1994 GMC Sonoma Review
Price Estimate:Â $3,457 - $5,416
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
All-new truck debuts with more powerful engines and available four-wheel ABS. Side-door guard beams are standard. Rear ABS is standard on four-cylinder models; V6 trucks get the new four-wheel ABS system that works in both two- and four-wheel drive. Highrider package is for serious off-roaders. Available only on regular-cab shortbed models, the Highrider includes four-inch wider track, three-inch height increase, off-road suspension and tires, wheel flares and thick skid plates. Base engine is 118-horse, 2.2-liter four cylinder. Standard on 4WD models is a 165-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6. Optional on all models is a 195-horsepower, high-output 4.3-liter V6.
For sale near Lanham, MD
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1994 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.14 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maryland.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maryland
$228/mo  for Sonoma SL
Sonoma SL
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Sonoma Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(69%)
4(25%)
3(6%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best Pickup I've ever owned
4.5 out of 5 starsJohnsonLonnie, 07/04/2009
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Wonderful vehicle there is a reason they discontinued the 4.3 Liter CPI engine. Certain things go out like clockwork but the truck is almost 20 years old now. The thing had over 300k on the engine when some crazy woman ran the truck over while I at a stop in traffic. It folded the bed under the cab area and the frame was bent near double. I walked away from the wreck with a concussion.
Pete's Review
4.88 out of 5 starsPete Matthiesen, 01/06/2004
1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I have really enjoyed my Sonoma. It
has been a very reliable truck with
minimal problems. It has over 130,000
miles now and is still running strong
as when I bought it. The only problem
I have had is with the EGR on the
engine, but they say it is a common
problem with it.
One Tough Truck
4.63 out of 5 starswpnsloader, 06/01/2003
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I purchased this truck with 33,000
miles and it has 90,000 now. The only
complaint I have is the size. I
really need more room for the family.
The H.O. 4.3 in the 4X4 is one of the
most powerful V6 motors put in a truck
today and with out a doubt one of the
most dependable. ZERO mechanical
break downs. Only a few electrical
issues. I have towed or hauled …
everything with this truck from loads
of lumber and bags of concrete to a 22
ft pontoon boat. This is One Tough
Truck
Wow, What A Truck!!
4.88 out of 5 starsNesBilt.com, 09/19/2002
1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Just bought it and LOVE it! I have the
V6 and there is plenty of power! It's
going to be fun upgrading this bad boy!
1994 Sonoma Highlights
Regular Cab
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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