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2004
GMC Sonoma

Starts at:
$24,960
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New 2004 GMC Sonoma
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Notable features

Crew Cab body style
Standard 4WD
V-6 engine with automatic transmission
Standard antilock brakes

The good & the bad

The good

Manageable dimensions
Interior space
Performance

The bad

Only one cab style offered
Aging design
No side-impact airbags
Fuel economy

Expert 2004 GMC Sonoma review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
GMC has launched a new pickup truck called the Canyon for the 2004 model year. Meanwhile, the Sonoma compact pickup, which is a close relative to Chevrolet’s S-10, enters another season but only in four-wheel-drive Crew Cab form. Nothing has changed for the 2004 model year.

A six-CD changer and a ZR5 Appearance Package for Crew Cab pickups became optional during the 2002 model year. A lower-priced version of the SLS Crew Cab, with fewer amenities than its more amply equipped companion, is available.

Crew Cab models have four-wheel drive, a 4.3-liter V-6 engine and four, conventional, front-hinged doors. Only a four-speed-automatic transmission is available, but Sonomas can be fitted with an increased-capacity suspension.

In extended-cab form, Ford’s compact Ranger comes only with two narrow back doors that open toward the rear. Four-door Crew Cab body styles are available on the Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

Exterior
Sonoma Crew Cab pickups ride a 122.9-inch wheelbase and measure 205.3 inches long overall. The cargo bed is just over 4.5 feet long. The Crew Cab’s payload is 1,067 pounds, and the pickup can haul trailers that weigh as much as 5,200 pounds. A bedliner is standard.

GMC’s ZR5 option includes a roof rack and bright aluminum side steps and bed rails. Aluminum wheels hold 15-inch tires on all Sonoma models. Options include a bed extender and either a hard or soft tonneau cover.

Interior
Crew Cab pickups have front buckets and a three-place rear bench seat. All Sonomas have air conditioning, a tachometer, a PassLock theft-deterrent system and a stereo system with a CD player. A cassette/CD system is optional. Heated recliner seats with leather trim also are offered. Delayed interior lighting keeps the dome lamp lit for 15 seconds or until the ignition is switched on once the front doors are closed.

Under the Hood
A 4.3-liter V-6 engine is standard in 2004 models, and it produces 190 horsepower and 250 pounds-feet of torque. Only a four-speed-automatic transmission is available.

General Motors’ Insta-Trac four-wheel-drive system is engaged using a switch on the dashboard; an electronic transfer case permits shifting into or out of 4WD-High while moving. A 4WD-Low mode is meant for use on steep grades or muddy terrain.

Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.

2004 GMC Sonoma review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
GMC has launched a new pickup truck called the Canyon for the 2004 model year. Meanwhile, the Sonoma compact pickup, which is a close relative to Chevrolet’s S-10, enters another season but only in four-wheel-drive Crew Cab form. Nothing has changed for the 2004 model year.

A six-CD changer and a ZR5 Appearance Package for Crew Cab pickups became optional during the 2002 model year. A lower-priced version of the SLS Crew Cab, with fewer amenities than its more amply equipped companion, is available.

Crew Cab models have four-wheel drive, a 4.3-liter V-6 engine and four, conventional, front-hinged doors. Only a four-speed-automatic transmission is available, but Sonomas can be fitted with an increased-capacity suspension.

In extended-cab form, Ford’s compact Ranger comes only with two narrow back doors that open toward the rear. Four-door Crew Cab body styles are available on the Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

Exterior
Sonoma Crew Cab pickups ride a 122.9-inch wheelbase and measure 205.3 inches long overall. The cargo bed is just over 4.5 feet long. The Crew Cab’s payload is 1,067 pounds, and the pickup can haul trailers that weigh as much as 5,200 pounds. A bedliner is standard.

GMC’s ZR5 option includes a roof rack and bright aluminum side steps and bed rails. Aluminum wheels hold 15-inch tires on all Sonoma models. Options include a bed extender and either a hard or soft tonneau cover.

Interior
Crew Cab pickups have front buckets and a three-place rear bench seat. All Sonomas have air conditioning, a tachometer, a PassLock theft-deterrent system and a stereo system with a CD player. A cassette/CD system is optional. Heated recliner seats with leather trim also are offered. Delayed interior lighting keeps the dome lamp lit for 15 seconds or until the ignition is switched on once the front doors are closed.

Under the Hood
A 4.3-liter V-6 engine is standard in 2004 models, and it produces 190 horsepower and 250 pounds-feet of torque. Only a four-speed-automatic transmission is available.

General Motors’ Insta-Trac four-wheel-drive system is engaged using a switch on the dashboard; an electronic transfer case permits shifting into or out of 4WD-High while moving. A 4WD-Low mode is meant for use on steep grades or muddy terrain.

Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.0 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 3.9
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 3.7
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • Third door stuck shut

    I bought my 2004 Sonoma that belonged to my dad after he passed. It's been kept in the garage since brand new. It has 3800 Miles. Even smells new. The problem is.my Mom used it for a few years before she got sick and couldn't drive. I didn't realize the 3rd door was stuck. When I had to call roadside assistance to change a tire, he threw everything behind the seat's, so there's that. But, when I grocery shop, there's no room in the front. Is it possible to have it repaired? I tried to force it open with my feet from inside, but I'm not very big. There's no rust, so I don't know why it won't open. Any advice?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable but..

    I've been happy with my 2004 GMC Sonoma but it has two serious drawback. First, the front passenger seat. The transfer case for the 4WD intrudes into the leg room of the front passenger. I am perfectly to drive this truck but the passenger seat is truly uncomfortable for an adult. Second the 4WD is activated by a button on the dash. The light goes on but that that doesn't tell if the 4WD is really working. When the 4WD fails the light still goes on. I've had the 4WD fail three times. Other than that this midsize truck just keeps going.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • nice truck

    This truck has done everything I've asked it to do. Rides nice great MPG. No problems. Never let me down
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love my truck

    I previously owned a Chevy S-10 extended cab with the 4.3 liter Vortec. Was a great truck but out grew it with a family of 4. The crew cab is very confortable with 2 kids. I really did not need the 4 wheel drive but it was the only way it came.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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GMC dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 GMC Sonoma?

The 2004 GMC Sonoma is available in 1 trim level:

  • SLS (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 GMC Sonoma?

The 2004 GMC Sonoma offers up to 15 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 GMC Sonoma reliable?

The 2004 GMC Sonoma has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 GMC Sonoma owners.

Is the 2004 GMC Sonoma a good Truck?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 GMC Sonoma. 75.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 4.3
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