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:

• 

  Very happy - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By larry moore - December 24 - 4:32 pm

  We are the original owners and are very happy with our first 4x4 vehicle. We cannot believe how great the ride is for being a 4x4. The performance is great with the 4.3 engine. We drive for 7 hrs to get up north in the summer and we both feel fresh, even tho we each sat in the same position all the way. We make sure that it is maintained regularly. We are seniors and are depending on never getting rid of our 2002 Sonoma 4x4 extended cab.

• 

  Unbelievably reliable-original engine - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Jace Espy - December 21 - 4:52 pm

  "Jenny" as we call her was given to me after my father passed away about 11 years ago. At first I didnt drive her for about a year. It had 33,000 miles when I got her. Then I started using her for work. She has a 2.8L V6 with a five-speed and pretty much everything you could get on one of these trucks. Everyday, for the next two years I towed a 3000lb generator load bank and close to 1000lbs of tools and equipment around. I was putting 1000 miles a week or more on her. Never any problems except brakes. When I stopped this job she ran about 20,000 miles a year for the next 7 years. After 300,000 miles Ive only replaced a tranny 3 clutches, two alternators and Ive never been stranded.

• 

  Low Cost ,Reliable, Great Vehicle - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By R Krebs - December 6 - 10:53 am

  Purchase new eight years ago. 26 MPG. Truck receives scheduled maintenance, and has performed flawlessly. Radio was replaced (defective from factory), one set of brakes and 2 sets of tires in 105,000 miles. Orig. exhaust and clutch, water pump, etc. 4 cyl. is underpowered, interior is stylish but uncomfortable for the passenger b/c of uneven floor. Small passenger compartment cools down really fast in the summer and heats up fast in the winter. Great vehicle for commuting or suburban 2nd car. With a low end price tag this vehicle has exceeded my expectations for 8 years now!

• 

  SLS Short Bed 6 5spdMT Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Owned for Five Years - November 25 - 10:15 am

  Owned mine 5 yrs & very happy with it. SLS, standard cab (2 seats), 5-speed manual trans., 2.2L 4-cyl., stereo with single CD, manual door locks and manual windows. 19-22 mpg city, 24.0- 25.6 mpg hwy range about 350-360 miles/tank. Rides better with a load in the bed. Very reliable. Interior gauges easy to see. Daytime running lights & it switches automatically to night headlamps, very useful. Comfortable. Perfectly engineered for its purpose. Good looking exterior. I added a soft tonneau, then a cap when I could afford, which helped gas mileage 1-2 mpg. Great visibility without cap, limited but acceptable with cap. Small bump in bed where gas tank is, not a big deal. Good turning radius.

• 

  My great little truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By dougstatler - November 18 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased my Sonoma slightly used with less then 5,000 miles on it and less then a year old. It suved me fathfully for over 8 years untill last month when a drunk crosed the center line and hit me almost head on. I always liked the looks of the truck, and with the 4.3 V6 and a 5 speed it was no slouch. Very handy for light hauling but still very easy to manuver in tight parking lots. I have very few problems with the truck other then it always had a thurst for brake pads and sometimes rotors. It served me well right up to the end when drunk idiot hit me with an older Ford F150. She was totaled (even buckled the roof) but she got even, the big Ford was damaged just as badly.

• 

  Great Overall Truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Jim - November 2 - 10:47 am

  My truck has 106,000 miles and has never had any body or engine work, repeat never. It has performed super. I used it to haul, travel, etc. and it has never let me down. I change filters, oil etc. as required and it is still great on performance. I have done all the work myself and would buy another GMC. I plan on keeping this vehicle. It has no scratches, dents, and looks like new. Paint job has not faded, chipped or cracked. No rust at all. It was bought with the Suntrup sport package, flares, decals, etc and they are like new. I had an accident right after I bought it but it has all OEM parts and shows nothing of the accident. Truck is like new, wouldnt trade it for anything.

• 

  Low cost utility - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By dave8697 - September 12 - 11:59 am

  Bought mine with 88,000 miles on it and a/c and dash lights broken. Needs alignment and one ball joint has some wear. Used to own a 2000 S-10 so I knew what to expect. Previous owner replaced alternator and water pump. Ive put a rebuilt a/c in it. For an 8 year old truck, it has only been in shop twice. Got 25.5 mpg on 1200 mile trip. Seats OK, brakes very good. Carried 1200 lb load with no problem.

• 

  Built on Wednesday! - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff va - August 13 - 9:45 pm

  One tough ole bird! Bought the truck in 2000 with 96K miles from my brother. Got 215K out of her before I put her up for sale. Various maintenance items replaced along the way, water pump at 118K, clutch at 126K, alternator at 127K, fuel pump at 179K, radiator at 214K due a cracked tank. Never had to go into the motor. Origional timing chain was still in service when it sold! Truck had tow package with engine oil cooler. I think that and a healthy diet of Amsoil and Mobil 1 greatly contributed to trucks longevity. Would buy another one in a minute!

• 

  My Work truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By joe - August 8 - 11:37 pm

  Since I have had my Sonoma, I have gotten avg. of 26mpg. The power of the 4 cyl engine leaves to be desired, however, it is a good crusing truck and rides very nice. It is sporty looking and really fun to drive.

• 

  Great lil truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By dxfhd - August 3 - 1:59 am

  I had it only a little while now but its going great. I had a short on the oil pressure sensor but aside that its perfect. Keep an eye out for rotten beds, the boxes that bolt the cab to the frame and the rear of the front wheel wells. They also have a habit of the door pins wearing out but thats only about 5$ to fix. If you dont have winter you should be all good. If youre not 4x4 be careful on wet roads as the truck wants to let the back hang loose on left turns snow dont matter much with a couple of sandbags. Ive driven a few trucks and this has to be my favorite. Good on gas, acceleration, and hauling heavy loads.