1996 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews

Over life of ownership, not bad at all

Written by: Tobais on 03/01/2004

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in '98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..

Favorite Features

Decent ride at 80mph no huge shakes, here in NJ that is average highway speed.

Suggested Improvements

Clean up the interior, sick of molding peeling up and falling off. But what do want in a $13k truck?

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Put the vehicle down and back away

Written by: buy japanese on 03/16/2003

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

Wow, Where do I start. I purchased this truck new with only 8 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems. I will just make a list. 2 Head gaskets replaced and now this one is leaking. 12,000m 38,000m. three wiper motors replaced 28,000m. one starter replaced 25,000m. Two clutches and all related parts, throwout, slave,etc. 40,000m 75,000. three sets of universal joints 50,000 80,000 102,000m. Fuel pump went out 80,000m. Had to go back to dealer to have several squeaks/rattles fixed. Lumbar adjustment broke second time I used it. Drivers side mirror broke. Cupholder came apart. Both door speakers quit working.

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage. Good looking truck.

Suggested Improvements

To melt them all down and use them for artillery shells.

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creampuff sonoma

Written by: majorgeneral on 01/15/2003

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLE Extended Cab SB

Review

An okay little truck that has served me well. Bought to replace my 81 Silverado. I like the economy and handling or the 4.3 vortec. The auto trans was ruined by a bad torque converter at only 73k pampered miles, too young for that kind of failure and forever ruined my long relationship with GMC. Brakes routinely fail when spindles get wet, owing to crackpot abs system that I despise. Too many relays and such that makes trouble shooting for the shade-tree mechanic impossible. Next truck will be a seventies vintage something, but definitely not GM.

Favorite Features

Power this, power that, remote mirrors, and my retrievers enjoy the truck bed.

Suggested Improvements

Fix lousy, unreliable abs brakes. Pay me the $2000 I sunk into a new transmission thanks to GM's flapdoodle torque converter.

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Tell me it's not so!

Written by: Showtime on 01/05/2003

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

I've had this truck for 2 years, and for the most part it had run good. But over time, as the miles add up (118,000 now) the performance just craps out. In its prime, the truck was very very quick, and ive beaten all kinds of cars and trucks with the peppy 4.3 V6. But the transmission is dying, the A/C was dying at the end of summer, the interior has been falling apart, the truck has become a complete dissapointment.

Favorite Features

The duals i had installed, peppy engine (in its prime), just the little things i done and installed myself...the factory installed options all either fell apart or i got sick of em.

Suggested Improvements

build a reliable engine! If you are thinking about buying this truck, believe me, do not buy one with many miles on it!

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Great little truck!

Written by: stevedb on 10/22/2002

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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kind of bitter

Written by: Jdog on 09/20/2002

Vehicle

1996 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Standard Cab SB

Review

Is a 5-speed manual. The transmission went out, was impossible to find a used replacement. A new one will cost me 2500.00 not including labor.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. The V-6 had more then enough power. Started without a problem, even in one of Iowa's coldest winters

Suggested Improvements

Hidden rattle in dash that I can't find. In my case, expensive to repair. Has a strange noise when I have to apply brakes hard.

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