Used 2003 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
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Truck I have Always Wanted
Deer Slayer, 03/15/2006
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I came to the dealership to see a ZR2 S-10, next to it was this Bright yellow, 2003, GMC Sonoma ZR2. I FEEL IN LOVE WITH IT. I always wanted this truck, this style, this color. Since I bought it I have done some off- roading and some highway driving and have been pleased with it on both ideas. I look forward to driving my truck everyday and find myself, more times then not, when i park it and walk away, turning around and looking at it thinking, WOW!
Still doing it!
Elwood Noble, 01/16/2018
updated 07/25/2022
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Still a good truck and again, though we paid a pretty penny for it and have had the normal repairs that come from an aging truck we have found that it has performed very well and aged very gracefully. I have read all negatives here and elsewhere but very few have talked about the core of this truck, its perseverance and continuation! Our Sonoma has served not only myself and my wife but our daughter who is in the military who took the truck not only from California to Washington D.C to North Carolina to Europe and then back to California and all in all it did and is doing a very great job! I am not saying that it is perfect, doors do not completely seal, certain electrical issues have arisen, gas mileage is questionable, tends to burn up brakes quicker than other vehicles we own but dealing with that stuff, which is very small, the truck has held its own! Yet in my book, between a 1, lowest, to a 10, the greatest, I give it a solid 7 so know that this is a very good score for a truck that is now 15 years old and over a 100k miles! Go GMC! American made all the way!
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best truck ever
russell simballa, 03/14/2016
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2003 gmc Sonoma new and from then to now it has never had a single problem except s fuel pump. It is very reliable.i have almost 200 thousand miles on it and it is still one of the most reliable vehicles in my family.
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I like my truck.
Jeff, 04/29/2006
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I like my truck. Haven't had any major problems in 40,000 miles. The driver's seat is comfortable for long trips, but the back seat will only hold adults for short trips. The radio is good for stock. This is a good truck. It always starts easily, even in cold weather, but I'm not sure I can afford the gas.
SHOULD HAVE KEPT MY FORD
Happy Consumer, 08/24/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got rid of my Ford Ranger Edge to get more room. Big mistake. This truck has rattled since the day I bought it. Windshield seal came out at highway speed a week after I got it. Dealership said it happens allot in warm climates HELLO GM HOW ABOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM IF IT HAPPENS ALLOT. Interior is cheap and truck has already been having electrical problems (shorts causing check engine light to come on). I spent more time in a rental Neon than in my new truck. It is very capable off road. I think my problems are more from cheap workmanship than faulty parts. GM should slow down their assembly line and pay attention to what their doing.
Terrible Attempt at a Truck
Bruce, 10/20/2005
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for 2 years now and I absolutely hate it. A friend had one and I thought that it looked good, so I bought it without testing it at all. What a dumb move. It gets terrible fuel economy. Has absolutely no power, terrible, no passing power at all, no bottom end. Have to put it into 4X4 low to get any power. That is where it is actually good. In the mud it is great, cause it is so light. The 4X4 low will crawl along at 200 rpm. However, the interior is way too small, and I sit so that my hip is bent and bothers me amazingly on long trips. But, it is in the shop as we speak having the transfer case replaced (50063 km).
Great truck and looks good too!
Will, 07/27/2018
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am very happy with my ZR5 package truck that I have had for about a year now. It drives great, shifts smooth, and handles very well. As with everyone, the 4.3 has a lot of power but terrible on gas. I know people complain about the acceleration but this is a OHV designed engine so that is to be expected plus it is a truck! I love the amount of customization you can do to this thing, and it drives great on and off road. The looks are awesome, you don't see a lot of the crew cabs around so its nice to show off when everyone else drives the same boring standard trucks (tacomas, colorados, rangers) you see now. The big issue I have had so far with mine is the ABS control module since the solder points were not done very well on it, easy fix though. I do oil changes every 5k and transmission fluid and filter every 15k. Currently going on 190k miles and still starts up every time and runs like a champ.
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Most horrible car ever owned
Esfandiar, 01/28/2007
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car to commute to work everyday and not for heavy duty use. This car has been driven only 17000 Miles and transmission started losing oil. The power steering makes noise and the car runs rough on turns. This is my second GMC car and the last one. I hate cheap workmanship, crappy design and horrible engineering. How can a well maintained car (by dealer every 3000 miles) has to have transmission problem after only 17000 miles? Please save yourself a lot time/money and buy a decent car and I urge GMS to send their designers to Honda or Toyota for through training.
I could design a better truck!
Conserned Customer, 12/31/2007
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
First off, bought the truck on GM's reputation. Decent design, good comfort, but performance, and gas mileage is something to be desired. I had a '96 Nissan 4 banger that would run circles around this GMC. Come on guy's get with it.
my review
mattdafgda, 08/03/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is a really well-built truck, i enjoy driving my truck
Poor quality
Tim R, 06/16/2006
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had to get a new transfer case at 10,000 miles. Oil pickup tube fell into gears and ruined transfer case. Replaced air conditioner compressor at 42,000 miles. Transmission is now slipping badly. Fuel filler neck has been replaced, but still overflows when refueling. Leaf spring bushings are noisy. Would not buy again.
RAMY
Ramy AZIEH, 04/18/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very powerfull, Reliable, Stiff steering which is better, Quiet ride, and Good braking
NOT FOR SALE
Col, 10/30/2017
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd LB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Keeps on running, once in the shop for replacement of tailgate drop cables (recalled in 2013, no charge). Had 4 miles on it, when it was delivered to dealer. I test drove it first right off the truck. It was listed for $23.1k , w/ discounts $17.4k> on the window sticker, just another inflated mark up gimmick. @6am that morning the t v promo price was $9995, I called the dealer to make sure the offer was valid. Taxes, fees was extra. I also asked him to fill the tank so I could make a 2 hour trip home. I forgot to bring any extra cash. My wife insisted she will drive it home, I drove her car. When getting home she bashes it into the mail box entering our driveway. OH! &*^$ . I've never heard it misfire. Never needed a tune up, it will still bark the tires when I hit 3rd gear, (my 11 year old son grins when he sees his 67 year old dad burning rubber, priceless). Never waxed it, rain rinsed only, has scrapes, scratches, chipped paint, small dents, and bare metal exposed, but has no rust! The bed and body are both galvanized with heavy metal. I do change the oil and filter every 3 k miles & lube about every 10k miles. Often when inspecting under the hood I bez thinking this PU may outlast me. Never broke down, very dependable. and going on strong.
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Very unreliable truck
St Louis Ex Owner, 01/28/2005
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just traded this piece of junk in for a Nissan pathfinder, hopefully I have better luck with the new vehicle. I don't know where to start. To begin with it was in the shop more than on the road. First it was the blower motor, then the transfer case, then the brakes (all under warranty). Finally when it was out of warranty the ball joints in the front which was $500 at 39,000 miles. Enough was enough so I am through with this money pit. Thank god. Sad thing is this was the first vehicle I really tried to baby.
Best thing I've ever owned
Chris, 06/20/2008
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck brand new with 3 miles on it. Nothing has went wrong with it in five years, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.The truck has got 90,000 miles on it now and most of it is highway miles. Did some modifiyng but an air intake system and a AIC model in it and I get about 42 miles to the gallon, before it got 37.
ZR2 (Zenith + Rare for 2)
Whobuff, 10/31/2002
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you ever want a vehicle with the look of an SUV, the versatility of a truck and very comfortable interior, GET this Truck.
My Sonoma
f41driver, 11/10/2002
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I actually own a 2000 Sonoma SLS 3dr ZQ8 V6/automatic, but it's the same exact truck as a 2003 sans the wheel style and radio. I bought this truck on a whim, and I regret it. I like the looks, and when it was new it was the sweetest thing I could find for $21K, so I got it. My truck seems to be the worst Sonoma ever built because everyone I know with one has never had a problem, but mine rattles, creeks, and is slow and gets 16mpg no matter how you drive it. The seats became a little uncomfortable after a year or so, but that's just me.
Great Rig but boring
bag o ice, 02/23/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck does everything that I want but is just a little boring on the outside and inside. I am glad to see that they are redesigning but I just had to get this one.
sonoma pu 4 cyl.
fred lippi, 06/18/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Haven't had it long enough to give good evaluation, However I will say it lacks power and is so small in cab a tall person(5' 10 and up could not fit behind steering wheel.
way
cooldude, 07/23/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd LB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the best truck ever
2003 GMC Sonoma ZR2
Josh_, 09/15/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great ride for an off-road spec truck. The truck is available with 31" tires, yet handles great in town or on the highway. Lots of features and accessories are available from GMC and the aftermarket. 250ft/lbs of torque means you can pull just about anything.
2003 Sonoma
Betty711, 10/17/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only have 1000 miles on it so far, and it is running very well. This may be why the fuel economy is not up to standard yet. American models seem to be a la carte. In other words, every little thing is extra $$$. The vehicle is peppy on grades, and seems to take weight, in the bed, with ease.
Last of the Sonoma pickups
tjr, 10/16/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently replaced my 96 Sonoma (130K miles) with a new one. It's the last chance, as next year Sonomas will only come in 4dr/tiny box hybrid models. The larger, higher, worse mileage Canyon will replace the pickup models. The 2003 model is very similar to the last 7 or 8 years worth, still a durable, cheap, relatively small truck. Main differences: Better seats, slightly peppier due to higher axle ratio, elimination of some fun electrical features like lighted vanity mirrors, underhood light, glovebox light.
great little truck
samsnesteiner, 12/03/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
beautiful truck with great shift response. Gas is not an issue eith this truck
Read your manual
moat, 12/13/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If I had read the owners manual before buying I would not own this GMC. The maintenance schedule is the one I maintained on l950 vintage vehicles. Unbelievable. The gas milage of 19-25 was more like 13.5 in the summer (4cyl. w/ac} I bought the vehicle for handicapped passenger comfort and discovered the floor is uneven on the passanger side. There is no storage space under the seats and hardly can get anything behind the seat.
Solid Truck
walkmn, 12/15/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the solid feel of this truck and I have full confidence when I depart the pavement to go hunting, fishing, or just plain exploring! This truck is ready for anything you can throw at it. Even the underbody composite skid plates let you know this truck means business! GM should however, take lessons from Japan regarding their build quality. Cheap interior parts and shoddy workmanship may force me to shop around a little longer for my next truck. Despite the questionable interior materials, I really do love my truck overall, and don't regret buying it what so ever. Consider this truck if you you want a highly-capable, mid-sized truck.
Not worth the purchase
Alaska Owner, 12/26/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but trouble form the start. The quality is very poor. The doors seem that they don't hold a seal. Various engine problems too. Find a different truck. Don't want you as a buyer to go through what I am going through.
I love my truck
Me and my truck, 01/15/2004
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but great experiences with my truck, It was a spur of the moment decision to buy this truck when it caught my eye on the dealer lot because it is flame yellow. When I first drove it I knew it was the one. Ive had minor problems with the heater controls and passenger door seals, but i took it to the dealership and they got it fixed right away under warranty. The towing capacity is increadible for a small truck, I can just fit my 600lb quad in the back which you hardly notice is there,you can still hook a trailer behind load it up and pull the hills to the mountains without a problem. Love the 4.3.
chris
isbarts, 05/10/2004
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL Rwd LB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
even though i bought this truck without really wanting to. it met my price range and has served its purpose. which is to get me from point A to point B. it is a very reliable truck, also the gas milage is great.
o.k.
R.J.L., 08/23/2004
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i am a retired carpenter an have a cap on my truck.it serves as a 2rd auto,truck,and a tow vehicle for my 15'boat.ilove it.my outer car is a cady.
What I think
Dave, 01/08/2007
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The '03 GMC Sonoma 3dr extended cab is a good, well running truck that gets from point A to point B.
My Work truck
joe, 08/09/2007
2003 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I have had my Sonoma, I have gotten avg. of 26mpg. The power of the 4 cyl engine leaves to be desired, however, it is a good crusing truck and rides very nice. It is sporty looking and really fun to drive.
my sls
screamnchikn, 04/28/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love the truck
GM Needs Help
Michaelv, 05/04/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Build quality is disgusting for a 2002 model year vehicle. The truck has lots of rattles and squeeks, the dash looks like a "fisher price " snap together toy and the seat fabric looks and feels like mouse fur. The tuck was deliverd with a defective heater blower moter switch - only high speed worked. The pasenger side widow weather stripping would come off when the window was lowerred and then raised.The passenger side inner door liner was improperly attached - broken clips.The transmission quit working at 10,000 miles - the rear seal leaked all the transmison fluid into the tansfer case.
Sonoma 4DR ZR2
sboyer, 01/17/2003
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Clean value priced family truck, my third GM truck
Can’t Kill This Truck
Richard G, 04/12/2018
2003 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Boght the truck with over 207k, a failing trainimishon, rear end, and a massive antifreeze leak. For the pass few mouths it has got me to work and back and haven’t left me on the side of the road. Best part is when you have to repair something there is a huge after market and grate deals at salvage yards.
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Retired and still running!
Clark, 08/22/2020
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS Rwd SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the 4-cylinder, 5 speed, extended cab Sonoma for our son when he went off to college thinking he could drive it during the years of college and working at his first job. He did this and more. In 2014 he was ready to upgrade and gave it back to us. We had the seats recovered, had it repainted and it is still running like a sewing machine with over 170,000 miles. It is a sweet ride!
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Great starter vehicle
Avery, 11/15/2010
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My dad gave me this truck as my first vehicle, and so far it has suited my needs well. I dont drive it much at all, just to school or town or what ever so there's only 40,000 miles on it. Its the funnest vehicle to drive off roads and on jeeping trails, the 4wd is great for winter too. my only regrets are that i have had to put in a good deal of money to keep it running up to par. it seems as though every year i have to change wheel bearings and the cab door has been giving me problems for the last few years. Its a tough little truck and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a great looking fun truck to drive.
exellent
stifler, 11/27/2002
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I,ve been shopping for a truck for a long time, and this one here beats them all if you love the outdoors this is the truck for you
My Third ZR2
REDI, 08/01/2004
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Like traveling with room and comfort long distance with your wife? Like to explore and use 4wd to find new trails with your laptop and GPS? Like to carry bicycles and gear? Like traveling remote Nevada dirt roads in 4WD High range at speeds up to 60mph? The extra ZR2 suspension and Bilstein shocks can handle anything. THIS IS THE TRUCK FOR YOU!
2003 SONOMA
Justin, 10/09/2015
updated 04/11/2016
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a good truck to start in but it gets about 16.5 mpg to 19.0 mpg rides good, put a lot of repairs in, I think it has too much power for its size and uses
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My Black Beauty
Kevo, 04/27/2008
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I believe that this is the best looking truck of all time. Gas mileage stinks! I love the black and the ZR2 because of its lifted gift.