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Used 2003 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
20 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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!

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4 out of 5 stars

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!

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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2.63 out of 5 stars

Terrible Attempt at a Truck

Bruce, 10/20/2005
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 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).

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Even though used as a yard truck multiple dealers

Kim Beckerich, 01/26/2025
2003 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought a Gmc, Sonoma from a dealership called iAuto... The truck needed a new engine after osning it for only 28 . This poor vehicle went through many dealerships, its in the carfax. However i bought it because i have previously owned 3 Chevy S10's, being sister vehicles i bought it because 1 it was a 4x4 have a V6 vortex engine, which i replaced on my own dime because the dealership wouldnt live up to the warranty i bought for it. Anyways since replacing the engine and a few other easy fixes the truck runs great and i hope to have it for a long life its a beauty flame yellow

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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!

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3 out of 5 stars

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

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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