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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  Solid reliable truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Walt K - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have almost 50,000 miles on my 6 cyl extended cab SLS and it has performed perfectly ever since it was driven out of the showroom. Absolutely no mechanical problems at all. The ride is a little rough and the seats are not as comfortable as I would like. But the V6 is strong and the auto trans shifts nicely. I drive on the highway a lot and my gas milage averages just above 20 MPG.

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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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  Fun Truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Keithwilgus - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Very responsive, quick but very rough ride.

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  Great all around truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Dusty - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Truck has been a steady performer with no more than routine maintenance costs.Would buy a 2004 if they were still available in this model.

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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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  Great Truck. - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By super sonoma - May 3 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has proved to be a very reliable one. i have not had one problem with it. GMC, keep up the good work. My Anti-locks have proved to be very reliable as well. If it is in your interest, add a dual exhaust like me for great performance and looks. Mine look great

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  Didnt See This Great Truck Coming.. - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By ZackInTheTruck - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Great truck...had to fix the AC and that is it....

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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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  Over life of ownership, not bad at all - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Tobais - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in 98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..

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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.