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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  poor truck used - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By chr - November 3 - 2:00 am

  after 90,000 km had to replace clutch,numerious sensors went and caused 4x4 to quit working while driving,front wheelbearing went and costs 3 times more than any other not a recomended truck. outside of comfort

• 

  Great Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By MTuttle - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Sonoma for 4 years, 50k miles, and one day in the shop for repair (blew some stuffing out of an exhust joint, covered under warranty). Cant say enought about this practical and inexpensive vehical.

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  ZR2 (Zenith + Rare for 2) - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Whobuff - October 31 - 2:00 am

  If you ever want a vehicle with the look of an SUV, the versatility of a truck and very comfortable interior, GET this Truck.

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  Fun Four Wheel Drive - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By jtpaletti - October 27 - 1:00 am

  The truck is great. I havent had any major problems with it yet. I absolutly love the four wheel drive.

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  Great little truck! - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By stevedb - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.

• 

  Relatively average - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gatorguy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found the truck to be simply that-nothing special

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  Utility with Flair - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By TheCarGonzo - October 12 - 2:00 am

  A nice solid truck, no real problems since purchase (although it has very low miles). Interior is simple and inexpensive looking but everything is easy to use. ZQ-8 suspension keeps the vehicle well-controlled for a pick-up. 3/4 V-8 4.3L V-6 is no smoothness champ, but it does get the job done.

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  99 GMC SONOMA TRUCK - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By kayebee - October 6 - 2:00 am

  has fancy truck top, 5 speed transmission, pretty green color both body and matching top, tinted windows, gray interior.

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  A great Sport Truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Askani - September 25 - 2:00 am

  While my review will be a bit baised, the truth of the matter is that this is a great truck. I own one of the limited models that came with the full ZQ8 package. Needless to say, this truck is more than powerful, and an excellent example of how a sport truck should handle. The truck is very responsive to modifications, which I can attest to personally since mine runs the quarter in a little over 13 seconds flat. Yet, as a pure work truck it is as relaible as can be, and has far better styling than the competition. If you must settle for a mid-size truck, than this is the best choice out there.

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  kind of bitter - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Jdog - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Is a 5-speed manual. The transmission went out, was impossible to find a used replacement. A new one will cost me 2500.00 not including labor.