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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  Mixed Feelings - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By rreed2000 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Fan clutch had to be replaced and hood had to be repainted due to loss of glossy finish immediately after purchase, valves are noisy at 1,700 rpm - but dealer says "yeah, theyre noisy but thats normal." Other than the items listed above, poor over build quality and less-than-stellar gas mileage, Id have to admit that the truck has been reliable. But I will probably never buy another GM product because of my experiences with this one.

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  Great truck for the price - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Josh_ - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The first year of the new body style, I fianlly traded mine in on the last year or the same body style (2003). My 1994 GMC Sonoma 4x4 had 211,000 miles on it at the time. Only major repair was a new alternator at 160,000miles. Blue Book on these is very underrated.

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  Kens critique - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By ken jennings - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought from friend with 166,000 miles on it. Has been in major front end collision, but well restored. Runs great, no rattles, clanks, etc. Everything except the cruise works. Easy to work on. Ive helped him several times on things before I bought it.

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  Great small truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Sonoma w/ 20s - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car, and I hope Im has happy with all my future new car purchases as I have been with this one. Fun to drive, been extremely reliable, despite all the customizing Ive done. I recommend it ot anyone

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  gmc - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Marjie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this is a great vehicle but looking forward to the release of the GMC Canyon.

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  1999 Sonoma - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Zedd - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Good acceleration, rear end has tendency to fish tail on full speed turns (like Freeway exits). I recently had a problem with the heater, it stopped working. Dealer said it wasn’t covered under the warranty because the heater core was clogged. Surfing Edmunds I found there was a TSB about my exact problem. Still the dealer refused to cover it. I called the 800 Customer Care number and after much insistence and a $300 deductible it was fixed. Other than that I have no problems. Its not the greatest on gas mileage.

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  Trouble Free (so far)! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By reb - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought truck 11/2000 with 55k miles, put 20k miles on it so far, and havent had to put a dime into it. Overall, a great little truck, and with the 2.2 4- cylinder and a 5-speed, it gets 27MPG highway on regular gas - which is hard to beat in a truck! Fun to drive and a great 2nd vehicle.

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  rollins review - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By rollin1176 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle other than personal prefrences opted not to purchase at time of purchase was overall very satisfying. I have been very pleased with this vehicle and would recommend it to all small truck buyers.

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  I shouldnt want to replace it so much - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Butterbear - May 29 - 2:00 am

  At 46,000 miles I shouldnt have to replace it, but it has to go. Now that its out of warranty its shaping up to be a wallet drainer. The drivers door has come loose 2 times The 3rd door handle snapped off 3 times and its out of warranty (100.00+ to fix.) The seat is broken. The GMC dealer would not fix, Funny the Chevy dealer says these are common problems and they would "extend" the warranty to fix if it were a Chevy s-10. I never thought there was a difference between the 2 I was wrong. Its probably the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned but you cant even get fair wholesale for a trade.

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  Once the problems were fixed... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By bigwarranty - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first 5 month of ownership were hell. The truck had water leaks like you would not believe. They fixed 5 different leaks 4 times, and replaced the rug and jute 3 times because mold from the water getting under the rug made the interior unhealthy to even sit in. LSS, the Division Manager met with me and gave me options. I wanted them to buy back the truck, but they wanted to charge me for miles. No way! In the end, I let them fix this truck "one last time" and I would agree to keep it if they gave me a 7 yr./100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Once everything was fixed, I fell in love with my truck... and it smells like a new truck should.