1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation GMC Sonoma. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation GMC Sonoma.

1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Review

As in the pre-1994 generation, the redesigned GMC Sonoma and similar Chevrolet S-Series compact pickup shared basic styling. Each rode a modification of the prior generation's platform, with more powerful engines than before and newly available 4-wheel antilock braking. Overall lengths increased by about 10 inches, for all three body styles: regular-cab long- and short-bed, and extended-cab short-bed. A redesigned dashboard and console included two cupholders. Pickups again came with rear-drive or part-time 4-wheel drive, with 4-cylinder or V6 engines and a 6- or 7.5-foot cargo bed. Rear antilock braking was standard on 4-cylinder models; V6s got new 4-wheel ABS that worked in both rear-drive and 4WD.

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 driver's 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: GMC's 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.

1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger room	Seat comfort (front passenger)

Acceleration (V6)	Ride (some models)

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat room

Optional third door (later models)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

A V6 is virtually essential if you want an automatic transmission or expect to do even occasional hauling. The 4-cylinder engine works best with manual shift, providing adequate acceleration for light-duty chores. With an empty cargo bed, the Sonoma's back wheels tend to hop over sharp bumps and ridges in the road. Otherwise the basic "smooth-ride" suspension handles most pavement imperfections with little harshness and minimal bounding. Body lean is evident in turns, but the truck feels balanced and poised, providing fine resistance to gusty crosswinds. Power steering has a natural feel. Four-wheel antilock braking, standard on all late models, is a definite bonus. However, the brake pedal is spongy and has plenty of play before you feel any stopping power. The optional rear door is easy to use and a genuine convenience, allowing unprecedented access to the rear of extended-cab models. A Sonoma equipped with that door, however, lacks the second jump seat. The 2001 Crew Cab's independent front hinged rear doors are more convenient than any extended-cab's rear-hinged doors, but its seat is low to the floor and there isn't a lot of legroom.

Value for the Money
We rate Ford's Ranger a notch above the GMC and Chevrolet compact pickups, due to its slightly more polished feel. Dodge's latest Dakota, as redesigned for 1997, is bigger yet and even more polished, with stronger hauling ability and an available V8 engine. Even so, most buyers will find plenty to like in the GMC/Chevrolet compacts.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

GMC Sonoma ext. cab 4WD, auto	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	1

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	4

Total:	36

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.

1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Reliability

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.

Air conditioner: The HVAC system mode switch gets stuck in the vent position as oil gets into the control head as a result of a leaking vacuum switch on the transfer case and a redesigned switch is available. (2001-03)

Doors: The power door locks may not operate due to a rubber bumper falling off of the actuator arm. (1997)

Engine knock: Engine knock in the 4.3-liter engine is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not work, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings. (1990-95)

Engine misfire: The EGR valve may stick open due to carbon deposits causing rough idle. (1994)

Engine temperature: Poor cooling or irregular gauge reading possible after water pump replacement. (1994-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Fuel pump: The fuel pump may run after the key is turned off. (1994-95)

Hard starting: Engines with TBI may be hard to start after hot soak. (1994)

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	$550

Alternator	$255

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$750

Brakes	$210

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$545

Exhaust System	$450

Radiator	$410

Shocks and/or Struts	$345

Timing Chain or Belt	$420

Universal Joints	$190

NHTSA Recall History

1994 w/2.2-liter engine: Vacuum hose can detach from power-brake-booster check valve as a result of backfire.

1994: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1994-96 w/ABS: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.

1994-97: Seatbelt webbing on certain models can separate during frontal impact.

1995 w/air conditioning and 4.3-liter engine: Rivets can break and allow fan blade to separate from hub; if hood were open, a person could be struck by blade and be injured.

1995-00: When the hazard flasher switch is used to turn the hazard-flashers on or off, the retained accessory power feature can be activated without a key in the ignition.

1995-96: Windshield wipers may work intermittently.

1996 2WD manual shift w/2.2-liter engine: Drive wheels could seize and lock while truck is moving.

1996: Top coat of paint on a few trucks peels severely.

1996-97 w/4.3-liter engine: Front brake line can contact oil pan, causing wear that may result in fluid loss.

1998: Daytime running lights do not comply with FMVSS No. 108 requirements.

1998: Fatigue fracture of rear-axle brake pipe can occur, causing slow fluid leak and resulting in soft brake pedal; if pipe breaks, driver would face sudden loss of rear-brake performance.

1998: Wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto exhaust manifold, possibly resulting in fire.

1998-00: Left-hand safety-belt retractor may not meet the retractor locking requirements of the standard.

2000 w/2WD: Right ABS module-feed pipe and/or brake-crossover-pipe tube nuts on certain vehicles could have been improperly tightened; seal could have been broken, resulting in leakage.

2000 w/all-disc brakes: Out-of-spec spring clip in ABS motor could allow bearing to become misaligned; ABS and dynamic-rear-proportioning system would become inoperative.

2001: Seatbelt buckles were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement of the standard.

2003-04: Incorrect labels about airbag safety may have been installed in the vehicle. Dealers will distribute correct labels.

1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
Sonoma 2WD	$1,500-2,400	$1,000-1,600	$200-300
Sonoma 4WD	$2,100-3,100	$1,500-2,200	$400-600

1995
Sonoma 2WD	$1,700-2,800	$1,100-1,900	$300-400
Sonoma 4WD	$2,600-3,700	$1,900-2,700	$500-800

1996
Sonoma 2WD	$2,000-3,100	$1,400-2,200	$300-500
Sonoma 4WD	$3,100-4,400	$2,400-3,400	$700-1,100

1997
Sonoma 2WD	$2,500-3,800	$1,800-2,800	$500-800
Sonoma 4WD	$3,800-5,400	$3,100-4,400	$1,200-1,700

1998
Sonoma 2WD	$2,900-4,600	$2,200-3,500	$700-1,100
Sonoma 4WD	$4,500-6,300	$3,700-5,200	$1,600-2,300

1999
Sonoma 2WD	$3,500-5,300	$2,800-4,200	$900-1,400
Sonoma 4WD	$5,200-7,400	$4,400-6,300	$2,100-3,000

2000
Sonoma 2WD	$4,200-6,600	$3,400-5,400	$1,400-2,200
Sonoma 4WD	$6,100-9,000	$5,300-7,800	$2,600-3,900

2001
Sonoma 2WD	$4,700-7,400	$3,900-6,200	$1,800-2,800
Sonoma 4WD	$7,200-10,000	$6,400-8,900	$3,500-4,900

2002
Sonoma 2WD	$5,500-8,300	$4,700-7,100	$2,300-3,400
Sonoma 4WD	$8,000-10,700	$7,200-9,600	$4,100-5,500

2003
Sonoma 2WD	$6,300-9,500	$5,500-8,400	$2,800-4,200
Sonoma 4WD	$9,000-12,200	$8,100-11,000	$4,700-6,300

2004
Sonoma 4WD	$13,500-14,700	$12,300-13,400	$8,000-8,700

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.

1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	crew cab	ext. cab	reg. cab long bed	reg. cab short bed

Wheelbase, in.	122.9	122.9	117.9	108.3

Overall Length, in.	205.3	203.7	205.0	189.0

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.9	67.9	67.9

Overall Height, in.	63.4	62.2	62.1	62.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	4039	3168	2983	2930

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1111	1461	1727	1667

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	20.0	20.0	20.0

Seating Capacity	5	5	3	3

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.5	39.5	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	43.2	43.2	43.2

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2	--	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.6	--	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Sonomas had a choice of three engines: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, 165-horsepower 4.3-liter V6, and an "enhanced" 4.3-liter V6 that delivered 30 extra horsepower. In 1995, the 4.3-liter dipped from 165 to 155 horsepower, while the "enhanced" version dropped to 191. For '96, the revised 4.3-liter Vortec V6 jumped to 180 horsepower (but just 170 horses with 2WD, where the V6 was an option). A high-output version now made 190 horsepower with 4WD or 180 with 2WD. In 1997, the regular V6 was rated at 180 horsepower with 4WD, or 175 with 2WD. Those ratings grew to 190 and 180, respectively, for 2000. Most Sonomas could have 5-speed manual shift, or an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I4	2.2 / 134	118-120	130-140	5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 20/27	5-speed manual: 22.3 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	155-180	235-245	5-speed manual: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 19/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.4

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	180-195	245-260	5-speed manual: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 20/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Sonoma

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1994-2004 GMC Sonoma Review:

GMC Sonoma

GMC Sonoma Road Test

GMC Sonoma Reliability

GMC Sonoma Prices

GMC Sonoma Specs & Safety

GMC Sonoma Photos

GMC Sonoma Full Review