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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  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.

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  Good Truck!!! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jennylm313 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, nice on gas!! affordable and a very nice looking truck.

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  GMC be ashamed - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By RONL - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle came out in about 1995. It had problems with handles breaking off and very bad front ends. At 60000 miles I had to put $2500 in the front end. Both wheel bearings gone and the bearing are in a housing that requires the replacement of the whole housing. GMC knew about the problems and instead of improving the design over the years, just ignored the problems and allowed us to keep paying to keep this junk running.

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  Put the vehicle down and back away - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By buy japanese - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Wow, Where do I start. I purchased this truck new with only 8 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems. I will just make a list. 2 Head gaskets replaced and now this one is leaking. 12,000m 38,000m. three wiper motors replaced 28,000m. one starter replaced 25,000m. Two clutches and all related parts, throwout, slave,etc. 40,000m 75,000. three sets of universal joints 50,000 80,000 102,000m. Fuel pump went out 80,000m. Had to go back to dealer to have several squeaks/rattles fixed. Lumbar adjustment broke second time I used it. Drivers side mirror broke. Cupholder came apart. Both door speakers quit working.

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  Junk - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Robt - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Never again...This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned (with the exception of a 77 Dodge power wagon) as far as reliability goes. Mine has a lot of miles but they are all highway and I have serviced it regualary. Shortly after warranty expired I had to put a $750.00 fuel pump on it, now theres either a wheel bearing or differential going out and howling like a banchee, the transmission is giving me troubles. The interior quality is awful, the steering wheel looks like it has leprosy, the power windows make noise and sound like they are falling out. In brief....Ill never buy another GM product as long as I live.

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  Peice of Junk - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By thewolfdog - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car was nothing but trouble. I was lucky enough to purchase a warrenty when my trans. went out at 50k. Here is a rundown of the problems.. and this is NOT exxagerated. - Trans. Shot -A/C compressor- goobye - Starter (twice) Electrical problems fuel pump -A/C compressor- Goodbye AGAIN cooling fan- cya head gasket- BLOWN PEICE OF CRAP GMC

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  Great PU Truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By JRR1 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  great AMERICAN truck! Easy to drive, good off the road and good on the freeway. Good Milage for a large V6 about 24 mpg. Dependable.

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  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.

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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By mark455 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great. I purchased it used with 45000 miles and it now has 90000. I have done nothing but basic maintenace. I have had no problems whatsoever. The truck still looks new.

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  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.