Overview & Reviews

While the compact pickup truck segment exploded in popularity during the late 1970s, the American automakers were initially MIA. GMC got with the program in the early '80s with its S-15 pickup, which quickly found itself in the thick of the action. Eventually renamed the GMC Sonoma, this truck was affordable, versatile and a lot easier on gas and in tight parking situations than a full-size pickup.

Although the S-15 and Sonoma were in production for more than two decades, there were just two generations. Considering that the first generation ended back in the early '90s, most used-pickup shoppers will be looking at the second generation. This Sonoma was a definite improvement over the earlier model, as it boasted more power and convenience features. Still, the Sonoma's lack of overall development compared to its constantly improving domestic and Japanese rivals makes it hard to recommend.

Most Recent GMC Sonoma

The second-generation GMC Sonoma was produced from 1994-2004. It was offered in regular, extended and (later on) crew cab bodies with short and long beds. Engine choices included a 2.2-liter four-cylinder (118 horsepower), a 4.3-liter V6 (165 hp) and the Vortec 4.3-liter V6 (195 hp). All three engines were available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, and four-wheel drive was optional.

Trim levels typically consisted of base SL, midlevel SLS and luxury SLE. The SL was a stripper with vinyl bench seating and the SLS added cloth upholstery, air-conditioning, cruise control, foglights and alloy wheels. The SLE added chrome exterior trim, more luxurious seating and full power accessories.

The aptly-named Highrider package was available in '94 and turned the Sonoma into a serious off-road rig thanks to its wider track, 3-inch increase in ground clearance, beefed-up suspension, big tires and skid plates.

The Sportside bed arrived in 1996 along with the optional three-door access cab that aided loading cargo, pets or an unfortunate passenger into the rear compartment with its fold-down jump seat. This year also brought standard ABS for all GMC Sonoma models as well as the available "ZQ8" sport suspension package that featured 16-inch alloy wheels (versus the stock 15s), quicker steering and a lower ride height.

Unfortunately, safety and interior build quality weren't strong points with the Sonoma. A driver airbag became available in 1995, but there was no passenger protection until the 1998 update. The cabin was comprised chiefly of hard plastics, a glaring fault that was mentioned in virtually every review of this truck. For these reasons we'd steer clear of these early second-generation Sonomas.

A better option might be to look at the later models that underwent the midcycle '98 freshening; this included more aggressive front styling and an improved interior with dual airbags. The only other major change for this generation's run was 2001's new four-door crew cab model with five-passenger capacity.

The GMC Sonoma was seemingly loaded with value and versatility for the compact pickup truck buyer, but we were never thrilled with it. The revised interior featured good ergonomics, but the materials were still low-rent, and the driver sat low, facing a tall steering wheel and dash. The Sonoma's tendency to squeak and rattle didn't provide the feeling of brawny quality we'd like from a pickup, nor did lousy crash test scores.

In a comparison test we conducted for 2001, the Sonoma's Chevrolet twin, the S-10, finished fifth out of five trucks. Production soldiered on until 2004, at which point GMC replaced the Sonoma with the all-new Canyon.

Previous GMC Sonomas

The original S-15 was offered from 1982-'90 and the renamed Sonoma version from 1991-'93. Either way, the GMC was a twin to the Chevrolet S-10, save for a slightly different grille and taillight treatment. The S-15 was available in extended and regular cab styles, with the latter available in two wheelbases. Engine choices consisted of the typical four- and six-cylinder mills. Initially, output was weak, at 84 hp and 110 hp, respectively. The burly 4.3-liter V6 debuted for '88, sporting 150 hp and by the end of this run would make a full 190 hp.

For 1991 the Sonoma name replaced S-15 and the same year marked the debut of the asphalt-melting Syclone, one of the quickest GM trucks ever produced. Sporting a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 that ran through a four-speed Corvette automatic transmission and then to all four wheels, the Syclone could blast to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and give any muscle car from the late '60s a run for the money with its 13-second quarter-mile performance. That beast was produced for just one year. The next year brought the visually similar Sonoma GT (which lacked the muscle-bound turbo engine) as well as an electronic transfer case for 4WD Sonomas. The GMC Sonoma continued through '93 mostly unchanged in the face of the following year's redesign.

User Reviews:

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  Love it after 100K miles - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By safeman - July 26 - 12:44 pm

  Have had the truck for 5 years and have a little over 111,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, have not had to repair anything. Got 105,000 miles on the original tires! Extremely reliable. Rides as well today as when I first bought it. Had an accident in it at 80 mph on I-95. I was hit in the passenger door, spun 180 degrees and slid across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic. I ended up facing the wrong way on the opposite shoulder of the interstate. The truck was rock solid during the entire ordeal. The truck still looks good, runs well and is comfortable. It still gets 20 mpg. After reading some of the earlier comments, I wonder whether we are talking about the same vehicle.

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  Lots of good to go with the bad - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By dave8697 - June 11 - 6:31 pm

  Purchased with 88k miles and now at 91500 miles. Original owner had the usual GM low priced vehicle problems like alternator, a/c, water pump and some bulbs out. No care ever taken of it and I had to restore it but now with new tires, front brakes, and about $100 spent on little stuff, it is fun to own and drive. So far it gets 25-26 mpg whether local or on the 1200 mile trip I took. Enjoyment will increase after I get the A/C fixed.

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  Great truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By motor_man2005 - May 31 - 5:25 pm

  This one of the best trucks that I have ever driven. It has plenty of power and with the compact size it can really fly. The design of this truck leaves it open to modification and new looks.

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  Good little truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gabe - May 15 - 5:17 pm

  Good little truck. I use it for work pulling and hauling light loads, works out great. Plenty of power for a V6 4.3L.

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  Runs forever - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff - April 23 - 2:23 am

  I bought this truck from my father in law. Its a 1998 2.2 4cyl 5spd. He bought it with 99k miles on it. I bought it from him with 185k miles on it and am now at 246,000 miles. Its had 2 clutches put in and 2 fuel pumps in its lifetime besides normal maintenance. Just keeps running. I bought it just to have a truck accessible when needed but now I drive it all the time. I am hoping to get to 300,000 miles just because. Shouldnt be a problem though. Tough little truck but nothing special. When or if it dies, I am prob. going to go on craigslist and buy another one for 3k bucks because its more than worth the money. I drive about 50miles a day and average about 26mpg out of a full tank of gas..

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  Kevin2000 - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By kevin2000 - March 5 - 6:50 pm

  I have had my truck for 4 months and I have put on over 9000 miles on it with no problems. It is fun to drive, has excellent acceleration and is easy to drive.

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  Respectable Little Truck - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By truckkid - March 1 - 12:35 am

  I was given this vehicle after my first vehicles engine died. This is a stylish and smooth riding vehicle, but this is not the type of truck I wanted. I prefer trucks that are raised and larger. Overall, through the 2+ years ive had it, it has been mostly reliable, except ive had to replace the starter 3 times!! I would suggest this as a perfect truck for a beginning driver, because it is only a 4 cyl, has good gas mileage and wasnt an expensive purchase. This truck should be a parents best friend, especially if they purchase the 4 cyl model because it is hard to speed in a truck equipped with so little horsepower!

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  Most horrible car ever owned - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Esfandiar - January 28 - 2:05 pm

  I purchased this car to commute to work everyday and not for heavy duty use. This car has been driven only 17000 Miles and transmission started losing oil. The power steering makes noise and the car runs rough on turns. This is my second GMC car and the last one. I hate cheap workmanship, crappy design and horrible engineering. How can a well maintained car (by dealer every 3000 miles) has to have transmission problem after only 17000 miles? Please save yourself a lot time/money and buy a decent car and I urge GMS to send their designers to Honda or Toyota for through training.

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  Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Rob - January 21 - 11:04 am

  No major mechanical problems for over 10 yrs! 138K only regular maintenance. Still running and am ready to trade in for another Sonoma. Bought new at $300 above invoice.

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  What I think - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave - January 7 - 10:52 pm

  The 03 GMC Sonoma 3dr extended cab is a good, well running truck that gets from point A to point B.