1997 GMC Sonoma Review
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
For the Money, It wasnt too bad
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
1997 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport Extended Cab Stepside SB
Review
This was the first car I purchased. GMC did a good thing when they created 4.3 V6 Vortec. This is the most reliable engine that I have ever driven. The body rusts way to easily however, so whoever forgot the clear coat at the assembly plant needs to get smacked. Also, the windshield wiper motor began to short circuit around 110000. Also, the tires recommended by all tire shops are not the ones on the car, which is weird. The suspension is awful. As a result, the interior creaks and squeaks like no other. Also, 2WD, especially in Wisconsin, makes this truck absolutely useless in the winter being that the bed is so light and suspension so loose.
Favorite Features
The torque. No matter how many miles on this truck, the tires were always able to be roasted and almost any other car could be beaten off the line. Very fast acceleration from 0-45 and from 60-85.
Suggested Improvements
Make a better rust proof paint job, and find a better use for the space in the extended cab portion aside from the useless jump seats. Also, the fuel economy for a small truck like this is awful.16 MPG is ridiculous.
Leaks everything.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
1997 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLS Sport 4WD Extended Cab SB
Review
Has leaked oil, coolant, trans lube, freon since the day I bought it. GM would do nothing. Had to drive a whole year without heat because nobody could figure out why or fix it. Noisy transmission. Mysterious electrical problems. Eats oxygen sensors. Needs new ones every 2 years. Drove about 4 years with the "check engine" light on. Hard to fix since everything is so tightly jammed in the engine compartment. I would not buy GMC again. Yeah, a Sonoma is not a "real" truck. But just because it's small is no excuse for bad design and manufacturing. It wasn't a cheap truck.
Favorite Features
It often moves forward when you step on the gas.
Suggested Improvements
Make it repairable. Make it so it doesn't leak a quart a month of every known fluid.
Awesome Pickup
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLE Extended Cab SB
Review
This truck drives like a car, and has the comfort like one. Very fun to drive in snow has superb handling. Very powerful engine. Only problems I had was the weather stripping dry rotting and it rusted really bad both sides of the cabin, lower part. Other than that really great truck. A must buy
Favorite Features
Power, design, handling of bad road conditions
Suggested Improvements
Protect the lower body a little better from rusting
Great Overall Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SLE Extended Cab SB
Review
My truck has 106,000 miles and has never had any body or engine work, repeat never. It has performed super. I used it to haul, travel, etc. and it has never let me down. I change filters, oil etc. as required and it is still great on performance. I have done all the work myself and would buy another GMC. I plan on keeping this vehicle. It has no scratches, dents, and looks like new. Paint job has not faded, chipped or cracked. No rust at all. It was bought with the Suntrup sport package, flares, decals, etc and they are like new. I had an accident right after I bought it but it has all OEM parts and shows nothing of the accident. Truck is like new, wouldn't trade it for anything.
Favorite Features
Starts up every time. Paint is like new, no rusting. Upholstery is in great shape.
Suggested Improvements
Nothing at this time. I bought it back than with what I wanted and am very happy yet today. Most people need bells and whistles, but I am happy with this truck.
Didn't See This Great Truck Coming..
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 GMC Sonoma 2 Dr SL Standard Cab SB
Review
Great truck...had to fix the AC and that is it....
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 1997 GMC Sonoma
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
