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:

• 

  Why me - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By wacky! - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 94 Chevy S-10 before and I loved it. So, I bought the truck I always wanted, a Sonoma 4x4 ZR2. Overall a good and nice looking truck with a nice ride. Nothing but problems with the transmission. Shifting problems, transmission leaks, trans fluid coming up the transmissin dip stick and driping on the exhaust manifold. Dealer has no clue what is the matter and GMC is giving me the run around! Too late for Lemon Law...Argh!! Do not know what to do!

• 

  Great Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By blondeinanissan - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Sonoma! I would say that the ONLY thing wrong with it is that it isnt the most comfortable truck to be in on long trips. But the power in the 4.3 is amazing! Ive only got 95,000 miles on mine and Ive never had any problems with it whatsoever. I highly recommend the Sonoma if youre thinking about buying a little truck, it looks little, but its got the power of a full-size.

• 

  Dependable - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Qzardesigner - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new in 1993 and it has proved reliable ever since. I now have 167,000 miles on it. This truck has the 4.3 engine. I wish GM could learn how to make a good set of front brakes because every GM car I have owned this one included is hard on the front brakes. The heater core had to be replaced in 2002. Serpentine belt pulley replaced in 2000. The major annoyance is the paint, as it continues to flake off. According to GM the primer is bad and wont allow the paint to adhere. Overall, though, this truck has been a good runner and very dependable.

• 

  Economical/reliable but dull - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By tuffteach - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Having owned this truck since it was new, I was impressed with the pep (for a four banger) and economy. Still gets 22-26 mpg with more than 110K on the odometer. GM still needs work on their use of plastic parts. Both outside mirrors have fallen off the truck while driving. Replacement parts are inexpensive, widely available. Big picture reliability has been good. Only big part to go out has been A/C system at 50K. Not the most exciting, but dead reliable.

• 

  Great Rig but boring - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By bag o ice - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Truck does everything that I want but is just a little boring on the outside and inside. I am glad to see that they are redesigning but I just had to get this one.

• 

  Faster Than it Looks - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By 87horizon - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have the 4.3 V-6 it pulls strong and has been trouble-free, although its starting to develop a leak in the power steering pump at 50,000 miles. The ball-joints had to be replaced at 45,000 miles a part that I feel shouldt be replaced at low mileage. Overall, though, this has been a great little pick-up. GM has always built a good pick-up and this one has been no exception.

• 

  Nice Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Mike T - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck and second car, owned a Toyota Truck before this one and would take this little GMC any day over the Toyota, better ride, fantastic interior, just a dang good truck and 3k less than the Toyota. Enough Said!

• 

  Enjoyable Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Ryezenne - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The sonoma originally caught my eye with the great looking sportside cab. The truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and hasnt needed anything major. Overall, I feel the truck is very economical and gets great gas mileage. I get more compliments than anything. I am happy with my purchase.

• 

  Sonoma 4DR ZR2 - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By sboyer - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Clean value priced family truck, my third GM truck

• 

  na - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Patty - January 10 - 2:00 am

  clean truck well cared for work truck