Very reliable and tough truck
The fuel-pump went bad about six months after I had it. Dealer warranty covered it.
Passenger seat adjustment lever broke.
Third door latch broke.
Very strong motor.
After I made it a prerunner, I haven't had any problems.
This truck handles anything I can throw at it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2005
Great Truck! I would love to keep it as long as it will last
Emergency brake release is not dependable. The cable which attaches the release lever to the actual mechanism sometimes falls out of place.
Cassette Player (stock) does not work well, however, radio is great.
Though my GMC Sonoma SLS is not exactly a powerful pickup truck, it is definitely the most dependable vehicle I have owned to this point. Being that it is a 4-Cylinder motor, I don't expect miracles when it comes to power.
I bought this truck, used, and 4 years old, but only 29000 miles on the truck. It is now just over 45000, and runs like new.
The actual drive, is smooth. Steering stability is great. I was actually quite impressed with the trucks stability in snow/ice. I used to have a 1993 Chevy S-10, which was great on dry roads, but was very "loose" even with new tires on wet roads, and snow and ice. This was not the case with the 1999 GMC Sonoma, at least in my experience.
I love my truck. But unfortunately have to sell it, for something more family oriented, as we have a new addition being added to the family. My recommendation, do not consider buying this truck if you are married with children, especially if you need car seats. The rear seating is not comfortable, and cannot hold car seats (not to mention illegal for car seats).
But if you are single, or married with one child who is able to sit in the rear seats, it is a good truck.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th September, 2004
Weak engine with generally poor mechanical reliability
Drive shaft fell out at 12,000 miles.
Engine blew at 61,000 miles.
Fabric in seats wore thru at 15,000 miles.
Nice interior, but just a cheaply/poorly made truck.
Even though it is manual transmission it has tough time with any significant hill.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd August, 2004
Great deal. Extremely satisfied!
The only problem I had was a vacum leak. 5.99$ for a new gas cap fixed the problem.
This truck has a very good performance stock, but with a flow master exhaust system, K&N cold air intake and a good J&J throttle body spacer, this truck is great. I have the Z72 on road package and it handles like a charm. Others complain about the governor, I went out and bought the HypertechIII programmer which eliminates the governor and I can also adjust the speedometer to my new 3:73 Detroit locker rear-end (3:08 stock). All together, about 1200$ of modifications and a 13.5 sec. quarter mile with a 4.3 liter vortec. The interior is good, the seats are very comfortable, but the next one I buy will be automatic because the clutch is stiff causing pain in traffic.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd July, 2004
A couple of bugs that needed working out, but very well worth the time!
3 Alternator were replaced. Air conditioning sometimes goes out. And heater works if I squeeze air filter tubes... Don't ask me why.
Everything that has happened to this truck happened within the first year. I haven't had a single problem with it since.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th May, 2004
24th Sep 2005, 11:04
Hey I just read your review of a GMC Sonoma. I'm 16 and thinking about getting a Sonoma myself. I want to try to get it in the twelves under $2000. On drag radials. Do you know of some more after-market parts to get more HP and TQ without going to turbo, supercharger, and engine rebuild or swap.