30th Sep 2004, 19:05

I recently bought a 2001 GMC Sonoma. I bought it used with about 41K miles on it. Luckily, I haven't experienced any problems. My 3rd door latch is still intact, and operational. Everything works fine, even the A/C. The only problem I do have with it (and I'm sure everyone else does, too) is that it is way underpowered the the 2.2L. I live in Colorado, really close to the Rockies, so the land around here isn't exactly flat. And I find that it is a grueling task for my pickup to make it up even some of the smallest incline hills. I would say that GM could have engineered their 4 cylinder to be more powerful, and fuel economic. I get worse highway mileage than my dad's 2000 Camaro Z-28. Maybe later on down the road, I'll swap that 4-banger with an LS1... or maybe just buy a Silverado.

7th Jun 2005, 05:58

I love my Sonoma, but I too notice that the 2.2 gets really bad MPG (17 MPG city). I don't take it on the freeway that much, but do use it for towing around a 5X8 trailer for my lawn equipment. I'm 16 and this is my first automobile. It has been great, just expensive to fill up. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with this problem. I've had it for a year, and haven't had to replace anything on it. The engine hasn't cut out, and my heat and A/C work great...

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/759268/2000-gmc-sonoma-club-cab

Those are some pics, if you want to have a look at it... Thanks.

22nd Oct 2005, 21:30

I just bought My SLS 2.2 Liter extended cab a few months ago, but already my third door latch broke, Alternator went bad (50K miles) along with the pinion seal on the rear Axle. Performance has been OK, but not great... the previous owner installed a CAT back exhaust system, K&N performance intake and the truck runs all synthetic fluids. Oil changes are expensive very now but it does help. Still think there should be more power and better fuel economy! My mom's 1.8 Liter Saturn has more pep and I only get 20 MPG on the hwy! Does anyone get the claimed 28 MPG??? Overall the truck is OK, but I should have bought a Toyota...

7th Nov 2005, 13:50

I too have had problems with the handle on the 3d door breaking. I seldom use the 3d door and I'd guess that it breaks after less than 200 uses. Has anyone had the dealer fix for free after the warranty runs out?

11th Dec 2005, 16:15

My 1994 2.2 litre 5-speed Sonoma gets 32 MPG summer highway and 27 MPG summer city. Less in winter. I have gotten as good as 39 MPG on a 600 mile trip going 55 MPH. It really surprises me to see how many of you are complaining about the gas mileage on the 2.2 litre. I would not consider trading for a 4.3 litre with gasoline at $2.25 per gallon! Incidentally, I live (and drive) at 5000+ feet elevation.

27th Dec 2005, 01:35

Hmmm I think you guys should just get the 4.3 liter v6 Vortec engine.. It is great, I'll sacrifice a couple dollars just so I can feel something when I put down the peddle. The 4-Hi and 4-Lo do pretty well too, no complaints yet.

17th Mar 2006, 10:48

My 2001 GMC Sonoma is now on its second wheel hub and bearing assembly at only 50k. If any of you have replaced these yet they are not cheap as they hold the sensor for the ABS braking system. Either they are not putting enough grease in these things or the internal o-rings are inadequate. Other than that, the only other problem for me was a failed coil wire at 45k. I have the 4.3L V6 and am happy with the power and still get 21 MPG on the highway.

27th Mar 2006, 15:17

This may be mainly for Sonoma's, but I have a 1997 S10 with the 2.2 liter, and I have also noticed the lack of power and am thinking about doing a V8 and or 4.3 liter just to make it up hills. My S10 had about 90,000 miles when I got it and no problems so far.

3rd Oct 2006, 10:12

I purchased a 2003 Sonoma P/U in 2003, and it currently has 39K miles on it, just 2 weeks ago the A/C Compressor went out. My warranty was up at 36K miles and the dealer said that it's unfortunate I didn't purchase the extended warranty. The dealer told me it will cost $1100.00 to replace. A mere 3K miles over warranty and they will not fix it. I have purchased 3 vehicles from this dealer, and 2 of them were GM products.

I don't understand why a vehicle with only 39K miles should have such a major part go out on it? Anyone out there have any similar problems?

I have taken very good care of the vehicle.

Disappointed Sonoma Owner.

13th Oct 2006, 17:06

2001 GMC Sonoma and I only have 43,000 miles and the fuel pump just went out on it! I love the truck never had anything go wrong yet, but it seems a little early for the fuel pump to go out. I also know this year was recalled for something that caused the check engine light to go on, so check with your dealers if you have the V-6.

1st Nov 2006, 03:42

I own a '95 Sonoma with the 2.2.Litre engine. My gas mileage is in the mid-20 mpg range. The engine runs great, though is a challenge accelerating to highway speed. My only problem is a coolant leak from the rear of the engine. I understand this may be a common problem with the 2.2 litre cylinder head.

2nd Nov 2006, 21:55

I purchased a 2001 Sonoma Extended Cab 4WD new in 2001.

5 years later I have 43,000 miles on it.

Since I got it:

3rd door lock broke twice.

Drivers side window motor went bad.

4WD drive modulator, or something like that, went bad the 1st month I had it. Used it once and it broke.

Windshield wiper delay switch is bad, but it still works on regular speed, no delay. Too expensive to replace.

Battery cracked after 2 years and started to leaks drops of acid into the engine bay and onto my new driveway.

Gas mileage stinks: 14/15 city and 17/18 highway.

Only thing I'm happy about is that it's paid off.

16th Jan 2007, 14:36

I had a 2001 extended cap 2wd. Sonoma for 4 years. The only problem I had with it was that the right front wheel speed sensor went bad at 36001 miles. Other than that, I had no problems with it.

I had the 4.3 with an automatic. It got around 19 mpg. I got a hyper-tech programmer and the mileage went up to the mid 20's. It ran better, and I also got rid of that pesky 98 mph speed limiter. The guys in the mustangs did not like me very well.

21st Jan 2007, 14:38

I bought my 03 sonoma 2.2 extended cab just about a month ago. I must say, already I am a little disappointed in the mileage. I drive mostly on the freeway and can't seem to do any better than 22mpg or so. This truck is terribly underpowered, but I am happy with the ride and handling characteristics. Interior is roomy and nice dash layout. Wish I would have selected the V6...