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:

• 

  Excellent - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Desert Sonoma - December 3 - 1:27 pm

  The current Sonoma I drive has been well cared for and has had few major repairs. I received it from my family in 2003, but was purchased in 9/1997. My experience has been that it requires very little maintence and was well built. Except for regular oil and lube, has endured large amounts of travel in the last 3 years has held up very well. The model I have is not the most comfortable, but I am satisfied with design. The a/c performs well as well a the heater.

• 

  Most reliable truck ever owned - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jay - November 14 - 9:36 am

  I am now approaching 300,000 miles on this truck and still have not spent money in repairs. I have changed the serpentine belt, headlamp and tires, but this truck has been very good to me.

• 

  Love this truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By jimog01 - October 31 - 3:41 pm

  I have 259,000 miles on this truck not 1 major issue. I just put on a water pump last month and the starter has started to act up, I think after this many miles and 13 years these should be wearing out. I have had some suppension problems but that I think is more related to driving on the pothole covered roads in Michigan more than the truck. I dont see any issues coming up that will keep me fromsurpassing the 300,000 mile mark.

• 

  Happy Sonoma owner - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By KENNE-BILL - September 20 - 10:36 pm

  Ive owned my 99 Sonoma for about a month now and am very happy with it. I bought it used with 69,000 miles on it, body is solid and rust free and the original white paint still looks decent. As far as I can tell everything still works on the truck except for a bad AC compressor that I have already replaced. Its a regular cab, 2.2l with a 5 speed trans, Im happy with the acceleration. I calculated 26 mpg on my first tank of gas which is why I stepped up to a 4 cylinder truck, my old 92 Sonoma with a 4.3/auto was getting only about 17.5 mpg.

• 

  95 Sonoma Ext Cab - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Bob - September 19 - 9:42 pm

  I have owned this truck for the last 7 years. Overall very reliable. Over 200,000 miles on it, have changed the starter and the battery once. Replaced the exhaust sytem (cat converter rattles a bit). Transmisson started shifting rough into second. I changed fluid and filter and after a little while, it seems to shift smoother. biggest complaint rusted out above rear wheels and in corners of the extended cab. It had to rust from the inside out, because by the time i noticed it panels were rusted through. I noticed wherever GM puts those rubber plugs that is where the truck rusted.

• 

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By vepj - August 24 - 12:26 am

  This truck caught fire at 7500 miles. The wiper motors have been replaced. The transmission has been rebuilt. The engine has been rebuilt. The timing chain broke at 60,000 miles. The brakes wear out every 5000 miles. I used to carry a code reader in the truck because I didnt know when it will pop a new code. And today the starter died again. The a/c went out at 75,000 miles. If my son wasnt a mechanic and my daughter loves this truck, I would have junked it ages ago. I finally gave it to my daughter and bought a jeep. Now I am happy. Dont ever buy this truck.

• 

  Great all around truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By don - August 9 - 3:35 am

  I have a 94 Sonoma with a 4.3 tbi engine with 181,000 miles on it and it still gets me around 20 miles to the gallon and runs like a champ. I bought it with 152,000 on it and Ive driven it hard as hell and its held up with no major problems except I threw a clutch once but hey it happens. I couldnt be happier with my truck. It has been such a great truck. Im sinking almost $10,000 back into it to make it a show truck for me and the family to enjoy for a long time to come

• 

  Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By hannahbug21 - August 6 - 12:08 am

  Generally reliable but when it breaks down it is down for days. I have replaced the wiper motor twice, the computer system twice, alternator, ball joints tie rod ends, and others odds and ends through the years. But I abuse it. Its a great daily commuter. Put wieght it in the back and it handles allright in all weather conditions. It gets excellent gas mileage, 30+ in the city on a good tuned engine. It only has a 4 cylinder so it cant haul much weight but does well for its size. My truck has the long box so it handles like a school bus. It has that big truck feel even though it is so small. My full sized Sierra has a smaller turning radius. It is a bit gutlus I would go for the V6

• 

  Great little truck for 11 years - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff A. - July 12 - 4:32 pm

  Ive enjoyed my 11 years with this truck. Its still going strong with only 61k on it, but Im going to sell it to an employee who needs vehicle and so I can upgrade. Pros: Smooth ride, good handling, nice cab design, lots of room in the ext cab, decent bed room. Cons: The 4 banger could use a bit more power for hiway conditions. Side mirrors are known to fall off by breathing on them (2 times for me). Stock sound system is pretty bad, but easy to upgrade. Repairs: Easy to work on. In 11 years Ive replaced 2 batteries, the a/c compressor, EGR sensor, fan clutch, plus normal wear items like brake pads, drive belt, etc.

• 

  Miles per gallon - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By patty - July 12 - 8:50 am

  My Sonoma never even got 19 on a good day. It only gets 17 on the highway. I drive 50 miles round trip highway miles to work every day. I have had it for 6 months and I have to sell it because of the poor mpg.