1999 GMC Sonoma Review
Price Estimate: $599 - $938

Oops, we can’t seem to locate you.
Please enter U.S. ZIP code to see vehicles for sale
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty styling, fuel-efficient base engine, powerful optional V6.
Cons
- Cheesy interior plastics, spotty build quality, low seating positions.
What’s new
The '99 Sonoma touts four new exterior colors, a new steering wheel with mini-module depowered airbag and larger, more robust outside rearview mirrors, with the uplevel power mirror gaining a heated feature. AutoTrac, GM's electronic push-button two-speed transfer case, is now standard on four-wheel-drive models, and all Sonomas get a content theft alarm with remote keyless entry as well as a flash-to-pass headlamp feature for the smart stalk. Serious four-wheelers can now order composite skid plates.
For sale nearby
5 listings
- New ListingPhotos not available$4,995
- 112,912 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- Wrights Auto Sales (532 mi away)
Close
Located in Emporia, KS
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTCT14X4X8522000
Stock: 9629
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-02-2025 - $6,900
- 221,508 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use only
- Payton Select Automotive (782 mi away)
Close
Located in Heber Springs, AR
Get ready to zip around town in style with this sleek black 1999 GMC Sonoma! This bad boy not only looks sharp, but it's also got the performance to b...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTDT19X0X8536067
Stock: X8536067
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-02-2025
Vehicle overview
Looking for a way to distinguish the GMC Sonoma from the pedestrian Chevrolet S-10, marketers have decided to sell the Sonoma as a capable alternative to the traditional sporty coupe. With an aggressive look, available sport suspensions, a third-door extended cab, snazzy Sportside bed and a strong 4.3-liter V6 under the hood, it shouldn't be a hard sell.
Despite this new advertising image, Sonomas can be fitted to suit just about any requirement, from strict utility hauler to off-road bruiser. Choose from three wheelbases, three cabs, a short box or long box in Wideside or Sportside configuration and two- or four-wheel drive. Then, you still have to consider three trim levels (SL, SLS, SLE), three engines (a four-cylinder or two V6 choices), a manual or automatic shift, and no less than seven different suspension systems-three for 2WD and four for 4WD models. Whew!
GMC substantially improved the Sonoma inside and out last year, so minor revisions were on tap this time around. Four-wheel-drive models, which already have four-wheel disc brakes standard, now get GM's AutoTrac, an electronic two-speed transfer case that detects wheel slippage and automatically directs power to the axle with the most traction-all at the push of a button. Other minor upgrades, such as new colors, bigger outside mirrors and a content theft alarm with remote keyless entry, round out the changes for '99.
With the high-output, 180-horsepower Vortec 4300 V6 on tap, and the ZQ8 Sport Suspension package, the Sonoma performs as energetically as high-priced sports cars did a decade or so ago. By any definition, that's progress. The Sportside box and sharp, five-spoke alloys nicely complement the top powertrain and suspension, turning the Sonoma into a true factory sport truck. If off-roading is your thing, GMC offers the Highrider, sporting a reinforced frame (four inches wider, two inches taller) and beefed-up suspension riding on three-ply all-terrain tires. The GMC Sonoma can outperform Ford's Ranger on or off the pavement, but when it comes to interior fittings, Ford still has the General beat by a wide margin.
Inside, Sonomas and Chevrolet S-Series pickups are virtually identical, with a roomy cab and modern dash layout. Center stack controls are canted toward the driver for improved access. Unfortunately, the cloth trim and carpeting feel thin and plastic used for dash panels and switchgear still looks as though it was sourced from Fisher Price. On extended cab trucks, an optional left-side access panel makes loading passengers or cargo into the rear of the cab much easier, but choosing the three-door cab eliminates one of the rear foldout jump seats.
For our money, the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma come across as more refined vehicles than the Sonoma, and their sticker prices reflect this impression. But in the compact truck value-per-dollar equation, GMC just might best deliver all the goods you're seeking-especially if what you're after is a sporty little truck able to sprint like a sports car off the line and through the twisties.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$176/mo for Sonoma SLE
Sonoma SLE
vs
$218/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
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.
GMC Sonoma Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Sonoma
4.13 out of 5 starshannahbug21, 08/06/2008
1998 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
Great ride for a truck
4.13 out of 5 starsrocket3, 11/04/2010
1999 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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
Served its purpose
4.38 out of 5 starsCCfella, 04/24/2010
1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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).
Awesome Pickup
4.88 out of 5 starsrossco10, 12/10/2008
1998 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Awesome pickup. College kid and I love it. Only downside can't find any aftermarket parts.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 GMC Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.
1999 Sonoma Highlights
Extended Cab
SLS Sport
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $176/month |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs. |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 1999 GMC Sonoma info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Nissan Armada 2021 Review
- Toyota Yaris 2020 Review
- Toyota Tundra 2021 Review
- Audi A7 2020 Review
- Tesla Model S 2020 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Automatic Honda Fit
- BMW Electric Car I3
- Lexus NX 300H Awd
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura ILX 2018
- Used Acura ILX 2020 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2023
- Used Acura Integra 2014
- Used Acura Integra 2015
- Used Acura Integra 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2024
- 2026 5 Series
- 2024 Chevrolet Malibu
- Acura RSX 2024
- 2026 Toyota BZ News
- 2024 BZ
- New Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 2025
- Cadillac OPTIQ 2025
- 2025 Kia Seltos
Research other models of
- 2025 Sierra 1500
- 2025 GMC HUMMER EV SUV
- 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- New GMC Sierra 1500
- 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV
- 2025 Sierra 2500HD
- 2024 Sierra 1500
- 2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- 2024 GMC Sierra EV
Other models
- Used Audi A6-Allroad in Victoria, TX 2025
- Used Toyota Gr-Supra in Gloucester, MA 2026
- Used Ford Freestyle in Stuart, FL 2007
- Used Audi Q6-E-Tron in Lapeer, MI 2025
- New Nissan Z for Sale in Riverbank, CA
- New Nissan Ariya for Sale in East Boston, MA
- New Honda Cr-V-Efcev for Sale in Lehigh Acres, FL
- New Audi Q3 for Sale in Odessa, FL
- Used Cadillac DTS in Sherman Oaks, CA 2011
- New Chevrolet Traverse for Sale in Wantagh, NY