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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  Still going...... - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By tmjones_21 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck after I graduated high school to commute to college. Still runs like it did when I first bought it. No major problems yet other than new water pump last year at 95K miles. Get about 24-26 mpg on highway if I dont go over 72 mph. Excellent truck to have if you dont need a big gas guzzling 4x4 full size truck (which most people dont, especially in the city)

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By luv my truck - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Sonoma ZR5 SLS Crew Cab is a great truck. I just traded my 2002 Sonoma SLS Extended Cab( 4 cylinder ) for this. There is alot more room inside the truck, it is LOADED with everything. The biggest let down for me is the gas mileage. The Sonoma SLS Extended Cab 2WD( 4 cylinder )was worse on gas than our 2002 Grand Prix GT and the ZR5 is just a little worse than the 4 cylinder. The truck is a little overpriced( $28,000 ) but is really worth the extra money. The Flame Yellow color is extremely bright and it catches alot of attention.

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  problems - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By problems - December 20 - 2:00 am

  nothing but problems The fuel gauge sending unit has been replaced twice the four wheel drive is out and still waiting on a second round of parts the power drivers seat will make dinging noises when going over bumps all problems have not been solved still hoping I enjoy driving the truck but if this continues may have to dump it.

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  Truck that Wont Quit - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By cb - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new, if now has 211,000 miles without a major repair. While it has been well cared for mechanically, I have hauled countless loads of lumber, mulch, bricks, furniture, you name it. Off-road, it is tough to match, I have reached many fishing spots that would not have been accessible by a lesser vehicle, and some harsh Pennsylvania winters seemed paltry behind the wheel. I was actually asked by a collague if my truck was new after it had crossed the 200K mark. Power is ample (and I sold my 69 camaro SS to but this truck, so that is quite a statement.) All repairs have been electronic, it has never left me stranded.

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  Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By goleafs94 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Good Stuff

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  exellent - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By stifler - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I,ve been shopping for a truck for a long time, and this one here beats them all if you love the outdoors this is the truck for you

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  98 Sonoma Reliability - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By latimrm - November 13 - 2:00 am

  2-failed fuel pumps $ 730 failed rear axle & differential failed drive shaft $ 1430 failed suspension springs transmission slip codes failed wiper module

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  great first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By mike2003 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for a small truck thats fun to drive and has lots of pep pick up a sonoma. Their solidly built and with the available vortec engine youll be layin rubber off every start

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  My GMC - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By SonomaBuyer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 99 GMC Sonoma a little while ago and I love my truck so far no problems or major mechanical stuff so far. I have always loved trucks. How they handle, engine etc and having an american made truck is even better!!

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  My Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By f41driver - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I actually own a 2000 Sonoma SLS 3dr ZQ8 V6/automatic, but its the same exact truck as a 2003 sans the wheel style and radio. I bought this truck on a whim, and I regret it. I like the looks, and when it was new it was the sweetest thing I could find for $21K, so I got it. My truck seems to be the worst Sonoma ever built because everyone I know with one has never had a problem, but mine rattles, creeks, and is slow and gets 16mpg no matter how you drive it. The seats became a little uncomfortable after a year or so, but thats just me.