2003 GMC Sonoma Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 22 mpg
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 next year, but if you need a compact truck now, we suggest checking out the competition first.
Pros
Multiple configurations, fuel-efficient base engine, torquey V6.
Cons
Low-buck interior, spotty build quality, poor resale value.
What's New for 2003
The Sonoma gets a few changes for what will be the final year of production of the current model. There's a new split-folding bench seat on all two-wheel-drive models, new seat materials, an optional six-disc CD changer and a sport package for crew-cab models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best thing I've ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought the truck brand new with 3 miles on it. Nothing has went wrong with it in five years, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.The truck has got 90,000 miles on it now and most of it is highway miles. Did some modifiyng but an air intake system and a AIC model in it and I get about 42 miles to the gallon, before it got 37.
Favorite Features
Nice play truck in the water and snow. Really light weight so in the snow about 500 lbs is ok to but in the bed of the truck to get around. Nice to look at when the truck is washed. Sound system is one of the best for a little truck.
Suggested Improvements
Bigger engine for more towing.
My Black Beauty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS ZR2 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I believe that this is the best looking truck of all time. Gas mileage stinks! I love the black and the ZR2 because of its lifted gift.
Favorite Features
Truck looks mean like a transformer.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage, lube oil cooler lines and clamps are always bad, and an understandable bad turning ratio.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
I could design a better truck!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
First off, bought the truck on GM's reputation. Decent design, good comfort, but performance, and gas mileage is something to be desired. I had a '96 Nissan 4 banger that would run circles around this GMC. Come on guy's get with it.
Favorite Features
Comfort, and audio system.
Suggested Improvements
More power, and better gas mileage. Try to get a little more room behind the seat.
My Work truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Since I have had my Sonoma, I have gotten avg. of 26mpg. The power of the 4 cyl engine leaves to be desired, however, it is a good crusing truck and rides very nice. It is sporty looking and really fun to drive.
Favorite Features
AM/FM cd, cruise, automatic transmission.
Suggested Improvements
Make the 4.3 V-6 standard equipment.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Most horrible car ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased this car to commute to work everyday and not for heavy duty use. This car has been driven only 17000 Miles and transmission started losing oil. The power steering makes noise and the car runs rough on turns. This is my second GMC car and the last one. I hate cheap workmanship, crappy design and horrible engineering. How can a well maintained car (by dealer every 3000 miles) has to have transmission problem after only 17000 miles? Please save yourself a lot time/money and buy a decent car and I urge GMS to send their designers to Honda or Toyota for through training.
Favorite Features
AC works
Suggested Improvements
Engine, transmission, fuel system, power streeing system, suspension and all.
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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