1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup
- Price Range: $600 - $6,300
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to GMC Sonoma
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Payload
- Interior storage space (ext. cab)
- Acceleration (V6)
Cons
- Refinement
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Identical except for badging and trim-package designations, GMC S15 and Chevrolet S10 compact pickups held 4-cylinder or V6 engines. Short-bed, regular-cab models rode a 108.3-inch wheelbase with 6-foot cargo bed. Long-bed versions had a 117.9-inch wheelbase, with a 7.5-foot bed. Extended-cab, rode a 122.9-inch span, with the 6-foot bed. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard on 2WD models. Optional were two V6 engines: a 2.8-liter V6 and a 4.3-liter V6. On-demand, part-time 4-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly operation was available on all three sizes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | GMC Sonoma 4.3-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 GMC Sonoma:
GMC replaced the S15 badge with a Sonoma designation as the compact trucks earned a facelift consisting of a new grille, wheels, bodyside moldings, and bumper rub strips. Later in '91, the base 4-cylinder engine added power. At the other end of the scale, a vigorous GMC Syclone, packing a 280-horsepower turbo V6, went on sale.
1992 GMC Sonoma:
Optional pushbutton shifting became available on 1992 4WD models. Head restraints became standard for outboard bench seats.
1993 GMC Sonoma:
The super-performance Syclone and its sporty GT cousin were gone. Both 4.3-liter engines got an internal balance shaft, designed to reduce engine vibrations.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
We prefer V6 engines, because the automatic transmission robs too much performance from the 4-cylinder. The 2.8-liter V6 is acceptable for most requirements, while the 4.3-liter sends these trucks to the head of their class for acceleration and towing. Syclone models offer brutal performance with 0-60 mph times under five seconds. A 4.3-liter long-bed Sonoma with automatic averaged 21.5 mpg. Ride quality is generally poor and gets worse on GT and Syclone models. No Sonoma holds the road all that well either. On the upside, the brakes are adequate and the steering responsive. Sonomas vary considerably in cost and amenities, starting with the price leader Special, which has basic vinyl seats and no carpets. Accommodations are nearly as spartan on other models, unless they're equipped with one of the trim packages, such as the S15 Sierra. Gauges and interior switchgear are easy to use, however, the optional electronic gauges are hard to read--day or night. Front seat space is good, but just about everyone will be cramped when sitting in the rear of extended-cab models.
Value for the Money
The S15/Sonoma is a versatile vehicle that can be used as a daily driver or for light-duty work. If you are shopping in this market, be sure to check out the Chevy S10 and Ford Ranger, too.
The S15/Sonoma is a versatile vehicle that can be used as a daily driver or for light-duty work. If you are shopping in this market, be sure to check out the Chevy S10 and Ford Ranger, too.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | GMC Sonoma 4.3-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 32 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation GMC Sonoma includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation GMC Sonoma .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all because of a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-93)
Climate control:
The temperature control lever may spontaneously slide from hot to cold, usually when the blower is on high speed. (1992-93)
Dashboard lights:
The oil pressure gauge may read high, move erratically or not work because the oil pressure sensor is defective. (1990-93)
Engine knock:
Engine knock on 4.3-liter engines during acceleration or climbing a grade is due to carbon buildup on the pistons. (1992)
Engine misfire:
The EGR valve may stick open due to carbon deposits causing rough idle. (1994)
Hard starting:
Engines with TBI may be hard to start after hot soak. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $365 |
| Alternator | $195 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $735 |
| Brakes | $207 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $415 |
| Exhaust System | $335 |
| Radiator | $325 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $370 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $205 |
| Universal Joints | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation GMC Sonoma details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Sonoma 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sonoma 4WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Sonoma 2WD | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| Sonoma 4WD | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| Syclone 4WD | $6,300-7,200 | $5,500-6,300 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Sonoma 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sonoma 4WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Syclone 4WD | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 1990 | |||
| S15 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| S15 4WD | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation GMC Sonoma include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.9 | 117.9 | 108.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.8 | 194.2 | 178.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.7 | 64.7 | 64.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 61.3 | 61.3 | 61.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3024 | 2773 | 2635 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1776 | 1901 | 1892 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Three engines were available in the early '90s: a 94-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; 125-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6; or 4.3-liter V6, rated at 160 horsepower. By 1992, the 4-cylinder was developing 105 horsepower, and a high-output 4.3-liter V6 (standard on the GT) made 195 horsepower. Syclones got a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6, making 280 horsepower. Two-wheel-drive Sonomas had the 4-cylinder engine as standard and the 2.8-liter V6 as an option (except on the Special). The 4.3-liter V6 was standard on 4WD Sonomas, optional with 2WD. By 1993, GMC's "enhanced" 195-horsepower version of the 4.3-liter might be installed on all models except the Special and 2WD long-bed. (Chevrolet compact pickups could not have the "enhanced" engine.) A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with the 4-cylinder, 2.8-liter V6, and regular 4.3-liter V6. Four-speed overdrive automatic was optional (mandatory with the enhanced 4.3-liter), but not available with the 2.8-liter V6. Insta-Trac part-time 4WD had automatic-locking front hubs and shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD High. An electronic-shift transfer case was optional on all 4x4s with the 4.3 engine and automatic, except the Special.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 160-195 | 230-260 | 5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 17/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 151 | 94-105 | 130-135 | 5-speed manual: 23/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 2.8 / 173 | 125 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| Turbocharged ohc V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 280 | 360 | 4-speed automatic: -- | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation GMC Sonoma include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 S15/Sonoma |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 GMC S15/Sonoma Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-92 without air conditioning:
Fan blades on 2.5-liter engine can break as a result of fatigue.
1991 S15/T15:
Nut used to attach lower control arms, rear spring/shackle/shocks could "strip."
1991:
Fuel tank sender seal may be out of position.
1991-93 4WD w/ABS:
Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
