2001 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3L Vortec

Summary:

Glad I bought it!

Faults:

Stabilizer bar in 2011.

Steering box is worn.

Radiator replaced at 125000.

Transmission rebuilt under warranty at 45000.

Compressor in 2009.

4X4 solenoid in 2007.

Mileage has dropped to about 14 MPG, depending on the driver.

General Comments:

This has been a great truck; excellent in what little snow we get.

It has survived 3 teenage male drivers.

Still has pretty good get-up-and-go considering its age.

Have always used synthetic oil, minimal oil consumption.

We use it daily for transportation to colleges.

Both the A/C and heat work VERY well.

Tires last longer than advertised, probably due to the weight of the truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2014

6th Mar 2020, 19:31

Just bought an 01 Sonoma 4.3 and it has 263000 miles as of now. Still cranks and drives like a beauty. I got a dang good deal on it for 350$ and it's well worth 1200$. All I have to do is probably the fuel filter, the driver's window and the passenger back brake cylinder. Other than that, the truck is still iron heart at 260000 plus miles. I like this thing.

2001 GMC Sonoma 4.3 liter V6 Vortec

Summary:

All in all, it is a good truck for nearly any respectable abuse

Faults:

Heater valve dry rotted at 280000.

The back shock mount broke, and I had to have the mounts welded back on.

Arm rest top broke into pieces.

Driver's door latch came loose.

Driver's door handle came loose at the front end.

The ABS, service engine soon, and brake light won't go out for some reason.

A/C lost its Freon somewhere in the line.

General Comments:

BTW, I get 23.5 MPG city, 26 MPG country, and unfortunately 19 MPG highway, but this is good mileage considering the miles on it, and against the current 2012 trucks that came out, it is about the same mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2012

2001 GMC Sonoma SLS 2.2 ecotec

Summary:

Extremely reliable everyday driver

Faults:

Replaced the engine at 126K due to previous owner (Delphi employee) not ever changing his oil. I knew it needed a motor going in.

Radiator at 148k.

Front and rear shocks.

Fuel filler neck and gas cap for emissions.

Starter.

AC compressor is in need of replacement.

General Comments:

I use this truck for everyday driving, and I use it to pick up metal.

Overall, it handles well and can be put to work; can handle way over its payload.

I love this little truck, it gets great gas mileage.

It will run forever if taken care of. Will never get rid of it!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2011

2001 GMC Sonoma LS 2.2

Summary:

Last American built truck worth its salt

Faults:

Seat handle to adjust passenger seat.

Powersteering pump leaks.

Wife hit a deer at 70 mph, but no frame damage. Very safe.

Lacks power due to 87 octane. Put octane boost in and keep good oil in it for speed and power.

I get between 25 and 30 mpg in the city.

Easy to find custom parts for.

General Comments:

I love the seats. I have a bad back, and it's very comfortable for a ride.

Handles well off road, even as a two wheel drive; just keep weight in the bed.

Easy to park, and goes most places a four wheel drive can't fit into.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2010

2001 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3 liter V6

Summary:

Best reason I have for never buying another GM product

Faults:

Secondary air pump at 45,000 miles.

Fuel pump and sending unit at 48,000 miles.

Vacuum switch failed, ruining the front differential at 55,000.

Replaced rear grease seals three times at 48,000;

60,000 miles; 85,000.

Replaced RH hub assembly at 70,000 LH hub currently making noise 91,000.

Heated seats quit working at 65,000.

LH door hinges replaced at 45,000 miles.

Repaired hole in fuel tank filler neck. 89,000 miles.

Charcoal canister bracket holding bolt and nut rusted off at 89,000.

General Comments:

Most expensive vehicle I have ever owned. Gas mileage worse than V8; averages 18 mpg in summer, 14 mpg or less in winter. I do not dare drive vehicle more than 50 miles from home due to poor reliability. 4wd is actually 1 front wheel and 1 rear wheel when needed most. No factory support available.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th December, 2009

9th Jan 2010, 18:21

I put 80k miles on my Sonoma before buying an "economical" car, and the biggest mistake I made was getting rid of the Sonoma. The only problems I had were the tail gate cables broke, and they were recalled so GM fixed them. And the door handle for the third door broke 3 times. Other than that, the truck was the most dependable vehicle I've owned.

9th Jan 2010, 18:23

I had a Ext. cab 4x4, and I averaged 18mpg in mostly city driving. On the highway I got 22 or better. The best vehicle I owned.