Overview & Reviews

Changes are limited to new colors, availability of the Sport Suspension on extended cab models, engine and transmission improvements, lighter-weight plug-in half shafts for 4WD Sonomas and console-mounted shifter for trucks equipped with a center console and bucket seats.

• Fuel-efficient base engine, sporty styling, powerful optional V-6, handy third door option

• Shabby build quality, uncomfortable seats, rattly third door option

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 12.00

• 

  221k still climbing - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By jeff - January 31 - 7:13 pm

  Too me it looks OK but not really sporty, I got the turd brown. I just past 221k And I wouldnt hesitate to put gas and go anywhere,just that reliable. Even with the high miles I still 30mpg..I know this cause my gas gauge has never worked so I just look at the gallons I put in. its just a 2.2 no power but still it has enough to get a ticket..when I want the power I just get on my R-1. anyways a great truck.

• 

  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

• 

  Good truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Erick - June 9 - 10:10 am

  Ive owned this truck since new and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 170,000 miles on it and it has never let me down once. GM built a good one in this little truck. Thank you GM.

• 

  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.

• 

  For the Money, It wasnt too bad - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By frynit - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  This was the first car I purchased. GMC did a good thing when they created 4.3 V6 Vortec. This is the most reliable engine that I have ever driven. The body rusts way to easily however, so whoever forgot the clear coat at the assembly plant needs to get smacked. Also, the windshield wiper motor began to short circuit around 110000. Also, the tires recommended by all tire shops are not the ones on the car, which is weird. The suspension is awful. As a result, the interior creaks and squeaks like no other. Also, 2WD, especially in Wisconsin, makes this truck absolutely useless in the winter being that the bed is so light and suspension so loose.

• 

  Leaks everything. - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Bob - January 31 - 9:02 am

  Has leaked oil, coolant, trans lube, freon since the day I bought it. GM would do nothing. Had to drive a whole year without heat because nobody could figure out why or fix it. Noisy transmission. Mysterious electrical problems. Eats oxygen sensors. Needs new ones every 2 years. Drove about 4 years with the "check engine" light on. Hard to fix since everything is so tightly jammed in the engine compartment. I would not buy GMC again. Yeah, a Sonoma is not a "real" truck. But just because its small is no excuse for bad design and manufacturing. It wasnt a cheap truck.

• 

  Awesome Pickup - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By jcott06 - January 7 - 4:55 pm

  This truck drives like a car, and has the comfort like one. Very fun to drive in snow has superb handling. Very powerful engine. Only problems I had was the weather stripping dry rotting and it rusted really bad both sides of the cabin, lower part. Other than that really great truck. A must buy

• 

  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.

• 

  Didnt See This Great Truck Coming.. - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By ZackInTheTruck - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Great truck...had to fix the AC and that is it....

• 

  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.