1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3 Litre Vortec from North America

Summary:

Not a bad truck, if GM would have just finished the job

Faults:

Remote oil cooler lines blew coupling off the end, replaced at 25,000km on Warranty.

ABS brakes were defective from the start. I complained every check up. Finally GM recalled them in 2000. Actually they were recalled twice. The dealer worked on them 4 times. The first 3 made little improvement They finally work... well sort of.

The emergency brake seized at about 30,000 km and again at about 50,000. I had it replaced by an independent with jobber parts and now it works fine.

Both oil lines blew the crimped ends off again with just over 100,000km. The dealer fixed the first one and less than a month later the second one blew the crimped end off. The dealer took no responsibilty even though he supposedly checked the pressure and hoses These lines are a piece of junk. Drain your engine twice and you will do major damage. I did. New pistons, bearings, oil pump, rings you name it. Had to replace the clutch assembly too. The glued on covers are expensive. Dumb idea. It is really too bad because the 4.3 engine was the best thing about the truck, only to be ruined by a few bad parts.

General Comments:

Great engine and power train, it pulls like crazy, if you don't lose the engine to a few cheap parts.

The paint is so easy to mark. For a truck that doesn't make much sense.

The fit and finishing isn't great, it squeaks as soon as it gets cooler out.

The seats haven't worn all that well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th February, 2003

1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3 from North America

Summary:

I bough this truck second hand and its been a great runner for the money

Faults:

Heater core blew. 105,000

Oil cooler lines blew. 120,000

Hanger bearing siezed. 84,000

Outboard you joint siezed. 125,000.

General Comments:

This truck has an excellent power t weight ratio. The 4.3 v6, married to a manual transmission, solid, torque-driven, horsepower.

Very reliable in all weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2003

1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2.2 ltr 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Your getting about what your paying for

Faults:

Front main seal needed replacement when purchased.

Signal light switch needed replacement 100 miles after purchased.

EGR Valve had to be tweaked by a mechanic to get the Service Engine Soon light to go off.

General Comments:

Engine does very well for a 4 cylinder.

After you get to about 70 MPH forgot about speeding up fast, it ain't gonna do it.

Comfortable ride.

Tends to idle rough, especially with the A/C on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2002

1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2.2L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Will probably never buy a Sonoma or S-10 again

Faults:

I am not sure about the problems prior to me owning it.

At 117,000 miles, the catalytic converter went.

At 119,000 miles, the clutch fan went.

At 129,000 miles, the head had two cracks and it was warped.

Starter went at 130,000 miles.

Electrical fire at 130,000 miles.

Bad fuel injectors at 128,000 miles.

It is now at 141,000 miles and it smells like gas when it is running, causing the check engine light to come on and run somewhat poorly.

General Comments:

The truck is quick at first, but has no speed.

The body still looks perfect, but the internal components make it a piece of junk. My Sonoma isn't the only one that has had the major problems with the head. A friend of mine blew her head gasket on her '94 Sonoma and another friend with a '94 S-10 had the same problems I had.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th January, 2002

5th Jun 2004, 01:56

My head gasket just went too, but everything else is OK. My truck is really quick off the start, but as no top end at all. The body is in perfect condition I have rims body kit and it is slammed to the ground. It is my project for the summer by the end of the summer it should hopefully look like a show truck I have my fingers crossed. O'yeah my catie is messed up to. O'Yeah it is a 94 Sonoma.

1995 GMC Sonoma 2.2 4 cyl from North America

Summary:

Troublefree piece of machinery

Faults:

New Tires at 60,000 miles.

Blown interior light fuse 4 times.

Hole in exhaust at 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

Excellent reliable vehicle.

Doesn't do uphill very well (slowed to 25mph & 3rd gear on a 70mph interstate driving through Wyoming!!)

Recommend to anyone, the truck takes care of itself!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2000