Used 2002 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Good little truck
njoosse, 11/15/2012
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Nice little truck, very reliable. Lots of power, tows easily, good on gas. Its ten years old, with 115000miles, starting to rust. No issues with reliability at all, but I find it has a lot of rattles and squeaks, more than I would expect. Everything works good, air blows cold, heated seats, etc..., overall a good truck.
Vibration? Vibration!? We don't need...
N. J., 05/27/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I took it in at 400 miles for a vibration coming from the rear. A month later GM says it's inherent to the two- piece driveshaft in extended models and "unrepairable". The dealer has tried hard to correct the problem to no avail. If the Corp. Service Rep. won't authorize re-purchase, I'll have to take refuge in the Lemon Law here in GA.
2002 GMC Sonoma for sale near you
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- SL Regular CabMSRP: $11,900246 mi away
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Sonoma the truck of many problems
Robert Godfrey, 09/11/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
I've had problems with the rear, then the transmission, then the engine. Body panels were out of alignment and body rattles. A harsh ride, that's so bad that when you hit a series of small bumps the truck skates sideways, making it the most dangerous pick-up truck I've ever driven. Low unconfortable seats with very poor visibility of the front end, and large blind spots. Makes me sorry I bought a GM vehicle, but I'm stuck with it, maybe this will steer others to another manufacturer.
Why me
wacky!, 04/19/2003
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SL 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had a 94 Chevy S-10 before and I loved it. So, I bought the truck I always wanted, a Sonoma 4x4 ZR2. Overall a good and nice looking truck with a nice ride. Nothing but problems with the transmission. Shifting problems, transmission leaks, trans fluid coming up the transmissin dip stick and driping on the exhaust manifold. Dealer has no clue what is the matter and GMC is giving me the run around! Too late for Lemon Law...Argh!! Do not know what to do!
sonoma zr2 review
sonomazr2, 03/04/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best mid-size p/u you can get. Its suspension is far beyond its competetion & if you like the Dakota you must like driving loaners because your getting a lot of transmission work done. The Ford Ranger is just cheesy. Those who rate this truck poorly need to get their head out of places it shouldnt be. There are foriegn trucks, but im a real American.
170000 mile review
Wishbone, 06/20/2008
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new. The biggest complaint I have is the warranty is not good. At 30000 miles the rear axle went out. They rebuilt it with no questions asked. At 40000 miles it went out again, again they rebuilt it and no questions asked. I never towed anything and never abused the truck. The mechanic said he heard a whine at 50000 miles and he was overriden by the rep that was deaf and said he heard nothing. At 52000 miles the rear axle crapped out again and GMC said it was out of warranty and I was on my own. Got a junk yard axle and have had no problems with it since. I've replaced the A/C compressor and the fuel pump, but no other major items and am at 170000 miles! Love this truck
Great truck
Jim woods, 07/20/2005
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Leased this fine truck in March 2002. When the lease ran out, I was totally prepared to lease my third 4x4 Sonoma, only to find out they discontinued it for a goofy 5 cylinder replacement. So I bought my lease truck with 29,000 miles on it. The only trouble I've had is needing to replace the instrument cluster at 34,000 miles because both the temperature and fuel guages became intermittant. But,I really love this little 4x4. It's been reliable and tough, with gobs of smooth power. It still gets 19 mpg in town and 23 on the road, not too bad for a big v6, 4x4.This truck has not developed one single rattle or squeak since I first got it. All in all, it's a dandy.
The go getR
David Rogers , 10/07/2022
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a great little truck, when I got it, it had 67,500 miles on it. I've driven it mainly on the highway my mileage per gallon was at 25.1, the truck now has 393851, the little truck still has the original timing chain. The starter, distributor, ac compressor, water pump radiator, Heater core and speed selector switch for the heater control has been changed. This is the best vortex motor I've ever had. Wish this 2wd had 4 wheel drive. Now it only gets 20.3 mpg. I think its time for a tune up. It's a 2002 SLS 4.3 2wd. The seats are not the best for long drives. On the model below it doesn't list the correct model. That's why I listed it here
love my sonoma
foster, 03/16/2009
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
expensive truck to fix, only 85000 kms, changed o2 sensors, battery, brakes, front bearings, front bushings, 4x4 actuator valve, around $3000 so far in repairs, paint is chipping off bottom 2 inches of the 3rd door, still love my truck, 4x4 does not engage properly when its below 0 degrees C. Moisture buildup in the air line.
Great little truck
dustin, 05/20/2009
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I haven't had this truck very long so i can't say about the reliability. But it seems really solid. I have the zr2 package. It rides really good for a 4x4. The gas mileage isn't horrible, it is a truck after all. It will get up and go, but my moms minivan will go faster. But her van can't go thru mud!!!
Vibration buy-back
N. J., 06/15/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a follow-up to my earlier rating. The truck IS unrepairable. It has taken GMC TWO MONTHS to admit this and authorize a buy back. They started to charge me useage for the 400 miserable miles I drove it. Unmitigated gall! Now I'm told they don't want to re-imburse me for the sales tax. I'm out of patience and looking at other brands, GM card be damned.
ZQ8 Sport Suspension Review
GRB, 07/27/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Good: Sport suspension improves the appearance and handling of the truck tremendously. The Bad: Inherent to the sport suspension is a rough ride and frequent vibration from the rear of the truck. Conclusion: Buy this model only if you're willing to sacrifice ride comfort for performance.
Solid reliable truck
Walt K, 07/11/2004
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have almost 50,000 miles on my 6 cyl extended cab SLS and it has performed perfectly ever since it was driven out of the showroom. Absolutely no mechanical problems at all. The ride is a little rough and the seats are not as comfortable as I would like. But the V6 is strong and the auto trans shifts nicely. I drive on the highway a lot and my gas milage averages just above 20 MPG.
Drinks like a fish
SwampRat, 11/11/2004
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my 2002 GMC Sonoma, but it has terrible gas mileage. It averages about 13 mpg for me. My 1984 full size 4WD truck got better mileage (and that was a V8 compared to this 6-cylinder). Aside from that, it's been a good truck. It's comfortable, rides well, and I've had little in the way of problems. The rear left side's window's weatherstripping cracked, but it was replaced under warranty. As long as you can afford the gas for it, I'd highly recommend this truck. I've also driven Dodge and Ford compact pickups, and I'd definitely recommend the Sonoma over either of them. If you're going to get a truck like this, DEFINITELY get a 3 door. It's worth it!
2002 Sonoma 4wd Ext. cab OK but w/caveat
Kent Bryant, 12/01/2006
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have no idea if they made the shell flimsier or not with this year model, but I had two previous Sonomas which did not receive anywhere near the small body dents. Also, the older models actually had better accessories than this new one such as rear defrost and sun visor mirrors. Also, the 4WD switching buttons on the inside console predictable failed at my 3 year ownership mark, so now I am limited to 2-wheel drive even though I own a 4WD truck. Have no idea what it will cost me to get that fixed. It was always troublesome from the beginning. Other than that, pretty reliable vehicle after 4 years.
Love it after 100K miles
safeman, 07/26/2007
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had the truck for 5 years and have a little over 111,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, have not had to repair anything. Got 105,000 miles on the original tires! Extremely reliable. Rides as well today as when I first bought it. Had an accident in it at 80 mph on I-95. I was hit in the passenger door, spun 180 degrees and slid across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic. I ended up facing the wrong way on the opposite shoulder of the interstate. The truck was rock solid during the entire ordeal. The truck still looks good, runs well and is comfortable. It still gets 20 mpg. After reading some of the earlier comments, I wonder whether we are talking about the same vehicle.
Once the problems were fixed...
bigwarranty, 05/08/2003
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first 5 month of ownership were hell. The truck had water leaks like you would not believe. They fixed 5 different leaks 4 times, and replaced the rug and jute 3 times because mold from the water getting under the rug made the interior unhealthy to even sit in. LSS, the Division Manager met with me and gave me options. I wanted them to buy back the truck, but they wanted to charge me for miles. No way! In the end, I let them fix this truck "one last time" and I would agree to keep it if they gave me a 7 yr./100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Once everything was fixed, I fell in love with my truck... and it smells like a new truck should.