I love this truck. If you dont need a big truck for hauling a large trailer, get one for yourself. I usually trade in my car every 2 years. Im going on my second year and Im not even thinking about a different vehicle.The Sonoma is GMC’s compact pickup that was introduced in 1982 as the S-15, one of the first compact pickup trucks from a domestic manufacturer. The name was changed to Sonoma in 1992. The Sonoma’s first major redesign was in 1994 and a third door was added to extended cabs in 1996. Both the exterior and interior were updated for 1998.
Year-to-Year Changes
1995 GMC Sonoma: A driver-side airbag arrived in mid-1995, along with daytime running lights.
1996 GMC Sonoma: Engines gained horsepower, and all Sonoma models now had 4-wheel antilock braking. A rear side door (on the drivers side) became optional on the SLS Club Coupe in mid-1996. It cannot be opened unless the front door is open.
1997 GMC Sonoma: Automatic transmissions could now have a floor lever, and extended-cab Sonomas could be equipped with a sport suspension.
1998 GMC Sonoma: Sonoma got a mild facelift and a restyled dashboard for 1998. The new dash adds a passenger-side airbag with shutoff switch.
1999 GMC Sonoma: Flash-to-pass headlights and available heated mirrors highlighted the changes for 99. However, in midyear, GMC dropped the 4WD regular-cab long-bed models.
2000 GMC Sonoma: A handling/trailering suspension became standard for 4-wheel-drive models. The previous SLE option package was now considered the new top-line model. Horsepower of the V6 engine rose to 180 with 2WD, or 190 with 4WD. Alterations to the V6 engine and manual transmission aimed at smoother, quieter running.
2001 GMC Sonoma: A 4-door Crew Cab model was added for 2001, and a 4-wheel-drive regular cab version was deleted from the lineup. The Crew Cab had four conventional front-hinged doors and a 4.6-foot box. Also for 2001, the sport suspension option included restyled alloy wheels.
2002 GMC Sonoma: GMCs version of the Chevrolet S-10 added air conditioning and a tachometer as standard on all models for 2002. And the long cargo bed, which had been dropped at the beginning of the model year, was later reinstated. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer was a new 02 option, and Crew Cabs were now available with heated front seats.
2003 GMC Sonoma: A new ZRX Street Rider package for the 2WD SLS short-bed included a power sunroof. Four-wheel-drive models got standard rear-disc brakes.
2004 GMC Sonoma: Sonoma continues only as a 4WD Crew Cab in 2004.
Interior Design and Special Features
The Sonoma features a full complement of easy-to-read gauges, but the upright dashboard is constructed of cheap- and brittle-looking plastic. Visibility from the driver seat is excellent, aided by huge side mirrors, but rear-seat room is tight.
Safety
The Sonoma comes with four-wheel antilock brakes. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Sonoma received three stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection in a frontal impact and three stars for its side-impact protection. Offset frontal impact crashes conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in a "Marginal" rating, the second lowest out of four.
Powertrains and Performance
The Sonoma is offered with one engine and transmission combination, a 4.3-liter V6 with 190 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. This pickup is available only as a 4x4 and has a maximum tow rating of 5,200 pounds.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The Sonoma is available in just one body style -- a four-door Crew Cab -- and one level of trim. Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels; four-wheel antilock brakes; bucket seats in front; air conditioning; a six-speaker stereo with a CD player; cruise control; power windows, mirrors and locks; and a bed liner. Optional features like leather heated seats and a six-disc CD changer are also available, along with a rear locking differential.
Driving Impressions
The V6s specs look pretty good on paper but in day-to-day driving the results are mixed. Theres plenty of low-end grunt for off-the-line power, but the power falls off quickly. Theres lots of noise and vibration, too. Although the Sonoma can still get the job done off-road, its ancient design is immediately apparent when its driven on pavement. The ride is on the mushy side with plenty of bounce over bumps and ruts. The steering is slow and devoid of road feedback, and braking distances are longer than those of any other compact pickup on the market.
Overall Review
Great truck! Responsive, practical and fun to drive