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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  o.k. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By R.J.L. - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i am a retired carpenter an have a cap on my truck.it serves as a 2rd auto,truck,and a tow vehicle for my 15boat.ilove it.my outer car is a cady.

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  Good Truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By easyrider - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck overall. Best seats and interior of trucks I looked at. The 4 and automatic combination is very weak on power, but gets the job done. Gas mileage is respectable at 23 MPG. Only problem Ive had is AC compressor which was replaced under extended warranty.

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  chris - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By isbarts - May 10 - 2:00 am

  even though i bought this truck without really wanting to. it met my price range and has served its purpose. which is to get me from point A to point B. it is a very reliable truck, also the gas milage is great.

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  My Rating - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Earl Connell - April 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for my use. Good performance and fun to drive. Normal maintanance only for brakes and tires and service. Only major maintenance need was air conditioning leak. Average in excess of 20 mpg.

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  strong engine - 2004 GMC Sonoma
  By bufalo - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I FOUND THIS VEHICLE TO BE BUILT WELL WITH A VERY STRONG ENGINE, ALTHOUGH MY MILEAGE WASNT QUITE UP TO WHAT I EXPECTED,ALSO ITS SOMEWHAT WIDE TURN RADIUS MADE IT MORE OF A CHALLENGE IN OFF ROAD DRIVING.THE INTERIOR IS QUITE COMFORTABLE, I AM A LARGE MAN AND THIS VEHICLE HAS AMPLE SHOULDER, AND LEG ROOM. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NO PROBLEMS WITH ANYTHING ,FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER.I AM SORRY TO SEE THEM DISCONTINUE THIS VEHICLE PLAFORM.

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  Great (SO FAR) Minor stuff only - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Trout Terminator - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this little gem to cart around the oompa loompas and haul the boat, 17 foot Starcraft (2300) lbs. This truck does it all very very well. Good to fair gas mileage. (not bad for a semi- thristy v-6). I get good mileage with A/C on full blast also. Truck doesnt mind a/c when towing and doesnt lose power. Has a little bit of a knock when you floor it....49k miles and have only replaced the battery. (delco batteries arent top quality). Gas gauge failed at 41k, thank god I bought extended warranty. I still paid $140 out of my pocket to fix gauge. I paid 18,600 used, 14k miles on it originally. I think price equals value here.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By walkmn - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the solid feel of this truck and I have full confidence when I depart the pavement to go hunting, fishing, or just plain exploring! This truck is ready for anything you can throw at it. Even the underbody composite skid plates let you know this truck means business! GM should however, take lessons from Japan regarding their build quality. Cheap interior parts and shoddy workmanship may force me to shop around a little longer for my next truck. Despite the questionable interior materials, I really do love my truck overall, and dont regret buying it what so ever. Consider this truck if you you want a highly-capable, mid-sized truck.

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  Great Mountain Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By BCRuby - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2WD 4 cyl 5 spd truck new in 98 and put about 23.5k/year on it (now 128k). I live in Vail, CO and climb mountain passes and drive lots of snow. It does 60-65 MPH on the long grades (3rd gear, 5000 RPM) and 80-85 everywhere else. Performs impeccably with 4 studded snows (3rd set)--no need for 4WD, and I go everywhere. Has a fiberglass cap. Mileage never better than 23 MPG. Cruise, tilt, air, moon roof make for a nice low cost vehicle. Solid and very stable to drive.

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  2003 Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Betty711 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Only have 1000 miles on it so far, and it is running very well. This may be why the fuel economy is not up to standard yet. American models seem to be a la carte. In other words, every little thing is extra $$$. The vehicle is peppy on grades, and seems to take weight, in the bed, with ease.

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  Last of the Sonoma pickups - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By tjr - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Recently replaced my 96 Sonoma (130K miles) with a new one. Its the last chance, as next year Sonomas will only come in 4dr/tiny box hybrid models. The larger, higher, worse mileage Canyon will replace the pickup models. The 2003 model is very similar to the last 7 or 8 years worth, still a durable, cheap, relatively small truck. Main differences: Better seats, slightly peppier due to higher axle ratio, elimination of some fun electrical features like lighted vanity mirrors, underhood light, glovebox light.