Used 1996 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
Probably should have spent more $
Harold Brownstein, 03/08/2010
SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought a 96 Sonoma,4 cyl.,stick for $2,500 (inc. tax & fees) in 6/2009. Shortly after purchase I spent $2,000 replacing the alternator, fuel pump & engine. For a small truck (4cyl) it rides well & has great pickup for a 4 cylinder vehicle. It gets 20+ MPG, maneuvers well & easily holds its own on the interstate. At 70 to 90 MPH it still rides good and is easy to handle. It is mediocre at best as far as blocking road noise. The AC is excellent, the radio (I think it's original) plays well, and there is an extra input to plug in cell phone. Overall, I like it a lot. My wife hates it. She thinks it is too shaky & noisy, but she drives a 2007 E300.
Great truck
motor_man2005, 05/31/2007
SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab Stepside SB
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This one of the best trucks that I have ever driven. It has plenty of power and with the compact size it can really fly. The design of this truck leaves it open to modification and new looks.
Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual
Rob, 01/21/2007
SLE 2dr Club Coupe 4WD SB
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
No major mechanical problems for over 10 yrs! 138K only regular maintenance. Still running and am ready to trade in for another Sonoma. Bought new at $300 above invoice.
Nice truck
GMC Sonoma 4x4, 03/10/2005
SLE 2dr Club Coupe 4WD SB
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this truck for 4 years and I purchsed it with 79,000 miles on it and I have nothing but a great experience with this truck. I now have over 193,000 miles on it and it runs almost like new. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the ride isn't bad for a truck. The only thing I had to do to this truck was install a new wiper motor which I installed and that's about it. I like how reliable this trucks been and the 4 wheel drive works perfectly.
200K and still going strong
rvoorhees, 05/12/2005
SL 2dr Regular Cab SB
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Not a bit of trouble except a head gasket under warranty. Change the oil every 3,000. One set of plugs, some brakes, and a clutch. Otherwise cheap dependable transportation with hauling capability. A little slow with the A/C on but she still can hit 80.
Over life of ownership, not bad at all
Tobais, 03/01/2004
SLS Sport 2dr Club Coupe SB
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in '98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..
Great Truck
I love this truck, 03/10/2005
SLE 2dr Club Coupe 4WD SB
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I cant say anything bad about this truck. I have owned this GMC for 4 years and now I have over 193,000 miles and still going strong. The 4 wheel drive works perfectly and other than standard maintenance, and the replacement of the wiper motor I havent had any problems. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. I would trust this truck to go from Ohio to California and back without any hesitation. I will definitely be purchasing another GMC truck in the future. I still get about 19 to 21 miles to a gallon on the highway with this truck.
The little truck that could
Charlie, 09/12/2015
SLE 2dr Club Coupe Stepside SB
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my little truck. I have the 2.2 with a standard transmission. It's great on gas but does lack power especially up hill. I have had no major problems you wouldn't expect for a vehicle with 206,000+ miles. Replaced the starter clutch and a u joint. It has a minor oil leak from the head gasket, and a little leak from the thermostat housing. The rear wheel drive does make it a little difficult in adverse weather with no weight over the drive wheels. The front end components are tight though, and it grips the road and handles like a car on a dry day.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good rules over bad
Chip Rheames, 04/06/2019
SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall the truck is very reliable, i cruise between Georgia and New Hampshire it's not as powerfull and fast as my car and i do miss that when i need to accelerate. It's a 5 speed 2.2 that once it pass 75 mph it accepts the fuel better. I burn premium fuel, full synthetic oil, top quality wires and plugs and stay on top of the issues, it's a 1996 just turned 199,464 miles there is a tapping (lifter i think) and it just starter sputtering that clears up (hhhhmmmm) just return home (Ga) from Baltimore and nothing adjusted the oil level. Here in Georgia we can not talk or even have our cell phone in hands, so last years i removed that factory system and installed a Pioneer remote control blue tooth usb and more system that thumps and i also added Limo tint that's all after all these years now time to resolve the sputtering and that lifter. PS my last visit for repairs there was 1 plug (3) burning unclean. ( I recently started driving the truck more regular)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Put the vehicle down and back away
buy japanese, 03/16/2003
SLS Sport 2dr Club Coupe SB
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wow, Where do I start. I purchased this truck new with only 8 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems. I will just make a list. 2 Head gaskets replaced and now this one is leaking. 12,000m 38,000m. three wiper motors replaced 28,000m. one starter replaced 25,000m. Two clutches and all related parts, throwout, slave,etc. 40,000m 75,000. three sets of universal joints 50,000 80,000 102,000m. Fuel pump went out 80,000m. Had to go back to dealer to have several squeaks/rattles fixed. Lumbar adjustment broke second time I used it. Drivers side mirror broke. Cupholder came apart. Both door speakers quit working.