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Used 1995 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
40 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1995 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Love this truck

jimog01, 10/31/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I have 259,000 miles on this truck not 1 major issue. I just put on a water pump last month and the starter has started to act up, I think after this many miles and 13 years these should be wearing out. I have had some suppension problems but that I think is more related to driving on the pothole covered roads in Michigan more than the truck. I don't see any issues coming up that will keep me fromsurpassing the 300,000 mile mark.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Small Package

bobtommich, 09/13/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great gas mileage. Roomy interior. Love the 2 tone color of black and blue. Interior has everything in the right places. I've got 123k and have no leaks. Wish it had a CD player and a back sliding window. Signs of head gasket leak but ok now, cause using high mileage oil. Had to replace mirrors on driver's side 3 times and passanger twice due to vibration. Also replaced back window because of rain water leakage after warranty. Thumbs up to Gmc service. They even replaced the mirrors after warranty. Signs of rust at the lower side below extended cab window on both the passanger and driver's side. Very easy to work on. Had to replace the starter once.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

95 Sonoma Ext Cab

Bob, 09/20/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have owned this truck for the last 7 years. Overall very reliable. Over 200,000 miles on it, have changed the starter and the battery once. Replaced the exhaust sytem (cat converter rattles a bit). Transmisson started shifting rough into second. I changed fluid and filter and after a little while, it seems to shift smoother. biggest complaint rusted out above rear wheels and in corners of the extended cab. It had to rust from the inside out, because by the time i noticed it panels were rusted through. I noticed wherever GM puts those rubber plugs that is where the truck rusted.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Best Pickup I've ever owned

JohnsonLonnie, 07/04/2009
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wonderful vehicle there is a reason they discontinued the 4.3 Liter CPI engine. Certain things go out like clockwork but the truck is almost 20 years old now. The thing had over 300k on the engine when some crazy woman ran the truck over while I at a stop in traffic. It folded the bed under the cab area and the frame was bent near double. I walked away from the wreck with a concussion.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Great little truck for 11 years

Jeff A., 07/12/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've enjoyed my 11 years with this truck. It's still going strong with only 61k on it, but I'm going to sell it to an employee who needs vehicle and so I can upgrade. Pros: Smooth ride, good handling, nice cab design, lots of room in the ext cab, decent bed room. Cons: The 4 banger could use a bit more power for hiway conditions. Side mirrors are known to fall off by breathing on them (2 times for me). Stock sound system is pretty bad, but easy to upgrade. Repairs: Easy to work on. In 11 years I've replaced 2 batteries, the a/c compressor, EGR sensor, fan clutch, plus normal wear items like brake pads, drive belt, etc.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

good truck

gREGGUY, 10/28/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I like my truck

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pete's Review

Pete Matthiesen, 01/06/2004
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have really enjoyed my Sonoma. It has been a very reliable truck with minimal problems. It has over 130,000 miles now and is still running strong as when I bought it. The only problem I have had is with the EGR on the engine, but they say it is a common problem with it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wow, What A Truck!!

NesBilt.com, 09/19/2002
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just bought it and LOVE it! I have the V6 and there is plenty of power! It's going to be fun upgrading this bad boy!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

One Tough Truck

wpnsloader, 06/01/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased this truck with 33,000 miles and it has 90,000 now. The only complaint I have is the size. I really need more room for the family. The H.O. 4.3 in the 4X4 is one of the most powerful V6 motors put in a truck today and with out a doubt one of the most dependable. ZERO mechanical break downs. Only a few electrical issues. I have towed or hauled everything with this truck from loads of lumber and bags of concrete to a 22 ft pontoon boat. This is One Tough Truck

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3.5 out of 5 stars

This is a Mechanic's Truck

David, 01/04/2009
1995 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive with plenty of power for a small truck, even with a 2.2 four cylinder. If you need a truck that you can mod, this truck is compatible with tons of parts, mod kits, and engines. It's an older truck and a GMC, so the exterior metal much thicker than the typical modern truck that dents if you just lean on it. However, you must let this vehicle warm up for about 5 to 10 minutes before you drive it in cold weather or you will break your headgasket, which is a costly repair. If you're low on cash and need a truck, a Sonoma is perfect for you as long as you take care of it, and check your fluids.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

love these trucks

franco, 07/06/2009
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

these trucks are fun and great on gas and easy to work on. simple technology and basic design is what I like about these trucks.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

I love this truck

Roxy-Ann, 07/15/2010
1995 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This truck in my opinion is wonderful, my grandfather taught me to drive stick shift in this truck and haven't had to replace the clutch yet then I was driving one day and cleaned out a ditch with it at 80 miles per hour and let me tell you I drove that truck right out of the ditch. Now mind you this truck has not been modified or anything just a regular old work truck but the most reliable vehicle I have ever been lucky enough to drive that truck kept me alive. So if anyone is looking for a good truck for a teenage driver this would be the truck for you.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

don't really want to part with it...

michael little, 06/29/2002
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought it brand new with 450mi on it, at about $14,500. I religiously have and continue to make the mechanics of the truck running smoothly, using only top of the line grade fluids, filters, plugs, etc. There was a head gasket leak about 3-4 years ago, and had to be completely re-worked, but has had no problems since...in fact, the engine runs like 50,000mi and has recently had a serp. belt replaced. There are minor faults such as the integrity of the body, some of which was fixed(rust), but only by the dealer.I've never seen an accident(even minor)with this truck, and has proven good in the snowy weather(up to 2-3 feet).

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4.63 out of 5 stars

151k, so far so good

donw, 06/23/2005
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck 1 year old with 11k miles. It's absolutely dependable. The CD player quit 6 years ago. It needed new brake pads at 18k miles. I switched to NAPA pads, and now am only on the second set since then. The oil cooler line seeps, and has been like this since 50k miles. It's a minor nuisance, and too big of a pain to change due to its location. The engine mounts needed replacement at 150k. Right now I've still got 4500 miles to a quart of oil. Hazard light switch is absurdly fragile, and it's tough to find one in a junk yard. Over all a very dependable vehicle.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Problem child to good citizen

Rwm, 01/13/2004
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my used sonoma with 4,000 miles. Within the first year of owning my truck I visited the GMC dealer for the replacement of my rear axis, starter, carberator, clusters board, various fuses, breaking system, anti-lock breaks, wiper blade motor, leaking hose for air condition system, leaking hose for exhaust system and other minor repairs. My thoughts were that the prior owner damaged the truck before resaling, because after those parts were replaced (free of charge) my truck is running fine.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Built on Wednesday!

Jeff va, 08/14/2007
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

One tough ole bird! Bought the truck in 2000 with 96K miles from my brother. Got 215K out of her before I put her up for sale. Various maintenance items replaced along the way, water pump at 118K, clutch at 126K, alternator at 127K, fuel pump at 179K, radiator at 214K due a cracked tank. Never had to go into the motor. Origional timing chain was still in service when it sold! Truck had tow package with engine oil cooler. I think that and a healthy diet of Amsoil and Mobil 1 greatly contributed to truck's longevity. Would buy another one in a minute!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Truck that Won't Quit

cb, 12/10/2002
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased this truck new, if now has 211,000 miles without a major repair. While it has been well cared for mechanically, I have hauled countless loads of lumber, mulch, bricks, furniture, you name it. Off-road, it is tough to match, I have reached many fishing spots that would not have been accessible by a lesser vehicle, and some harsh Pennsylvania winters seemed paltry behind the wheel. I was actually asked by a collague if my truck was new after it had crossed the 200K mark. Power is ample (and I sold my 69 camaro SS to but this truck, so that is quite a statement.) All repairs have been electronic, it has never left me stranded.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Don't Buy IT

John co8O, 04/12/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Replaced 3 starters, cooling fan, radiator, 3 fly wheels, Air condition compressor, transmission at 122,000 miles, catalitic converter just to name some of the problems. The driver's seat stop working at 70,000 miles. The vehicle is not built for a large amount of

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great all around truck

don , 08/09/2008
1994 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a 94 Sonoma with a 4.3 tbi engine with 181,000 miles on it and it still gets me around 20 miles to the gallon and runs like a champ. I bought it with 152,000 on it and I've driven it hard as hell and it's held up with no major problems except I threw a clutch once but hey it happens. I couldn't be happier with my truck. It has been such a great truck. I'm sinking almost $10,000 back into it to make it a show truck for me and the family to enjoy for a long time to come

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Little Truck

mark455, 02/23/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This truck has been great. I purchased it used with 45000 miles and it now has 90000. I have done nothing but basic maintenace. I have had no problems whatsoever. The truck still looks new.

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4 out of 5 stars

Economical/reliable but dull

tuffteach, 02/24/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Having owned this truck since it was new, I was impressed with the pep (for a four banger) and economy. Still gets 22-26 mpg with more than 110K on the odometer. GM still needs work on their use of plastic parts. Both outside mirrors have fallen off the truck while driving. Replacement parts are inexpensive, widely available. Big picture reliability has been good. Only big part to go out has been A/C system at 50K. Not the most exciting, but dead reliable.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great truck for the price

Josh_, 09/15/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The first year of the new body style, I fianlly traded mine in on the last year or the same body style (2003). My 1994 GMC Sonoma 4x4 had 211,000 miles on it at the time. Only major repair was a new alternator at 160,000miles. Blue Book on these is very underrated.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

poor performance

Eric C, 01/18/2004
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well first off the truck is a overall good truck, but the performance stinks. I definatelly recommend the best top of the line tires for traction. The brake system in it is awful, and it will skid or turn sideways very easily. How this truck hasn't caused more rear end collisions is a miracle, and but by God I think it would have. The brakes lock up and it takes forever to get this thing to stop, have been told was a problem with the anti lock braking system in them back them. I suggest you use pleny of room for stopping when driving especially if the road is wet at all, and be very careful, and never ever drive on snow, or else you got really good insurance.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My Rating

Earl Connell, 04/05/2004
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been an excellent vehicle for my use. Good performance and fun to drive. Normal maintanance only for brakes and tires and service. Only major maintenance need was air conditioning leak. Average in excess of 20 mpg.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

blondeinanissan, 04/16/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Sonoma! I would say that the ONLY thing wrong with it is that it isn't the most comfortable truck to be in on long trips. But the power in the 4.3 is amazing! I've only got 95,000 miles on mine and I've never had any problems with it whatsoever. I highly recommend the Sonoma if you're thinking about buying a little truck, it looks little, but it's got the power of a full-size.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Little Truck

Whami, 05/23/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been a wonderful little truck. It has been used as a courier vehicle for the past 4 out of 5 yrs that I have owned it. Still going great. Replaced the clutch & starter. Then the engine at 210,000 because of timeing belt. Body has held up great. A/C compressor went out at 200,000. It has carried average of 40,000 per yr in miles and with the newer/used engine will last another 100,000.

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5 out of 5 stars

BEST THING IN MY LIFE!!!! 348,000mi and still runs

Kristen Ross, 02/22/2018
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 1994 has 348,000 miles on it; still runs like the day it came out! Repairs are cheap and easy, just like GMs should. The truck comes in such extravagant colors unlike no other. The nice thing too is since the cab is so small it heats up so quick in the winter and, if you get stuck the snow the 4WD is perfect! Fun to go off roading with and explore the world, this truck just won't stop. Interior is mint and super easy to maintain since it's so small! When you're sitting alone in it, its wicked roomy and even with a passenger, it only gets a little squished when you bring a third person in the mix. You sit at such a good height and it's just overall the the perfect truck. Bed has lots of room and the truck overall is just amazing! Honestly if you get the chance to drive this truck or purchase one do it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

The S-Series does rock

Nicholas, 03/22/2018
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For a old truck this thang can still hammer. The performance doesn’t beat modern cars. But it is definently a work horse. It will get you to point a to point b. This truck is amazing with the features of customization. It’s is very easy to work on. And very cheap. My truck is horrible on gas. It is very fun to drive for weekend getaways. Has a lot of issues but will get you home. The frame does rust easily. My Sonoma runs like it brand new. Brakes do suck so give yourself a pleathora of stopping distance l

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Long lasting

Victor, 11/22/2021
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just hit 213,000 miles runs great! I have the 6cyl 4x4 have just now replaced the starter, rear u joints, and fuel filter. It is a work truck and I haul a bunch of crap and pull trailers.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1.75 out of 5 stars

Worst vehicle I have ever owned

vepj, 08/24/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This truck caught fire at 7500 miles. The wiper motors have been replaced. The transmission has been rebuilt. The engine has been rebuilt. The timing chain broke at 60,000 miles. The brakes wear out every 5000 miles. I used to carry a code reader in the truck because I didn't know when it will pop a new code. And today the starter died again. The a/c went out at 75,000 miles. If my son wasn't a mechanic and my daughter loves this truck, I would have junked it ages ago. I finally gave it to my daughter and bought a jeep. Now I am happy. Don't ever buy this truck.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

Shortyross4, 05/19/2010
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My truck is a great one i bought it from my step dad and that was the smartest thing i have done in a while, its been all over the states and i bet it could do it again there hasent been any problems out of it, the only thing i dont like is the fuel mileage i fill it up the first half lasts for a good while but the other half doesnt last but for a couple hundred miles, but i still love her ive raced many vehicles and beat them mine is the v6 vortec it has the power to beat ANY FORD willing to try

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Piece of crap

G-Doggy, 11/28/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I hate this truck so much but I can't afford to buy another right now.It has been in the shop more times then I can count,and I always say what else can go wrong I wish I had more space to tell you why I will never buy another GM truck the rest of my life.

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3 out of 5 stars

My Nightmare

Jason L, 12/09/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had noting but bad luck with this truck. EGR valve died with one week of purchase. Had to have new ball joints, idler arm, and continual alignments. Still wore tires unevenly. New starter, (2) batteries, universal joints, rear axle developed hum @ 90k. Front axle did not like to disengage when supposed to. ABS died. Had 3 sets of front rotors/pads. I could not wait to get rid of this truck. Body developed unexplainable rust @ 6 years! Leaky oil cooler lines. Leaky heater core. So many repairs I cant list.

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3 out of 5 stars

Don't DO IT!

MichaelWI, 10/02/2004
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've bought this thing 5 times over in the cost of repairs! The CRV valve in the exhaust was replaced 4 TIMES! Then the trannie went, then 4x4 problems, hen alternator, then A/C, then interior electrical, and now I've blown a frost plug - in SEPTEMBER! The plugs are positioned in the bell housing, it'll cost me $700 to have it fixed!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Peice of Junk

thewolfdog, 03/13/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was nothing but trouble. I was lucky enough to purchase a warrenty when my trans. went out at 50k. Here is a rundown of the problems.. and this is NOT exxagerated. - Trans. Shot -A/C compressor- goobye - Starter (twice) Electrical problems fuel pump -A/C compressor- Goodbye AGAIN cooling fan- cya head gasket- BLOWN PEICE OF CRAP GMC

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4.63 out of 5 stars

this is a great truck

Ike, 01/19/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

na

Patty, 01/10/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

clean truck well cared for work truck

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4.63 out of 5 stars

this is a great truck

ike, 01/19/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great and Fuel Efficient!!!

James, 02/10/2020
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great little pickup, gets great gas mileage, and tank holds plenty of fuel.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great truck

Mannr81, 12/27/2020
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No motor problems in 3 yrs, but did put new clutch in about a yr ago. It's got 225,000 and going strong still.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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