Used 1997 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
Used Sonoma for sale
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.
Leaks everything.
Bob, 01/31/2008
1997 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Has leaked oil, coolant, trans lube, freon since the day I bought it. GM would do nothing. Had to drive a whole year without heat because nobody could figure out why or fix it. Noisy transmission. Mysterious electrical problems. Eats oxygen sensors. Needs new ones every 2 years. Drove about 4 years with the "check engine" light on. Hard to fix since everything is so tightly jammed in the engine compartment. I would not buy GMC again. Yeah, a Sonoma is not a "real" truck. But just because it's small is no excuse for bad design and manufacturing. It wasn't a cheap truck.
kind of bitter
Jdog, 09/20/2002
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Is a 5-speed manual. The transmission went out, was impossible to find a used replacement. A new one will cost me 2500.00 not including labor.
1997 GMC Sonoma for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- SLS Sport Extended CabMSRP: $9,500498 mi away
- SLMSRP: $4,9802,157 mi away
1996 GMC sonoma
Rocky, 07/27/2019
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought one for $1500, spent another $1200 rebuilding transmission over all good running little truck.
SONOMA
Paul Behr, 04/29/2002
1997 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is very fun to drive and is also a pleasure to have
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.
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.
Great Overall Truck
Jim, 11/02/2007
1997 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My truck has 106,000 miles and has never had any body or engine work, repeat never. It has performed super. I used it to haul, travel, etc. and it has never let me down. I change filters, oil etc. as required and it is still great on performance. I have done all the work myself and would buy another GMC. I plan on keeping this vehicle. It has no scratches, dents, and looks like new. Paint job has not faded, chipped or cracked. No rust at all. It was bought with the Suntrup sport package, flares, decals, etc and they are like new. I had an accident right after I bought it but it has all OEM parts and shows nothing of the accident. Truck is like new, wouldn't trade it for anything.
Love my Sonoma
AceBalboa, 07/29/2002
1997 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 Sonoma 4x4 new and have enjoyed driving it ever since. It feels a little sluggish in the city at times, but that's to be expected with most trucks. This truck handles very well on the highway, especially in the mountains. The V6 has enough power to make climbing hills and passing a breeze, even when loaded. If I decide to buy a new truck any time soon, it will most likely be another Sonoma.
A great Sport Truck
Askani, 09/25/2002
1997 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
While my review will be a bit baised, the truth of the matter is that this is a great truck. I own one of the limited models that came with the full ZQ8 package. Needless to say, this truck is more than powerful, and an excellent example of how a sport truck should handle. The truck is very responsive to modifications, which I can attest to personally since mine runs the quarter in a little over 13 seconds flat. Yet, as a pure work truck it is as relaible as can be, and has far better styling than the competition. If you must settle for a mid-size truck, than this is the best choice out there.
I stole it for a small fee
Preston Froelick, 06/28/2016
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Its well worth the money spent.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value