2001 GMC Sonoma Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
We know the value of an old trusty pickup, but in the Sonoma's case, it's just plain old. A redesign is on the way in a couple years, but if you need a compact truck now, better check out the competition first.
Pros
Sporty styling, fuel-efficient base engine, powerful optional V6.
Cons
Cheesy interior plastics, low seating positions, spotty build quality.
What's New for 2001
An all-new model has been added to the Sonoma lineup for 2001, a four-door Crew Cab, complete with Vortec 4300 V6, automatic transmission, InstaTrac four-wheel-drive system and SLS trim. Powertrain improvements incorporate an advanced control module for the V6 and flex-fuel capability for the four-cylinder. There are also new aluminum wheels with the sport suspension, and programmable automatic power door locks.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
SLS Short Bed 6' 5spdMT Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Owned mine 5 yrs & very happy with it. SLS, standard cab (2 seats), 5-speed manual trans., 2.2L 4-cyl., stereo with single CD, manual door locks and manual windows. 19-22 mpg city, 24.0- 25.6 mpg hwy; range about 350-360 miles/tank. Rides better with a load in the bed. Very reliable. Interior gauges easy to see. Daytime running lights & it switches automatically to night headlamps, very useful. Comfortable. Perfectly engineered for its purpose. Good looking exterior. I added a soft tonneau, then a cap when I could afford, which helped gas mileage 1-2 mpg. Great visibility without cap, limited but acceptable with cap. Small bump in bed where gas tank is, not a big deal. Good turning radius.
Favorite Features
Engineering, reliability, gas mileage for non-hybrid, enough power, good interior, 3 power outlets, mpg, value for the money, ground clearance, affordable, can run on E-85 gas.
Suggested Improvements
Remove carpet from driver side floor or increase size of floormats (I bought larger aftermarket mats to cover hole in carpet made by tennis shoes); include door lock for tailgate; add rubber liner to spare tire holder - mine rusted & stuck to the wheel.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Respectable Little Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I was given this vehicle after my first vehicle's engine died. This is a stylish and smooth riding vehicle, but this is not the type of truck I wanted. I prefer trucks that are raised and larger. Overall, through the 2+ years i've had it, it has been mostly reliable, except i've had to replace the starter 3 times!! I would suggest this as a perfect truck for a beginning driver, because it is only a 4 cyl, has good gas mileage and wasn't an expensive purchase. This truck should be a parent's best friend, especially if they purchase the 4 cyl model because it is hard to speed in a truck equipped with so little horsepower!
Favorite Features
I didn't have any favorite features on it at all, until I had my dual exhaust flowmaster muffler system and K&N intake installed on it. The only good stock features in my opinion for this vehicle are the gas mileage and the suprisingly roomy headroom.
Suggested Improvements
Well, GM started making the Colorado/Canyon twins instead of the S- 10/Sonomas, so I'm not sure. However if they were still making the Sonoma/S- 10, I would suggest they refine their 4 cyl engine, it is miserably weak and loud. The interior design is boring and they should use better materials for it.
6 out 7 people found this review helpful
Crummy ZR2
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have a '01 Sonoma ZR2 with a 4.3 5 speed with just under 50k miles and I have had nothing but trouble with it! The biggest mistake was getting one with California Emmissions, I have had the Airpump go out 3 times on me and the last time wasn't under warranty, it cost me over $300 to fix. Also, the syncros in the transmission are horrid, even after having them replaced under warranty!
Favorite Features
Exterior styling is right on. The limited slip is a good help at getting unstuck.
Suggested Improvements
Better transmission, no more air pumps! Mud flaps!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great Truck.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My experience with this vehicle has proved to be a very reliable one. i have not had one problem with it. GMC, keep up the good work. My Anti-locks have proved to be very reliable as well. If it is in your interest, add a dual exhaust like me for great performance and looks. Mine look great
Favorite Features
Power everuthing. mine came with power locks, windows, heated side mirrors, Auto lights are great. they have saved me a few close calls. V6 engine is great
Suggested Improvements
GMC should of offered an envoy version of this truck as done with the jimmy
Great (SO FAR) Minor stuff only
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this little gem to cart around the oompa loompas and haul the boat, 17 foot Starcraft (2300) lbs. This truck does it all very very well. Good to fair gas mileage. (not bad for a semi- thristy v-6). I get good mileage with A/C on full blast also. Truck doesn't mind a/c when towing and doesn't lose power. Has a little bit of a knock when you floor it....49k miles and have only replaced the battery. (delco batteries aren't top quality). Gas gauge failed at 41k, thank god I bought extended warranty. I still paid $140 out of my pocket to fix gauge. I paid 18,600 used, 14k miles on it originally. I think price equals value here.
Favorite Features
sliding rear window, factory sunroof (rare). Great power for towing, goes through snow like a champ. Shift on fly is very nice and engages perfectly.
Suggested Improvements
Third break light on rear roof melts due to poor engineering. It gets too hot and melts in the center where the light bulb is, it cracks and then water gets in when you wash vehicle or it rains. POOR DESIGN HERE if you ask me.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 GMC Sonoma
- 2003 GMC Sonoma
- 2002 GMC Sonoma
- 2001 GMC Sonoma
- 2000 GMC Sonoma
- 1999 GMC Sonoma
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