Used 1993 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1993 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.
Best small 4x4 GM made
mike larson, 02/22/2017
updated 09/09/2021
1992 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
These trucks only had one problem . They had no hubs on the front axles. They still have a floor shifter for the transfer case like a real 4x4. This has been the best truck I have ever owned . I replaced with a new Gmc canyon and its high my wife can't get in it. has a knob for the 4x4 I hate my new truck.
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- Performance
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Tough little Truck
Andrew, 01/18/2010
1991 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
283,000+ miles and still the original motor and tranny. Only repairs (besides regular maintenance) has been fuel pump, altenator, water pump, and rear axle-wheel seal. Not bad at all though considering the mileage. Purchased from my dad when it had 190,00 miles. He bought it in 92 with only about 40,00 miles.
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See all 0 listingsOne truck I'll never sell
Joel, 07/17/2009
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth pickup and the best I've ever owned. She's towed an 18 foot Boston Whaler with a motorcycle in the bed without a problem. I have 193,000 miles on the truck (5 speed) and have never had to do any powertrain work other than change the fluids. She's had problems here and there but has never left me stranded. I can't count the number of times I'd had stuff piled above the cab and had her squatting without a complaint. I even got her to top out at around 130 mph once. I'd recommend this truck to anyone looking for a fun-to-drive work truck that doesn't want to go for a full-size.
Good truck
Capt Phil, 04/28/2008
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this Sonoma used, from private party, but was a previous utility company truck. It had about 70,000 miles then, and now has 130,000. It's handy, and has hauled well over a ton(!) in the bed, plus towing a heavy trailer. The 4wd shift lever on the floor is far superior to the later push-button models, which are much more complicated, more expensive to repair, and cannot be shifted on-the-fly, as the floor lever can be (2wd to 4wd hi, only - you have to stop to get it into lo 4wd). All in all, a robust little truck, easy to get into the tight off-road places I've taken it. I also have a lumber rack, which can put excessive strain on the bed supports. I had mine reinforced.
Best used 4x4 for less than $5,000?
lejorgen, 06/12/2002
1993 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I use it as a daily commuter mostly, but great for weekend fun, towing and hauling. It was state of the art when it was new in 93. Engine still feels tight and powerful at 160,000 miles, does burn some oil though. Previous owner put in a new transmission at 130K miles. No repairs, just maintenance during my ownership.
Still going......
tmjones_21, 01/03/2003
1993 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck after I graduated high school to commute to college. Still runs like it did when I first bought it. No major problems yet other than new water pump last year at 95K miles. Get about 24-26 mpg on highway if I don't go over 72 mph. Excellent truck to have if you don't need a big gas guzzling 4x4 full size truck (which most people don't, especially in the city)
All Good
bowlingchamp, 02/08/2005
1993 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Over all a great truck. I have 180,450 miles on my truck and it still goes strong. I reckon she will run till 300,000! I have tried to bust it numerous times, but it won't!! Great truck!
Dependable
Qzardesigner, 04/02/2003
1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck new in 1993 and it has proved reliable ever since. I now have 167,000 miles on it. This truck has the 4.3 engine. I wish GM could learn how to make a good set of front brakes because every GM car I have owned this one included is hard on the front brakes. The heater core had to be replaced in 2002. Serpentine belt pulley replaced in 2000. The major annoyance is the paint, as it continues to flake off. According to GM the primer is bad and won't allow the paint to adhere. Overall, though, this truck has been a good runner and very dependable.
Lemon! The worst vehicle I ever bought.
Mike L., 06/13/2016
updated 01/10/2024
1991 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I needed a small truck for running errands. This truck was available to me so I hurried and just bought it. AT the time it only had 18.900 miles on it. This must have been a factory lemon because I had nothing but problems with it. It had some warranty left on it but I cant spend all of my time at the dealership. A dealer in Nampa, Idaho worked on it 3 times trying to fix the engine problems. The service manager never did fix it. Just to give you an Idea ........... It leaked a lot of water through the firewall every time it rained. The engine had a horrible spark knock upon acceleration in hot weather. The clutch had a squeaking sound and the dealer told me they just do that and the only thing to get the throw out bearing replaced. Really at that low of miles? The sun visor broke off in my hand one sunny day. Next the paint came off in a huge chunk one day at the car wash and was not covered under warranty. The Inside driver door handle broke and I had to roll down the window just to get out. It wore out tires and always felt like they were out of balance. NO POWER ........would not pull a 800lbs cargo trailer. I tried to run different types of gas in it but still had spark knock. Seat belt in the center seat would not latch. I could go on...............but you get the idea. The worst vehicle I have ever owned. I just had to get rid of it. I felt stupid that I bought it. It really was a total nightmare.
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1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Ext. Cab
Goose, 09/21/2009
1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck when I first got my permit to fix up and have fun. Then, things went down hill and i ran out of money so i couldn't fix her. Now she's a woods-beater. Sonomas are the most reliable trucks you could ever own.
Unbelievably reliable-original engine
Jace Espy, 12/21/2007
1992 GMC Sonoma GT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
"Jenny" as we call her was given to me after my father passed away about 11 years ago. At first I didn't drive her for about a year. It had 33,000 miles when I got her. Then I started using her for work. She has a 2.8L V6 with a five-speed and pretty much everything you could get on one of these trucks. Everyday, for the next two years I towed a 3000lb generator load bank and close to 1000lbs of tools and equipment around. I was putting 1000 miles a week or more on her. Never any problems except brakes. When I stopped this job she ran about 20,000 miles a year for the next 7 years. After 300,000 miles I've only replaced a tranny 3 clutches, two alternators and I've never been stranded.
TimsTruck
For Sale, 12/04/2004
1991 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this truck a couple months ago when my 91 Voyager's tranny went out. Was going to fix it up as necessary so it would be reliable...didn't need to fix much. This is a very reliable piece of machinery. Never have I been able to get 33 mpg out of anything except a car! Very reliable, very nice truck!
Overall Junk
Eric Russell, 05/16/2002
1992 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new and it has been the worst experiance of my life. The body is a rust magnet. GMC must have made primer optional, and it missed my truck completly. The interior is a nightmare. The seat is too low, the steering wheel blocks most of the controls, and it squeeks and rattles since new.
Great PU Truck
JRR1, 02/26/2003
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great AMERICAN truck! Easy to drive, good off the road and good on the freeway. Good Milage for a large V6 about 24 mpg. Dependable.
My little GMC
dallask, 01/30/2005
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this truck for 2 1/2 years and I love it. It pulled an 18 foot trailer loaded with furniture no problem. An extended cab would have been better for my work. Also, the 4.3 liter v6 only gets about 17-19 mpg. Very dependable and reliable- I have only replaced the alternator in 50,000 miles.
Great lil truck
dxfhd, 08/03/2007
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had it only a little while now but it's going great. I had a short on the oil pressure sensor but aside that it's perfect. Keep an eye out for rotten beds, the boxes that bolt the cab to the frame and the rear of the front wheel wells. They also have a habit of the door pins wearing out but that's only about 5$ to fix. If you don't have winter you should be all good. If you're not 4x4 be careful on wet roads as the truck wants to let the back hang loose on left turns snow don't matter much with a couple of sandbags. I've driven a few trucks and this has to be my favorite. Good on gas, acceleration, and hauling heavy loads.
Great truck
Casey shawstad, 04/14/2017
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I've had this truck since it was made on 1991 till now 2017. Been through hell and back and is still running great. I don't like the fact it's small but it is a fun truck. Great for off road. Has a good amount of gas millage. I would recommend for small truck lovers.
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1991 gmc Sonoma SLE
S-10 guy , 09/01/2024
1991 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really reliable, sounds great. Drove my to 1.7m and is still going first engine got to 1.2m then finally got a knock, great first truck if you can find one that hasn’t been abused
first truck
michael, 06/29/2009
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok as posted this is my first truck. The owner of this truck told me if i could get it out of the mess of mud and branches i could keep it. So i got it out and towed it home. The vehicle is still under work because of the clutch but it has been running great otherwise.
Loved it for 10 years.
Scott Kahler, 07/08/2002
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great and reliable vehicle.... Without any significant work, this vehicle lasted many cross-country trips and survived three years in Puerto Rico. My only complaint was the defective paint....
great
bigjohn, 08/17/2002
1992 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
everything is very nice with this vehicle but the bed did rust out. that is the only complaint i have. love it.
Fun Four Wheel Drive
jtpaletti, 10/27/2002
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The truck is great. I haven't had any major problems with it yet. I absolutly love the four wheel drive.
great first truck
mike2003, 11/10/2002
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If your looking for a small truck that's fun to drive and has lots of pep pick up a sonoma. Their solidly built and with the available vortec engine you'll be layin' rubber off every start
Best buy
rjritterjr, 08/18/2003
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased at 48k miles, now have 146k miles, mostly highway. Other than very few routine repairs (water pump, belt, alternater, brakes), this truck is the least costly vehicle I've ever owned and it holds its value. At oil changes, I'd look around the engine to see what needed to be repaired, but each time nothing needed replaced or adjusted. If it weren't for a growing family, I'd keep it, but the cab is too small for two adults and a car seat; now another baby is on the way. Use Uniroyal tires for best ride and handling.
Ken's critique
ken jennings, 08/11/2003
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought from friend with 166,000 miles on it. Has been in major front end collision, but well restored. Runs great, no rattles, clanks, etc. Everything except the cruise works. Easy to work on. I've helped him several times on things before I bought it.
Good Family Truck
Coach H, 04/20/2002
1993 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My work truck and family of 4(Plus 2 dogs inside before the cap)ride in this. Have 110000 now and replaced the alternator, fan belt, tires, two set of pads, muffler,inside control switch for a/c-heat etc., and the pass. window moter only goes half way up-down. All have been minor compared to other cars I've had. Exterior has been great and I would buy another again. I have the V6 which is great on power, but I would like to see the MPG be higher(20-22hwy) now.
GMC SONOMA THE MEDIUM QUALITY TRUCK
mowry, 01/07/2003
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ran great until 30k miles. Had to replace distributor cap and rotor button plug wires and plugs. Every year I have to do this same thing or the engine will start miss firing. after owning the truck 3years the control module went out. I just replaced the control module again plus the coil.
Still got her!
Cantletgo, 08/18/2005
1992 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall a great truck, bought new with 17 miles on it. Had some issues with paint job on bed, torsion bar breakage. I have used this to trailer a 16 foot boat, bed full of wood, up and down hills in southern Ohio and it still pulls the load. Body to frame mounts are rusting out, door pins are worn out. A/C still works. Tune up plugs and wires every year is easy and cheap. I love this truck!