2000 GMC Sonoma SLS 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Useful, reliable, glad I bought it

Faults:

The alternator went at 59,000 miles, however I do have an aftermarket audio system in the car that could cause some additional strain on the alternator, but I think it went a little to early.

General Comments:

Extremely slow vehicle, even though I have the GT4 gearing option (3.72 final drive).

I think I get good gas mileage probably 22 city / 28 highway. I need to get a bed cover to help out the highway miles.

Small cabin, I am 6' tall. I just have enough room, if you are taller you won't be comfortable driving this vehicle.

I bought this car not because I wanted one but because of the deal. KBB when I bought it was 11,100 Retail, I got it for 7,850 with extended warranty included. Only had 8,200 miles on it when I got it in '03.

Great to have when you need to pick things up for the house. Parts are not that expensive except AC blower. AC for the 4 cyl cost 3 times more than the one for the 6 cyl.

Likely to keep this truck forever, will only be my daily driver fro about another 1-2 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2008

2000 GMC Sonoma SL 2.2 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great Economical Little Truck!!

Faults:

Oil pan rusted through and drive shaft had a bad u-joint...seems to be getting a bit of rust underneath. AC died at 110K, seats have weak springs and sag after a while.

General Comments:

Great little truck for the money!! Great gas mileage with the 2.2 and 5-speed. Not much room in the regular cab. A cheap truck with a solid motor for sure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2008

2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Vortec V6 4.3L from North America

Summary:

This truck is easy to fall in love with.

Faults:

I bought the car with the third door handle broken. The handle is thin plastic and easily breakable in cold weather. The engine had a stuck lifter at 95000 and was an inexpensive repair. I replaced all of the tire bearings after the front right bearing wore down at 96500 miles.

General Comments:

I have the 4x4 off-road package which makes for great handling off road. I live eight miles from the closest city and when it snows the road are not plowed for a few days. I have no problem driving in 12 inches of snow. The day I bought the truck took it off-road in a field to test its ability and I was impressed. The four wheel drive with a locking differential allow for good traction on grass or snow.

The truck has predictable handling on road with a little tire hop in turns. The 4.3 liter gives good acceleration that can beat or match almost any small truck I pull up to. The anti-lock brakes make for average handling under excessive braking.

For a small truck it has an aggressive stance. The heigh ride hight, wide flares, 31 inch tires, and black paint with matching black window tint compliment its looks.

The jump seat in the back is so small and uncomfortable for a passenger that I don't use it.

For those who want to install an aftermarket radio I found that the dash was very easy to dismantle.

The truck has never had any major engine or transmission problems and I don't expect any in the near future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2008

2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Xtreme 4.3 Vortex from North America

Summary:

Perhaps a look at what american cars USED to be like

Faults:

The seat recline adjustment handle broke off on both the passenger and driver's side. Apparently this happens to almost every seat. Very low grade metal used. After market replacement is available that is high quality. Rear sliding window lock broke off the glass. GM told me to go to apple auto glass to have it repaired. About two weeks ago the front passenger side wheel started squeaking. I believe its the pads rubbing against the caliper. Both tailgate cables broke and are difficult to fix/replace. I took it to a normal garage (because dealers are extremely expensive) and they said they can't do it. Lazy? Maybe, but it still looks difficult.

General Comments:

Other than that this truck runs great.

It has tonnes of power for a little truck, though it does lag between 2-3000rpm.

It is a little light in the rear-end for the power it has, and in wet weather I can always count on a fishtail or two. I must be careful when passing another vehicle in wet weather because when it drops to passing gear, the rear will swing out.

Overall I am very happy with this truck. I haven't had a problem with the power train or anything expensive and it performs really nicely.

I do recommend winters if driving in snow, they make a Huge difference.

The fuel economy is good for a truck, but not so good for a car (which it is obviously not). The books say about 12.5L/100km, but I get 450-500km per 60L tank (and I do drive over the speed limit).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th October, 2005

18th Oct 2005, 13:01

As for the frowning face, I didn't mean to give that rating. I am very happy with this truck.