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.
Probably should have spent more $
Harold Brownstein, 03/08/2010
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
1997 GMC Sonoma for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- SLMSRP: $4,980341 mi away
- SLS Sport Extended CabMSRP: $9,5001,674 mi away
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.
200K and still going strong
rvoorhees, 05/12/2005
1996 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 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.
terrible build
Joi, 08/22/2009
1997 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I do love my truck its looks good. Other than that since I've owned it it has spent more time in a parking spot. One thing after another from a tensioner to the transmission has approx 87,000 miles. the transmission is a good one I've reseached it and it has many many applications I think that the inside apecs should have been researched a bit more this is probally the nost popular transmission the 4L60 just has different for each vehicle Never should have put a 4 cylinder automatic in an extended cab
Good truck
Erick, 06/09/2009
1997 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned this truck since new and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 170,000 miles on it and it has never let me down once. GM built a good one in this little truck. Thank you GM.
Put the vehicle down and back away
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.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.