2002 GMC Sonoma Review
2002 GMC Sonoma Review
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Used Sonoma for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Sonoma model years
GMC Sonoma types
- Regular Cab
- Crew Cab
- Extended Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty styling, fuel-efficient base engine, powerful optional V6.
Cons
- Cheesy interior plastics, low seating positions, spotty build quality.
What’s new
In what is likely the last year of production before a full redesign, the Sonoma gets a host of minor equipment upgrades. All extended cabs get a standard third door, while all models get a bed extender and upgraded stereos. The top-of-the-line SLE trim level has been discontinued along with the regular cab, long-bed model. Graphite leather trim is now available on crew cab models and Sandalwood has been added to the color palette.
Edmunds says
We know the value of an old trusty pickup, but in the Sonoma's case, it's just plain old. A redesign is on the way next year, but if you need a compact truck now, better check out the competition first.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 GMC Sonoma 2dr Regular Cab SL 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$202/mo for Sonoma SL
Sonoma SL
vs
$240/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
With an aggressive look, available sport suspension, third-door extended cab, snazzy Sportside bed and a strong 4.3-liter V6 under the hood, GMC's Sonoma has been positioned as a more versatile alternative to the traditional sporty coupe. You can choose from three wheelbases, four cabs (regular, two- or three-door extended, and four-door crew), a short box or long box in Wideside or Sportside versions and two- or four-wheel drive. The decisions aren't over yet, as the Sonoma still offers two different trim levels, two engines and transmissions as well as multiple suspensions.
Two-wheel-drive Sonomas come in either regular or extended-cab body styles. The standard engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 120 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic optional. If a four-wheel-drive Sonoma is your preference, you can choose between an extended or crew cab body style. The standard engine on these models is a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 with 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on extended cabs, while the four-speed automatic comes standard on crew cabs and optional on extended cabs. The 4.3-liter Vortec V6 is also an option on both 2WD Sonomas, although it's rated slightly lower at 180 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque.
Two-wheel-drive buyers can choose from an all-purpose "smooth-ride" suspension, the firmer Z85 "heavy-duty" setup or a handling-oriented ZQ8 "sport" version. The Z85 heavy-duty suspension is standard on 4WD trucks, but if you're serious about four-wheeling, the Sonoma also offers the ZR2 option package that adds heavy-duty shocks and oversized tires.
Inside, Sonomas and Chevrolet S-Series pickups are virtually identical, with decent room for the driver and front passenger. However, don't expect anyone to sit in back without a fight as rear seat accommodations in extended cab Sonomas are tight. Even crew cab models are noticeably cramped for rear passengers. Center stack controls are canted toward the driver for improved access. Unfortunately, the cloth trim and carpeting feel thin, and the plastic used for dash panels and switchgear is noticeably low-grade. Crew cab models now offer Graphite leather trim for a more upscale look, and all models get upgraded stereo systems.
Although the Sonoma does offer an almost endless list of available configurations and options, there's no getting around the fact that the Sonoma is just plain old. With newer, more refined competition from Toyota and Ford on the market, the Sonoma doesn't look quite as appealing as it once did. If you're looking for a good deal, the Sonoma will probably fill the bill, but if you're looking for the best compact truck you can buy, look elsewhere.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 GMC Sonoma.
5 star(35%)
4 star(44%)
3 star(21%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.63 out of 5 stars
Good little truck
njoosse, 11/15/2012
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
2002 Sonoma ZR5
SlickDaddy, 07/26/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
The ZR5 appearance package, $1400,
adds a roof rack, bed rails, upgraded
wheels, and full length side steps.
The S10 uses black, but the GMC uses
brushed aluminum and looks much better.
4 out of 5 stars
Miles per gallon
patty, 07/12/2008
2002 GMC Sonoma 4dr Crew Cab SLS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
My Sonoma never even got 19 on a good day. It only gets 17 on the highway. I drive 50 miles round trip highway miles to work every day. I have had it for 6 months and I have to sell it because of the poor mpg.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Vibration? Vibration!? We don't need...
N. J., 05/27/2002
2002 GMC Sonoma 3dr Extended Cab SLS 2WD SB (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
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 Sonoma Highlights
Regular Cab
SL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,975 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $202/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 3,200 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic 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 – OriginalMarginal
- 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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