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Positioned in the middle of the compact pickup-truck market, the GMC Sonoma competed with the Ford Ranger and the Dodge Dakota, as well as its corporate sibling, the Chevy S-Series pickup. The Sonoma was available in both 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive versions, in both regular (with a short and long bed) and extended body versions. The Sonoma offered three trim levels, base, Special, and top of the line (SLE).

Year-to-year changes[]

1993[]

A special version of the SLS was the "Highrider," which offered a raised suspension, gas-pressurized Bilstein shock absorbers, tougher axles, a locking rear differential, 3.9-in. wider track plus under-body shielding that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. The base engine was a 2.2-liter inline ohv Four, and was available on 2-wheel-drive models only.

Optional engines were a 4.3-liter ohv V6 and an Enhanced high-output version of the same engine that delivered 36 more horsepower than the standard 4.3.  A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and a 4-speed automatic overdrive was optional. A 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever allowed shift-on-the-fly 4wd operation. A 2-speed electric-shift transfer case was optional.

1994[]

The Sonoma was redesigned, formerly known as the "GMC S-15" pickup.

1995[]

Halfway through this model year, prices for regular cab trucks increased $125, and Club Coupe extended cabs $325.

The 1995 GMC Sonoma stood at parade rest, recovering from the rigors of the total redesign from 1994. As a result, GMC concentrated on a number of small improvements such as a driver's-side airbag and improved lumbar support on optional bucket seats. The other big news was that extended-cab models were now available after a one-year hiatus.

Retail prices[]

As of December 17, 1993:

  • $9,806 (1994 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $10,106 (1994 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $14,306 (1994 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $14,606 (1994 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $11,138 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Regular Cab)
  • $12,113 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Extended Cab)
  • $15,638 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Regular Cab)
  • $16,613 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Extended Cab)
  • $11,680 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x2 Regular Cab)
  • $16,180 (1994 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Regular Cab)

As of late 1994:

  • $10,415 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $10,725 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $11,768 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $12,038 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $12,843 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Extended Cab)
  • $14,785 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $15,360 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $16,128 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $16,668 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $17,183 (1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Extended Cab)

As of August 1, 1995:

  • $10,540 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $10,850 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $14,910 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $15,485 (1995 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $11,090 (1996 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $11,400 (1996 GMC Sonoma SL 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $12,352 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $12,622 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x2 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $13,852 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x2 Extended Cab)
  • $15,730 (1996 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $16,305 (1996 GMC Sonoma SL 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $16,982 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Short Bed Regular Cab)
  • $17,522 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLS 4x4 Long Bed Regular Cab)
  • $18,482 (1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Extended Cab)

Shipping prices[]

  • $470 (1994 models)
  • $480 (1995 models)
  • $485 (1996 models)

Gallery[]

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