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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  not bad for GMC - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By scott S - January 23 - 11:12 pm

  What can one say about a underpowered truck. It drives great but maybe you should have bought a Honda engine to power this beauty. Id suggest the 2.4 Honda crv engine. This truck drive great and gets ok gas mileage as long as you stay off the highway. Whoever thought of butting 4/11 gears in a underpowered truck. Oh, maybe thats it, I see you have to compensate for the lack of power by gearing the truck low. The lack of quality is amazing, Ive had to replace the third door handle three times until I fabricated and metal substitute. the emergency break actuator two times.

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  Tough little Truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Andrew - January 18 - 9:01 am

  283,000+ miles and still the original motor and tranny. Only repairs (besides regular maintenance) has been fuel pump, altenator, water pump, and rear axle-wheel seal. Not bad at all though considering the mileage. Purchased from my dad when it had 190,00 miles. He bought it in 92 with only about 40,00 miles.

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  sonoma review - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Sonoboy - December 15 - 1:46 pm

  Great little truck. Have a plow mount for it and it works great. Easy sight lines in reverse. Nice, comfortable interior. A/C works good, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, reading lights in the mirrors, mirror defrost option is really handy!!! Decent leg room, a little crampy on longer rides for big guys. Powerful motor that gets the job done. Nice package. Plenty of bed room and the extended cab provides a nice area for extra storage when you need it.

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  1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Ext. Cab - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Goose - September 21 - 9:23 am

  I bought this truck when I first got my permit to fix up and have fun. Then, things went down hill and i ran out of money so i couldnt fix her. Now shes a woods-beater. Sonomas are the most reliable trucks you could ever own.

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  terrible build - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Joi - August 22 - 3:28 pm

  I do love my truck its looks good. Other than that since Ive owned it it has spent more time in a parking spot. One thing after another from a tensioner to the transmission has approx 87,000 miles. the transmission is a good one Ive reseached it and it has many many applications I think that the inside apecs should have been researched a bit more this is probally the nost popular transmission the 4L60 just has different for each vehicle Never should have put a 4 cylinder automatic in an extended cab

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  One truck Ill never sell - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Joel - July 16 - 7:43 pm

  This is my fourth pickup and the best Ive ever owned. Shes towed an 18 foot Boston Whaler with a motorcycle in the bed without a problem. I have 193,000 miles on the truck (5 speed) and have never had to do any powertrain work other than change the fluids. Shes had problems here and there but has never left me stranded. I cant count the number of times Id had stuff piled above the cab and had her squatting without a complaint. I even got her to top out at around 130 mph once. Id recommend this truck to anyone looking for a fun-to-drive work truck that doesnt want to go for a full-size.

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  Sonoma - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By no - July 10 - 2:15 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. I loved to drive it/love the way it looked but it sits broke down more than on the road. The fuel pump goes out about every other year, the power windows stop working, cd player stopped working. Had 38000 miles when I bought it (5-6years ago) and I only drive to work and back no heavy hauling it now has 100000 miles and the rear end is going out the transmission is going out couple of sensors in the motor are failing and it sits behind my garage..not the best $18000 spent! Really like the truck when its running and not costing me money.

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  love these trucks - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By franco - July 6 - 12:48 am

  these trucks are fun and great on gas and easy to work on. simple technology and basic design is what I like about these trucks.

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  Best Pickup Ive ever owned - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By JohnsonLonnie - July 3 - 11:26 pm

  Wonderful vehicle there is a reason they discontinued the 4.3 Liter CPI engine. Certain things go out like clockwork but the truck is almost 20 years old now. The thing had over 300k on the engine when some crazy woman ran the truck over while I at a stop in traffic. It folded the bed under the cab area and the frame was bent near double. I walked away from the wreck with a concussion.

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  first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By michael - June 29 - 3:26 pm

  Ok as posted this is my first truck. The owner of this truck told me if i could get it out of the mess of mud and branches i could keep it. So i got it out and towed it home. The vehicle is still under work because of the clutch but it has been running great otherwise.