1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3 Litre Vortec from North America
Summary:
Not a bad truck, if GM would have just finished the job
Faults:
Remote oil cooler lines blew coupling off the end, replaced at 25,000km on Warranty.
ABS brakes were defective from the start. I complained every check up. Finally GM recalled them in 2000. Actually they were recalled twice. The dealer worked on them 4 times. The first 3 made little improvement They finally work... well sort of.
The emergency brake seized at about 30,000 km and again at about 50,000. I had it replaced by an independent with jobber parts and now it works fine.
Both oil lines blew the crimped ends off again with just over 100,000km. The dealer fixed the first one and less than a month later the second one blew the crimped end off. The dealer took no responsibilty even though he supposedly checked the pressure and hoses These lines are a piece of junk. Drain your engine twice and you will do major damage. I did. New pistons, bearings, oil pump, rings you name it. Had to replace the clutch assembly too. The glued on covers are expensive. Dumb idea. It is really too bad because the 4.3 engine was the best thing about the truck, only to be ruined by a few bad parts.
General Comments:
Great engine and power train, it pulls like crazy, if you don't lose the engine to a few cheap parts.
The paint is so easy to mark. For a truck that doesn't make much sense.
The fit and finishing isn't great, it squeaks as soon as it gets cooler out.
The seats haven't worn all that well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th February, 2003
5th Jun 2004, 01:56
My head gasket just went too, but everything else is OK. My truck is really quick off the start, but as no top end at all. The body is in perfect condition I have rims body kit and it is slammed to the ground. It is my project for the summer by the end of the summer it should hopefully look like a show truck I have my fingers crossed. O'yeah my catie is messed up to. O'Yeah it is a 94 Sonoma.