Used 1999 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
Used Sonoma for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.
Sonoma
hannahbug21, 08/06/2008
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Generally reliable but when it breaks down it is down for days. I have replaced the wiper motor twice, the computer system twice, alternator, ball joints tie rod ends, and others odds and ends through the years. But I abuse it. It's a great daily commuter. Put wieght it in the back and it handles allright in all weather conditions. It gets excellent gas mileage, 30+ in the city on a good tuned engine. It only has a 4 cylinder so it cant haul much weight but does well for its size. My truck has the long box so it handles like a school bus. It has that big truck feel even though it is so small. My full sized Sierra has a smaller turning radius. It is a bit gutlus I would go for the V6
Awesome Pickup
rossco10, 12/10/2008
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Awesome pickup. College kid and I love it. Only downside can't find any aftermarket parts.
1999 GMC Sonoma for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- SLSMSRP: $3,999583 mi away
- SLSMSRP: $4,9991,047 mi away
- SLS Sport Extended CabMSRP: $8,9951,578 mi away
Served its purpose
CCfella, 04/24/2010
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck off a 3 year lease and have put 90K miles on it with little problems. I had to replace the alternator and the U-joint, but the engine and tranny have been reliable. It also has a little more road noise than I'd like. However, these complaints are minimal compared to the reliability and good gas milage it gets (28 miles/gallon).
Great ride for a truck
rocket3, 11/04/2010
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I was surprised how this truck handles in corners, I didn't expect that GM has some great things in their products. Well built and very reliable
My Sonoma
Mark Maloney, 08/01/2010
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
It has been an excellent truck for me and the wife. it has proven to be dependable and reliable. It is a good driving truck, nice ride.
Why GM looses market share explained
jim4nier, 12/14/2005
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The last GM product my family and I will ever own. We purchased this truck for my 75 year old dad. My dad is a WWII veteran, and wanted to purchase an American made truck. His previous truck had been a 1985 Toyota 4x4 which he owned for eleven years and had no problems other than he had to replace the exhaust system twice. The problems with the Sonoma began shortly after driving it off the lot. The 4x4 system proved problematic for the 1st year and once fixed worked well (it's only used 4-5 a year for a mile or two each time). The rear bearings needed to replace at 18,000 miles. The calipers and brakes are the vehicles major weak points. Radio stinks too.
My great little truck
dougstatler, 11/19/2007
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Sonoma slightly used with less then 5,000 miles on it and less then a year old. It suved me fathfully for over 8 years untill last month when a drunk crosed the center line and hit me almost head on. I always liked the looks of the truck, and with the 4.3 V6 and a 5 speed it was no slouch. Very handy for light hauling but still very easy to manuver in tight parking lots. I have very few problems with the truck other then it always had a thurst for brake pads and sometimes rotors. It served me well right up to the end when drunk idiot hit me with an older Ford F150. She was totaled (even buckled the roof) but she got even, the big Ford was damaged just as badly.
Truck
rentaman9, 08/27/2006
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The truck runs and looks good. I have enjoyed having it. It is good on gas. And it has done well for me.
Most reliable truck ever owned
Jay, 11/14/2008
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am now approaching 300,000 miles on this truck and still have not spent money in repairs. I have changed the serpentine belt, headlamp and tires, but this truck has been very good to me.
Great Truck
MTuttle, 10/31/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Ive owned my Sonoma for 4 years, 50k miles, and one day in the shop for repair (blew some stuffing out of an exhust joint, covered under warranty). Cant say enought about this practical and inexpensive vehical.
Nice Truck
Mike T, 01/26/2003
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great little truck and second car, owned a Toyota Truck before this one and would take this little GMC any day over the Toyota, better ride, fantastic interior, just a dang good truck and 3k less than the Toyota. Enough Said!
Great little truck does a bunch well
metuttle, 11/15/2006
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned this truck from new and man I wish I could get a new one when this ones time's up. About 110k and two repairs. One alternator at about75k ($250) and bad catalytic converter and tail pipe section about 110k ($400). Otherwise a great driving little truck.
Fun Truck
Keithwilgus, 06/15/2004
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Very responsive, quick but very rough ride.
Darksides sonoma
DArkside, 05/06/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This truck is pretty peppy and fun to drive if you have a five speed in the 2.2 liter enine. the single cab model is way too small an cramped though and has caused me several back problems, two wheel drive models are horrible in the snow, if your going to get a sonoma make sure its an ext cab because im 5'7 and even for me the spacing is uncomfortable for long trips(more than an hour)
150k
Kyle, 06/11/2010
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i have inherited my fathers 1998 GMC Sonoma extended cab and it's excellent! We recently recharged the air system and it feels like factory new. We've only had the brakes blow out twice and the front tie rods break but that's really it. i love this truck because its very fun to drive but i wish the 4 cylinder had more power. it has the 5 speed manual so it makes driving interesting. all i have to say is that this is the best truck our family has ever owned and i hope to keep it running for years to come.
Sonoma
goleafs94, 12/01/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good Stuff
Happy Sonoma owner
KENNE-BILL, 09/21/2008
1999 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my '99 Sonoma for about a month now and am very happy with it. I bought it used with 69,000 miles on it, body is solid and rust free and the original white paint still looks decent. As far as I can tell everything still works on the truck except for a bad AC compressor that I have already replaced. It's a regular cab, 2.2l with a 5 speed trans, I'm happy with the acceleration. I calculated 26 mpg on my first tank of gas which is why I stepped up to a 4 cylinder truck, my old '92 Sonoma with a 4.3/auto was getting only about 17.5 mpg.
Low cost utility
dave8697, 09/12/2007
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought mine with 88,000 miles on it and a/c and dash lights broken. Needs alignment and one ball joint has some wear. Used to own a 2000 S-10 so I knew what to expect. Previous owner replaced alternator and water pump. I've put a rebuilt a/c in it. For an 8 year old truck, it has only been in shop twice. Got 25.5 mpg on 1200 mile trip. Seats OK, brakes very good. Carried 1200 lb load with no problem.
I shouldn't want to replace it so much
Butterbear, 05/29/2003
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
At 46,000 miles I shouldn't have to replace it, but it has to go. Now that it's out of warranty it's shaping up to be a wallet drainer. The drivers door has come loose 2 times The 3rd door handle snapped off 3 times and it's out of warranty (100.00+ to fix.) The seat is broken. The GMC dealer would not fix, Funny the Chevy dealer says these are common problems and they would "extend" the warranty to fix if it were a Chevy s-10. I never thought there was a difference between the 2 I was wrong. It's probably the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned but you can't even get fair wholesale for a trade.
Good little truck
gabe, 05/15/2007
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Good little truck. I use it for work pulling and hauling light loads, works out great. Plenty of power for a V6 4.3L.
This truck is too small!
youngblooddale, 12/31/2003
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This truck is cute, but that's about all it has going for it. There is no leg room, no arm room, put it this way, you might feel more comfortable in an airplane riding in coach. And please don't pick up a passenger, they'll hate you for it. Hopefully you don't live in a town with hills or mountains, because this little guy has no power. This is the type of vehicle you want to test drive for a few days or even rent.
gutless wonder
gutless wonder, 09/10/2010
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
this is my third sonoma/s-10/s-15. i dont need a full size truck and i always buy used. 217k miles on original engine(2.2) transmission and clutch. i don't baby my trucks at all, they are used for their intended purpose and this one fits the bill. is it a coincidence that they all rust out in the same places, no matter what year they are?
99 Sonoma SLS 4.3, v6, 4x4, 3 door
herb25, 04/01/2011
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
After going through 3 cars that did not last as long as they should have, I got this truck last year. It had 200000kms on it, the motor sounded like new. The previous owner did not replace the faulty gas gauge which meant changing the fuel pump. I ran out of gas twice before I learned and had the fuel pump replaced (the faulty sending unit is part of the pump). Also the passenger seat would not recline, a mistake at the factory so I bought a parts truck ( 2000 Blazer ) and took the seat from it. I got the truck for $6000, safieted and etested, but so far I have had to replace the rear brake lines, and 3 calipers, gas tank, fuel pump, and rad, signal light switch.
99 GMC SONOMA TRUCK
kayebee, 10/06/2002
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
has 'fancy' truck top, 5 speed transmission, pretty green color both body and matching top, tinted windows, gray interior.
poor truck used
chr, 11/03/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
after 90,000 km had to replace clutch,numerious sensors went and caused 4x4 to quit working while driving,front wheelbearing went and costs 3 times more than any other not a recomended truck. outside of comfort
Relatively average
gatorguy, 10/16/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have found the truck to be simply that-nothing special
98 Sonoma Reliability
latimrm, 11/13/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
2-failed fuel pumps $ 730 failed rear axle & differential failed drive shaft $ 1430 failed suspension springs transmission slip codes failed wiper module
Enjoyable Truck
Ryezenne, 01/24/2003
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The sonoma originally caught my eye with the great looking sportside cab. The truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and hasn't needed anything major. Overall, I feel the truck is very economical and gets great gas mileage. I get more compliments than anything. I am happy with my purchase.
Great Mountain Truck
BCRuby, 12/01/2003
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2WD 4 cyl 5 spd truck new in '98 and put about 23.5k/year on it (now 128k). I live in Vail, CO and climb mountain passes and drive lots of snow. It does 60-65 MPH on the long grades (3rd gear, 5000 RPM) and 80-85 everywhere else. Performs impeccably with 4 studded snows (3rd set)--no need for 4WD, and I go everywhere. Has a fiberglass cap. Mileage never better than 23 MPG. Cruise, tilt, air, moon roof make for a nice low cost vehicle. Solid and very stable to drive.
One Tight Truck!
Dave Lauber, 12/15/2005
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck now has 118,000 miles on it. I bought it used when it had about 30,000 miles, and today it drives exactly the same as the day I bought it. I am a heavy driver, and I beat the living daylights out of this truck. I use it to haul heavy musical gear every weekend for shows approx. 200 miles round trip! The back is usually loaded to the hilt, and even with the 4-banger, I can hardly notice it's loaded. I have (in 5 years) replaced the serp. belt, radiator and drive-train control module. Everything else is original, and it looks new/used.
Last GM product I'll ever purchase
Jim F, 10/15/2006
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Worst vehicle I ever purchased, and the last GM product I'll ever purchase. Rear bearings went after 3000 miles. Rear calipers and parking brakes went at 8000 miles. Had on again off again problems with the ABS braking system, the calipers, and the the rotors for the first first 5 years. Replaced the brakes pads 5 times, the rotor twice and the calipers twice all in 40,000 miles. Idler arms, tie rods, oil cooler lines and steering box all need to be replaced lines in the 6th and 7th years of ownership. $4000 in repairs since the 36,000 mile warranty ended and the truck only has 46,000 miles on it. Truck has never been abused and is driven by my 81 year old father.
Good Truck!!!
Jennylm313, 03/31/2003
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, nice on gas!! affordable and a very nice looking truck.
Trouble Free (so far)!
reb, 06/25/2003
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought truck 11/2000 with 55k miles, put 20k miles on it so far, and haven't had to put a dime into it. Overall, a great little truck, and with the 2.2 4- cylinder and a 5-speed, it gets 27MPG highway on regular gas - which is hard to beat in a truck! Fun to drive and a great 2nd vehicle.
Dave's Sonoma
DaveKoegel, 03/16/2002
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The small 2200cc engine has moderate pep. Seats are comfortable but have little room to move back. Really no mechanical problems
Runs forever
Jeff, 01/25/2016
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck from my father in law. Its a 1998 2.2 4cyl 5spd. He bought it with 99k miles on it. I bought it from him with 185k miles on it and am now at 246,000 miles. Its had 2 clutches put in and 2 fuel pumps in its lifetime besides normal maintenance. Just keeps running. I bought it just to have a truck accessible when needed but now I drive it all the time. I am hoping to get to 300,000 miles just because. Shouldnt be a problem though. Tough little truck but nothing special. When or if it dies, I am prob. going to go on craigslist and buy another one for 3k bucks because its more than worth the money. I drive about 50miles a day and average about 26mpg out of a full tank of gas..
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
99 2wd reg cab 4 cyl first truck owned
brian, 06/16/2009
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this truck a few months ago and it was a good price compared to other trucks. I had to recharge air and works great very cold and it's 10 years old. I have drove many other trucks and this drives great. Needs new fuel regulator so gas gauge don't work so the only problem is that, and the fact we figured it out to only get about 19-20 mpg mf sticker in glove box say's 19-28mpg it would not get 28 mpg on the best day. driver's door rust spot on bottom and wheel undercarriages and very squeaky when driving I heard people say that about gm,my grandpa worked there 34 years so beside 2 mustangs all i ever owned was gm this only one that squeaky, bought w 99950 miles will get probably 200,000
ZR2 Rocks
Tim, 06/09/2010
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this truck with 90,000 miles on it. I have the 4.3 Vortec V6. Has 165,xxx now and still running great. Only replaced fuel pump and idler arms. I love the ZR2 (high rider) off road package and 4x4--never get stuck. It handles great and looks sharp. Great for outdoor activities (hunting, camping, fishing) and general all-around use. Love this truck. Reliable. Solidly built. Decent gas mileage. Fun to drive.
My GMC
SonomaBuyer, 11/10/2002
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a 99 GMC Sonoma a little while ago and I love my truck so far no problems or major mechanical stuff so far. I have always loved trucks. How they handle, engine etc and having an american made truck is even better!!
Faster Than it Looks
87horizon, 02/18/2003
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the 4.3 V-6; it pulls strong and has been trouble-free, although it's starting to develop a leak in the power steering pump at 50,000 miles. The ball-joints had to be replaced at 45,000 miles; a part that I feel should't be replaced at low mileage. Overall, though, this has been a great little pick-up. GM has always built a good pick-up and this one has been no exception.
My Sonomoa Lexus
rich lloyd, 03/09/2006
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great little truck. Only problem in 57000 mi were left power window, cd player, alt., compressor. Normal stuff. Beautiful interior. Can't believe GM built such an ugly interior on their follow up Colorado. I call it the Lexus of small trucks and will be keeping for many more years or until GM builds something as nice
Good Truck
easyrider, 07/08/2004
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice truck overall. Best seats and interior of trucks I looked at. The 4 and automatic combination is very weak on power, but gets the job done. Gas mileage is respectable at 23 MPG. Only problem I've had is AC compressor which was replaced under extended warranty.
Love this truck
Sparky79, 01/21/2005
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd Sonoma I've owned and I love these trucks. They are great to drive and are perfect for light jobs around the house and yard.
Useful but could be better
Brian, 02/05/2005
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my truck used with about 54,5xx miles on it. I like the look of the truck, especially looking out over the hood from the driver's seat. It's actually quite pleasant to drive for a truck. The suspension isn't too squishy (floaty). The engine (4.3L V6) has good torque. Has several nice features like power locks and windows. I was surprised to find it had heated mirrors (I wish my car had that). My only beefs so far are: 1) it turns like a boat for such a small vehicle 2) wheel travel is too short. I hit the bumpstops on a back road that I never had a problem with in my Subaru 3)build quality isn't so great. The dash squeaks and the seatback adjustment handles are broken off.
Good workhorse truck
regandlou, 12/18/2005
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Surprised at how reliable this truck was. The extended cab enabled us to carry personal items, snacks, etc.
Lots of good to go with the bad
dave8697, 06/11/2007
1999 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased with 88k miles and now at 91500 miles. Original owner had the usual GM low priced vehicle problems like alternator, a/c, water pump and some bulbs out. No care ever taken of it and I had to restore it but now with new tires, front brakes, and about $100 spent on little stuff, it is fun to own and drive. So far it gets 25-26 mpg whether local or on the 1200 mile trip I took. Enjoyment will increase after I get the A/C fixed.
1999 Sonoma
Zedd, 06/28/2003
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good acceleration, rear end has tendency to fish tail on full speed turns (like Freeway exits). I recently had a problem with the heater, it stopped working. Dealer said it wasnt covered under the warranty because the heater core was clogged. Surfing Edmunds I found there was a TSB about my exact problem. Still the dealer refused to cover it. I called the 800 Customer Care number and after much insistence and a $300 deductible it was fixed. Other than that I have no problems. Its not the greatest on gas mileage.
Low Cost ,Reliable, Great Vehicle
R Krebs, 12/06/2007
1999 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchase new eight years ago. 26 MPG. Truck receives scheduled maintenance, and has performed flawlessly. Radio was replaced (defective from factory), one set of brakes and 2 sets of tires in 105,000 miles. Orig. exhaust and clutch, water pump, etc. 4 cyl. is underpowered, interior is stylish but uncomfortable for the passenger b/c of uneven floor. Small passenger compartment cools down really fast in the summer and heats up fast in the winter. Great vehicle for commuting or suburban 2nd car. With a low end price tag this vehicle has exceeded my expectations for 8 years now!
SLS Ext 2.2 Man
truck, 05/30/2008
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great truck. 28mgp highway. Not a lot of power but has 2.2 5 speed. All had to do was the brakes at 70k today. Just over 100k. Great value