Used 1996 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual
Rob, 01/21/2007
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
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buy japanese, 03/16/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 4 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.
Tell me it's not so!
Showtime, 01/05/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for 2 years, and for the most part it had run good. But over time, as the miles add up (118,000 now) the performance just craps out. In its prime, the truck was very very quick, and ive beaten all kinds of cars and trucks with the peppy 4.3 V6. But the transmission is dying, the A/C was dying at the end of summer, the interior has been falling apart, the truck has become a complete dissapointment.
Over life of ownership, not bad at all
Tobais, 03/01/2004
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
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Good rules over bad
Chip Rheames, 04/06/2019
updated 10/14/2020
1996 GMC Sonoma 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
Great little truck!
stevedb, 10/22/2002
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.
creampuff sonoma
majorgeneral, 01/15/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An okay little truck that has served me well. Bought to replace my 81 Silverado. I like the economy and handling or the 4.3 vortec. The auto trans was ruined by a bad torque converter at only 73k pampered miles, too young for that kind of failure and forever ruined my long relationship with GMC. Brakes routinely fail when spindles get wet, owing to crackpot abs system that I despise. Too many relays and such that makes trouble shooting for the shade-tree mechanic impossible. Next truck will be a seventies vintage something, but definitely not GM.