1998 GMC Sonoma SLS 4 cyclinder

Summary:

Can't go wrong, but opt for a V6 if available

Faults:

80,000 seat lever broke off.

85,000-The windshield wipers only work when they want to.

90,000-Slave cylinder in the clutch went out. $500.

93,500- A rattle in the exhaust has started I'm assuming it’s the converter, I haven’t had it fixed yet since it is not a big deal, its just annoying.

General Comments:

My 98 GMC Sonoma has been a great truck. With just over 94,000 miles on it now the engine still runs just like new. It does not even leak or burn oil at all.

This truck has been amazing, with the exception of the problems listed above. It has been bullet proof. Believe it or not it has not had any maintenance at all other than oil changes every 3000 miles. I did change the belt and spark plugs on it a few hundred miles ago, but I did that myself. The only time the truck has been in the shop was to fix the slave cylinder problem listed above.

Power wise, I believe the truck is adequate around town, but is lacking on the interstate.

The truck is about as comfortable as a regular cab compact truck can be, which is not very, but you get what you pay for.

The interior is better than most of the newer model low end GM vehicles in my opinion. It has also held up very well over the years.

If I cold do it all over again I would, although I would probably get an extended cab with the V6 engine. As a matter of fact the new GMC Canyon will probably be my replacement for this truck. When/if this truck ever does start to give me a lot of problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2006

17th Mar 2006, 09:29

Just an F.Y.I. There is an active recall on the windshield wiper motor on the 1997-2000 Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma with a 4 cylinder engine. I would check with your local GMC dealership and see if your truck is one of the problem trucks. Good luck.

2nd Jun 2006, 15:57

What a good and useful comment was that last one! More info like that should be on this site. That's what its all about. Not - the slag-fest that is perpetuated by some self-proclaimed auto authority. You know who you are wonder-boy.

1998 GMC Sonoma SL 4.3 V6 SFI

Summary:

It's been a great truck to me and has never left me stranded

Faults:

Front and rear shocks replaced due to leaks under warranty.

Front main seal replaced under warranty. It was improperly installed at the engine plant.

Seeping pinion seal replaced under warranty.

The coil was replaced because it became very sensitive to heavy rains and caused a no-start condition one time. That was around 60,000 miles.

Other small items: l.f. wheel bearing, rear u-joint, upper left ball joint.

I broke a spider gear around 80,000 miles. I should mention that I do tons of burnouts and brake stands and that this truck has the small 7.6 rear end.

Intake manifold gaskets were replaced around 85,000 miles. This is a known issue on Vortec V6s.

General Comments:

This truck was purchased new and has performed very well. The list above shows a few things that have been replaced, but, believe me, I have beat the crap out of this truck.

The Vortec V6, even with highway gearing, is a torque-monster despite it's diminutive size. I've been through several sets of tires.

The four wheel drive works every time without fail. I was concerned because it is a push-button system, but it's never let me down.

The handling is okay. My friend's 4x4 Ranger corners better.

The interior is awesome. I've got a full complement of gauges and they're all easy to read.

This truck has run in the 15's down the quarter mile, beating every single V6 Ranger and Dakota it lined up against and some full-size trucks even though it has a 3.08 rear.

The brakes are excellent too. It has four wheel discs with ABS that will stop on a dime and give nine cents change. The parking brake is marginal at best however.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2006