

GAZ-2308 Ataman: a Russian all-wheel-drive pickup and what the buyer should know

GAZ-2308 “Ataman” — the four-wheel-drive pickup from the Gorky Automobile Plant, produced from 1995 to 2001. In this article, we look at what makes it special, its technology, and what to check if you manage to find one.

Ataman in brief

The GAZ-2308 was designed as a versatile vehicle for both private and commercial use. It was the first GAZ factory pickup since the GAZ M415 from the 1950s.

It first appeared in 1995 as the rear-wheel-drive GAZ-2307 prototype, and in 1996, the factory decided to convert it into an all-wheel-drive pickup and named it the GAZ-2308 “Ataman”. Production remained very limited and ended in 2001 without a direct successor.

What sets it apart

The Ataman features a ladder-frame construction and all-wheel drive. Most of the units produced were two-door pickups, although other variants were also built, including an estate and special-purpose versions.

The cabin is taken from the GAZ-3307 truck, while the front suspension, wheels, rear axle, engine, and gearbox are from the Volga GAZ-31029. This construction means that some parts are interchangeable with other GAZ models.

Engines and gearbox

The Ataman was offered with petrol and diesel engines, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Exact power figures vary by version, so be sure to check them in the vehicle’s documents before buying.

A manual gearbox and four-wheel drive make the car suitable for tough driving, but it's not a comfortable family car.

What to check when buying such a car

The most important things to check are rust on the frame, body, and chassis, especially in wheel arches and near bridges. Check how the four-wheel drive works, if there are any issues shifting gears, and if the brakes are stable.

Since few of these cars were made, parts need to be sourced through GAZ clubs and communities. Before buying, make sure all documents are in order and that the car can be registered.

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Trim levels

The Ataman was produced for a very short time, so below we describe the main versions.

Pikapas

GAZ-2308, 1996–2001

The main and most common version.

Two-door cab
Four-wheel drive
Petrol or diesel engine

Kitos versijos

Prototypes and small series

Estate and special-purpose variants.

Often — special body variants
Very rarely encountered
The core technology remains the same

Comparing GAZ-2308 versions

	Pikapas	Kitos versijos
Who it's for	For off-road enthusiasts and collectors	For collectors of rare automobiles
Body style	Two-door pickup	Estate and special variants
Transmission	Four-wheel drive	Four-wheel drive
Price in the used market (relatively)	€€	€€€

The GAZ-2308 is a rare, collectible off-road pickup. Choose based on condition and paperwork, not the trim level.

Pros

Ladder-frame construction and four-wheel drive
A rare and unique pickup
Shares some parts with other GAZ models
Simple manual transmission

Cons

Very rare, little information available
Production was very limited
Parts need to be sourced through clubs

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ataman suitable for daily use?

It might suit agricultural or work needs, but comfort and safety are far inferior to modern pickups.

How many GAZ-2308s were produced?

Production was limited, so the model is very rare. We don't specify exact numbers—they vary by source.

Does the GAZ-2308 have four-wheel drive?

Yes, the GAZ-2308 was a four-wheel-drive pickup, unlike its predecessor, the rear-wheel-drive GAZ-2307 prototype.

Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically

Generations