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Used 2001 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
40 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.

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5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME TRUCK!!!

Turtle82783, 04/25/2009
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

This was my 1st truck. I bought it in 2003, and now in 2009 and trading it in. I absolutely love this truck and it is breaking my heart to get rid of it, but it is time. I have put a lot of work into keeping it in top condition with normal maintenance. This truck was always there for me and I highly reccomend it to anyone who loves trucks and is looking for a smaller one.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

'01 Sonoma SLS

Icebox, 04/23/2009
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I own a 2001 GMC Sonoma SLS, 2.2L 5spd Reg. Cab with the short-Stepside bed. It's a great little truck, a bit on the small side if you're a bigger person, (I'm 6'3", 280lbs) but I still seem to fit in there alright. It handles pretty well in town and it's easy to park because of its size, but when you're traveling at high speeds or going down windy roads, you can tell it's a light truck. Repair bills aren't usually too steep because the Sonoma shares parts with the Blazer, Jimmy and S-10 so getting cheap parts is easy. All and all, it's a pretty good little truck.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2001 GMC SONOMA Crew Cab

Dave M., 07/10/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Simply put, this is the best truck I have ever owned. It has all the bells and whistles, it rides like a luxury car and it is very ergonomic. The Vortec V-6 has ample power to tow a boat or small trailer and the on-the- fly 4 wheel drive is hard to beat. I reccomend this truck to anyone.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

What once was, California ruined

Lar, 05/07/2010
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I purchased my black beauty, SLS crew with 50 miles on it. I never had a moments problem with it, until I moved to California. The gas destroyed my engine. From 25 hwy/18.5 city to 14.5 hwy/12.5 city. In 9 months. The roads are so crappy they shook the speakers off their mounts and the asphalt ripped up my tires. They were pristine at 15,000 and needed replacing when I traded it in at 25,000 in 2006. It broke my heart to let it go but I couldn't afford whatever would happen next. Sparkplugs, EPA accessories, hoses, and belts were all replaced at 23,000, but the MPG didn't recover. WARNING!! Don't bring a midwest vehicle to California, sell it and buy one made for out here.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Too many problems

Joe, 04/01/2006
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck used when it had 90K. After having it for only a year the transmission blew on me. I had just replaced the clutch and when the transmission went out it took out the clutch too. I spent $2000 repairing it. I only had the truck for 2 years and I regularly maintained it but in those two years I spent about $4000 in repairs. This can't be normal for a newer model car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

:)

Bart H, 05/05/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck new for less than $10,000 and It has been great. I have used it for work and play. I have 40,000 miles on it now and it still makes me smile even when I make the payments! For the money I give it a 10! - Bye

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Truck.

super sonoma, 05/03/2004
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My experience with this vehicle has proved to be a very reliable one. i have not had one problem with it. GMC, keep up the good work. My Anti-locks have proved to be very reliable as well. If it is in your interest, add a dual exhaust like me for great performance and looks. Mine look great

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1.38 out of 5 stars

Will never purchase another one.

ASI FD, 06/21/2002
2000 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. The first year that I owned it, it spent a total of 46 days in the shop for multiple repairs. I contacted GMC to discuss my concerns about the vehicle and they have yet to offer any type of an solution. The problem is that the Maryland Lemon Law is only good for the first 10,000 miles on the vehicle. I put 10,000 miles on the truck in the first 6 months that I owned it. Just another case of a company taking advantage of a consumer, how is one person going to make a difference to out total sales?

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Respectable Little Truck

truckkid, 03/01/2007
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I was given this vehicle after my first vehicle's engine died. This is a stylish and smooth riding vehicle, but this is not the type of truck I wanted. I prefer trucks that are raised and larger. Overall, through the 2+ years i've had it, it has been mostly reliable, except i've had to replace the starter 3 times!! I would suggest this as a perfect truck for a beginning driver, because it is only a 4 cyl, has good gas mileage and wasn't an expensive purchase. This truck should be a parent's best friend, especially if they purchase the 4 cyl model because it is hard to speed in a truck equipped with so little horsepower!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

PEE-UUUU

Ray, 11/16/2006
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Bought with 74k on it. 1st and last GMC. Poor gas mileage. AC leaks out in a week and now bad heater core that requires total removal of dash and disconnect AC lines under hood just to remove heater core. Dealer wants $1,100 to replace. Lost my shirt on this truck

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Anyone else run out of gas

jgcops, 09/16/2006
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

After 6 days with the truck I ran out of gas becuase the gas gauge didn't work. The dealership was very helpful until they had to pay $2500 then they said sorry you are on your own. Upon further review of S10/Sonoma web sites I see that this gas gauge problem is not just mine. My rear passenger door handle also broke after a couple of months. It does get good gas mileage for a truck, and the 4WD works excellent. Overall, this is not a bad small truck, but everytime I get in and see the low fuel light on and I know it is full, I become angry and want to get rid of it.

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5 out of 5 stars

2001 Sonoma SLS EXT Cab, 2WD

danman, 04/06/2002
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

This truck is excellent from every angle. It is a very comfortable ride, the gas mileage is exceptional, and the truck has plenty of power for a four cylinder vehicle.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Sonoma

no, 07/10/2009
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. I loved to drive it/love the way it looked but it sits broke down more than on the road. The fuel pump goes out about every other year, the power windows stop working, cd player stopped working. Had 38000 miles when I bought it (5-6years ago) and I only drive to work and back no heavy hauling it now has 100000 miles and the rear end is going out the transmission is going out couple of sensors in the motor are failing and it sits behind my garage..not the best $18000 spent! Really like the truck when it's running and not costing me money.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

sonoma review

Sonoboy, 12/15/2009
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great little truck. Have a plow mount for it and it works great. Easy sight lines in reverse. Nice, comfortable interior. A/C works good, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, reading lights in the mirrors, mirror defrost option is really handy!!! Decent leg room, a little crampy on longer rides for big guys. Powerful motor that gets the job done. Nice package. Plenty of bed room and the extended cab provides a nice area for extra storage when you need it.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

The 3 year lease...

Thom Kolesar, 08/08/2002
2000 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Make no mistakes, the vehicle rides like a truck, not a car. The feel I was looking for, you may not want that up higher feel like a truck mode? There were 7 return trips to the dealership for what I see as Q.C. issues. Such as a loose shock mounting bolt, a third door latch that spit the spring out 3 months after purchase, both seat back handles snapped in regular service, an obvious flaw in manufacturing and most recently the fuel pump needed replacement @ 33,400 miles.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Sonoma

LAH, 08/20/2002
2000 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned my Sonoma for over two and I can't think of much to complain about. The only problem I've had is at one point, the rubber seal around the windshield started coming off. This was fixed and covered by the warranty and has not been a problem since. No mechanical problems- still runs like new. I definitely recommend opting for the V6. It's a lot of fun to drive but the city gas mileage isn't so great. Overall, I have really enjoyed driving this vehicle.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Junk

Robt, 03/15/2003
2000 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Never again...This is the worst vehicle I've ever owned (with the exception of a 77 Dodge power wagon) as far as reliability goes. Mine has a lot of miles but they are all highway and I have serviced it regualary. Shortly after warranty expired I had to put a $750.00 fuel pump on it, now theres either a wheel bearing or differential going out and howling like a banchee, the transmission is giving me troubles. The interior quality is awful, the steering wheel looks like it has leprosy, the power windows make noise and sound like they are falling out. In brief....I'll never buy another GM product as long as I live.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

GMC be ashamed

RONL, 03/19/2003
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This vehicle came out in about 1995. It had problems with handles breaking off and very bad front ends. At 60000 miles I had to put $2500 in the front end. Both wheel bearings gone and the bearing are in a housing that requires the replacement of the whole housing. GMC knew about the problems and instead of improving the design over the years, just ignored the problems and allowed us to keep paying to keep this junk running.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Kevin2000

kevin2000, 03/06/2007
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had my truck for 4 months and I have put on over 9000 miles on it with no problems. It is fun to drive, has excellent acceleration and is easy to drive.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

ok if you want a little truck

Kenny J, 07/07/2003
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I drove an auto and it was doggy so I got the 5 speed. The bed is flimsy and it has some type of strange idle memory often starts and revs up for a few seconds. This is just the way it is made. I get 23mpg. I had to have the exhaust replaced underwarranty due to rattles. other than that no problems. Do not buy it if you need room get a full size

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3.38 out of 5 stars

not bad for GMC

scott S, 01/24/2010
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

What can one say about a underpowered truck. It drives great but maybe you should have bought a Honda engine to power this beauty. I'd suggest the 2.4 Honda crv engine. This truck drive great and gets ok gas mileage as long as you stay off the highway. Whoever thought of butting 4/11 gears in a underpowered truck. Oh, maybe that's it, I see you have to compensate for the lack of power by gearing the truck low. The lack of quality is amazing, I've had to replace the third door handle three times until I fabricated and metal substitute. the emergency break actuator two times.

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5 out of 5 stars

ronco

Ronnie, 08/06/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD LB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is by far the best small pickup on the market. Great gas milage.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great (SO FAR) Minor stuff only

Trout Terminator, 02/16/2004
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought this little gem to cart around the oompa loompas and haul the boat, 17 foot Starcraft (2300) lbs. This truck does it all very very well. Good to fair gas mileage. (not bad for a semi- thristy v-6). I get good mileage with A/C on full blast also. Truck doesn't mind a/c when towing and doesn't lose power. Has a little bit of a knock when you floor it....49k miles and have only replaced the battery. (delco batteries aren't top quality). Gas gauge failed at 41k, thank god I bought extended warranty. I still paid $140 out of my pocket to fix gauge. I paid 18,600 used, 14k miles on it originally. I think price equals value here.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

SLS Crew Cab 4WD

CareyM, 03/07/2002
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall I think this is a very nice truck. Roomy back seat when compared to other small crew cab trucks. Powerful V6 engine - a bit noisy but very high torque and towing power for a small truck. Very quiet cabin and smooth ride for a truck. Edmunds must have been looking at a lesser trim package. My loaded SLS Crew Cab has a very nice interior, very nice upholstery and I always receive compliments from people.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

good truck

UPS MAN, 06/09/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great truck, fun to drive. Also is real sporty looking. Gets good gas milage.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

good little truck--sonoma ZR2

Nemesis, 07/12/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

IT a great truck, i like it even more after the changes i have made to it i've won 2 major car show awards with this truck

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Mixed Feelings

rreed2000, 09/28/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fan clutch had to be replaced and hood had to be repainted due to loss of glossy finish immediately after purchase, valves are noisy at 1,700 rpm - but dealer says "yeah, they're noisy but that's normal." Other than the items listed above, poor over build quality and less-than-stellar gas mileage, I'd have to admit that the truck has been reliable. But I will probably never buy another GM product because of my experiences with this one.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Darn good little GMC

E.C.Butler, 05/13/2002
2000 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I find it to be an ideal small truck for everyday beebopping around that I do. Very manuverable and enough power to pull a pop-up camper here locally.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Utility with Flair

TheCarGonzo, 10/12/2002
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A nice solid truck, no real problems since purchase (although it has very low miles). Interior is simple and inexpensive looking but everything is easy to use. ZQ-8 suspension keeps the vehicle well-controlled for a pick-up. 3/4 V-8 4.3L V-6 is no smoothness champ, but it does get the job done.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great small truck

Sonoma w/ 20s, 07/25/2003
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first new car, and I hope I'm has happy with all my future new car purchases as I have been with this one. Fun to drive, been extremely reliable, despite all the customizing I've done. I recommend it ot anyone

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4.38 out of 5 stars

rollin's review

rollin1176, 06/18/2003
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Everything about this vehicle other than personal prefrences opted not to purchase at time of purchase was overall very satisfying. I have been very pleased with this vehicle and would recommend it to all small truck buyers.

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5 out of 5 stars

NICEST PICK-UP OUT THERE

Eric :), 03/25/2009
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Sonoma is forest green and i have had many compliments since i have owned it. It drives pretty smooth, even with the mudding tires, and overall never had any problems out of it. I like how it has the sleek sporty look to it also.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

SLS Short Bed 6' 5spdMT Great Truck

Owned for Five Years, 11/25/2007
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Owned mine 5 yrs & very happy with it. SLS, standard cab (2 seats), 5-speed manual trans., 2.2L 4-cyl., stereo with single CD, manual door locks and manual windows. 19-22 mpg city, 24.0- 25.6 mpg hwy; range about 350-360 miles/tank. Rides better with a load in the bed. Very reliable. Interior gauges easy to see. Daytime running lights & it switches automatically to night headlamps, very useful. Comfortable. Perfectly engineered for its purpose. Good looking exterior. I added a soft tonneau, then a cap when I could afford, which helped gas mileage 1-2 mpg. Great visibility without cap, limited but acceptable with cap. Small bump in bed where gas tank is, not a big deal. Good turning radius.

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4 out of 5 stars

Gmc junkie!

Gmc junkie, 04/02/2021
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have the 3 door model 4.3L vortek motor and I bought it used pretty well but after the transmission going out with nothing over 2nd gear and no reverse also cv axle and both rear bearings and seals and as of yesterday waterpump it runs great now.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

gmc sonoma q-85 sls

buster, 07/24/2002
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

great sporty looking, compact truck

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great all around truck

Dusty, 06/10/2004
2000 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Truck has been a steady performer with no more than routine maintenance costs.Would buy a 2004 if they were still available in this model.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Super Sonoma

dale_3, 08/03/2002
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this Sonoma after a crazy woman turned directly into the path of my '96 Sonoma. The only complaint I have is with the stock General tires. Replacing with a softer compound increases performance and ride. No problems at all with my truck, I have a long commute to work and it has performed flawlessly. I do find just a bit of weight in the bed helps with everyday driving. The controls and comfort are good, the engine is incredibly strong. I highly reccomend this truck.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Review

Watch, 09/02/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good vehicle very reliable

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4.25 out of 5 stars

gmc

Marjie, 07/21/2003
2001 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

this is a great vehicle but looking forward to the release of the GMC Canyon.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Crummy ZR2

Patrick09, 10/31/2004
2001 GMC Sonoma 2dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have a '01 Sonoma ZR2 with a 4.3 5 speed with just under 50k miles and I have had nothing but trouble with it! The biggest mistake was getting one with California Emmissions, I have had the Airpump go out 3 times on me and the last time wasn't under warranty, it cost me over $300 to fix. Also, the syncros in the transmission are horrid, even after having them replaced under warranty!

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