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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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Whami - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful little truck. It has been used as a courier vehicle for the past 4 out of 5 yrs that I have owned it. Still going great. Replaced the clutch & starter. Then the engine at 210,000 because of timeing belt. Body has held up great. A/C compressor went out at 200,000. It has carried average of 40,000 per yr in miles and with the newer/used engine will last another 100,000.

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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.

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  :) - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Bart H - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new for less than $10,000 and It has been great. I have used it for work and play. I have 40,000 miles on it now and it still makes me smile even when I make the payments! For the money I give it a 10! - Bye

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  GM Needs Help - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Michaelv - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is disgusting for a 2002 model year vehicle. The truck has lots of rattles and squeeks, the dash looks like a "fisher price " snap together toy and the seat fabric looks and feels like mouse fur. The tuck was deliverd with a defective heater blower moter switch - only high speed worked. The pasenger side widow weather stripping would come off when the window was lowerred and then raised.The passenger side inner door liner was improperly attached - broken clips.The transmission quit working at 10,000 miles - the rear seal leaked all the transmison fluid into the tansfer case.

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  my sls - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By screamnchikn - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i love the truck

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  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!

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  RAMY - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Ramy AZIEH - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Very powerfull, Reliable, Stiff steering which is better, Quiet ride, and Good braking

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  Wish I could do it over!!! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By floydfan76 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been nothing but problems. My truck has less than 8000 miles on it and it has had the dash replaced, transmission rebuilt. The fuel injector, intake gasket and rocker covers have also needed replacing. I have tried to get a buy back from GMC but I guess the truck hasnt broken enough for them to do that yet, and I do say yet because I am convinced that they will buy the damn thing back by the time it is all said and done. Stay away far away from this truck.

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  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.

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  Dont Buy IT - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By John co8O - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 3 starters, cooling fan, radiator, 3 fly wheels, Air condition compressor, transmission at 122,000 miles, catalitic converter just to name some of the problems. The drivers seat stop working at 70,000 miles. The vehicle is not built for a large amount of