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2000 GMC Sonoma Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2000 GMC Sonoma Review:
5. 
GMC Sonoma Photos

6. 
GMC Sonoma Full Review

7. 
All GMC Sonomas

8. 
All GMCs


2000 GMC Sonoma Review
Extra V6 horsepower and a standard handling/trailering suspension for 4-wheel-drive models top the year-2000 news for Sonoma, a mechanical twin of the Chevrolet S-10 and Isuzu Hombre.

Regular- and extended-cab Sonomas return in SL and upscale SLS trim, while last year's SLE option package is now considered the new top-line model. A driver-side rear door is optional for extended cabs. Cargo beds of 6 and 7.3 feet are offered. Both come in flush-fender Wideside form, with the 6-foot bed available as a flare-fender Sportside. Front seating is a 3-place bench seat or extra-cost buckets. For 2000, the buckets are standard on 4WD SLS and SLE regular cabs and on 4WD extended-cabs. Extended cabs add two rear jump seats, with the left one eliminated on 3-door models. Antilock brakes are standard; 4x4s have 4-wheel discs.

Base power is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder. Optional on 2WD Sonomas and standard on 4x4s is a 4.3-liter V6 with 180 or 190 horsepower, respectively. The base V6 previously had 175 hp. Both engines team with manual or optional automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6400 pounds. Sonoma 4x4s use GM's InstaTrac system, which is not for use on dry pavement but offers on-the-fly shifting at any speed via a dashboard switch. Like this year's S-10s, Sonomas get alterations to the V6 and manual transmission aimed at smoother, quieter operation. The 2001 Sonoma and S-10 will offer crew cab body styles with four conventional side doors. Sonoma's performance and accommodations mirror those of equivalent S-10s.
Competition
Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out. The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda B-Series). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Among the Recommended choices we really like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for their drivability and comfort. General Motors' compacts (the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma) are getting a bit long in the tooth. But they still offer class-leading ride quality and a strong V6 engine.
News
Truckmakers are fighting a "door war" these days, but Sonoma has been missing out on the action. That will change for 2001 with introduction of a Crew Cab body style with four full-size front-hinged doors. Chevy's S-10 will also offer the Crew Cab. Both versions will be available only with 4-wheel drive.

Up to now, GM's compact pickups have been limited to a rear-hinged aft half-door on the driver's side, though the 4-door cab has been available for some time in South America. The Crew Cab configuration cuts cargo-box length from 6.5 to 4.5 feet, but GM may offer a bed extender like that on Ford's Explorer Sport Trac and Nissan's Frontier Crew Cab. A bed liner will be standard for the GM Crews.

Meanwhile, an all-new Sonoma and S-10 are on track for 2003. Engineering is being handled by GM affiliate Isuzu. Though current models are close relatives of midsize SUVs, word is that the new pickups share far fewer parts with the redesigned 2002 SUVs. Nevertheless, GM's new 4.2-liter inline-6 should replace today's 4.3 V6 as mainstay power in the trucks as well. Running gear and chassis components should have some similarities too. No word yet on what the new pickups will look like, but Sonoma styling should differ more sharply from S-10's than it has, in line with GMC's new marketing emphasis as a maker of "professional-grade" trucks.
2000 GMC Sonoma Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Ride
Instruments/controls Rear-seat comfort
Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 5 4

The 4-cylinder engine works best with manual transmission, providing adequate acceleration in light-duty use. If you want an automatic transmission or plan even occasional hauling, the V6 is the only way to go.
Fuel Economy

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
5 5 4.6

We averaged 19.8 mpg in a test of a 4-cylinder 5-speed and 18 mpg in a 5-speed 4WD extended-cab.
Ride Quality

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 3 3.3

Without a load, Sonoma suffers to usual pickup tendency to rear-wheel hop over sharp bumps and ridges, but the basic "smooth ride" suspension absorbs most pavement imperfections with little harshness and minimal bounce.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 3 3.3

The chassis calibrations used with higher-payload and off-road packages are much firmer than the base setup, so try them before you buy to see if you're willing to live with their compromises. We drove a '98 with the optional ZQ8 sport suspension and found it both athletic and livable in everyday driving.
Quietness

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 3 3.4

Wind noise is moderate, engines are gruff when cold or under hard throttle, but are not raucous cruisers. Road noise varies from little on base-tire models to lots with knobby 4x4 rubber.
Controls

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
5 5 5.9

Audio and climate controls are easy to decipher and reach, and there are a convenient cupholders and storage bins.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 4 3.8

Comfortable and supportive, but lacking in support when the going gets really rough, the front seats offer good room for large adults.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
0 1 .9

The optional left-side door is better than nothing, of course, but it can be awkward to open in tight spaces and you have to sacrifice the second jump seat to get it. Rear jumps seats were not meant for adults.
Cargo Room

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
1 3 2.3

The rear door makes loading and unloading a snap. Seats fold out of the way.
Value within Class

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 4 4.6

Good-value pricing and numerous available features make GM's small trucks worth considering despite their aging basic design and relative lack of mechanical refinement. Still, more and more competitors have a big edge in offering four-door extended-cabs with two or even three rear seats.
Total Score

SL reg. cab 2WD, man. SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. Class Average
29 36 36.1
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
27
Average Score
36
High Score
48
2000 GMC Sonoma Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/01/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SL regular cab, short bed $12,669 $11,972 $560
2WD SL regular cab, long bed $13,020 $12,304 $560
4WD SL regular cab, short bed $16,903 $15,973 $560
2WD SL extended cab, short bed $15,557 $14,080 $560
4WD SL extended cab, short bed $18,727 $17,792 $560
2WD SLS regular cab, short bed $13,827 $12,513 $560
2WD SLS regular cab, long bed $14,178 $12,831 $560
4WD SLS regular cab, short bed $18,231 $16,499 $560
2WD SLS extended cab, short bed $16,128 $14,596 $560
4WD SLS extended cab, short bed $20,281 $18,354 $560
2WD SLE regular cab, short bed $13,827 $12,513 $560
4WD SLE regular cab, short bed $18,231 $16,499 $560
2WD SLE extended cab, short bed $16,128 $14,596 $560
4WD SLE extended cab, short bed $20,281 $18,354 $560
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SL
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine (2WD), 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning (extended cab), variable-assist power steering, vinyl or cloth bench seat (regular cab), split folding bench seat w/storage armrest (extended cab), rear jump seats (extended cab), cupholders, AM/FM radio, digital clock, passenger-side visor mirror, intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, painted front bumper and rear step bumper, Wideside bed.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Smooth Ride Suspension Pkg. (regular cab short bed), Z85 Heavy Duty Suspension Pkg. (regular cab long bed, extended cab), 205/75R15 tires, 4WD models add: 4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, part-time 4-wheel drive, electric 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, front bucket seats (extended cab), center console (extended cab), tachometer, front tow hooks, Z85 Heavy Duty Suspension Pkg., 235/70R15 tires.
SLS adds to SL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth split bench seat w/storage armrest, upgraded door trim, carpeting, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: 4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, part-time 4-wheel drive, electric 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, front bucket seats, center console, tachometer, front tow hooks, Z85 Heavy Duty Suspension Pkg., 235/70R15 tires.
SLE adds to SLS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, part-time 4-wheel drive, electric 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, front bucket seats, center console, tachometer, front tow hooks, Z85 Heavy Duty Suspension Pkg., 235/70R15 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SA
SL
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SC
SLS
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SD
SLE
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SE, 2WD SLS regular cab short bed
w/manual transmission
$1,841
$1,583
w/automatic transmission
$1,841
$1,583
Air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, alloy wheels. NA with 4.3-liter engine, ZQ6 Convenience Pkg., bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, Z85 Heavy Duty Suspension.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SF, 2WD SLS extended cab
w/manual transmission
$2,156
$1,854
w/automatic transmission
$2,156
$1,854
Air conditioning, third door, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, deep-tinted glass, alloy wheels. NA with 4.3-liter engine, bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SG
2WD SLS extended cab
$4,602
$3,958
4.3-liter V6 180-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 3.42 axle ratio, air conditioning, third door, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, deep-tinted glass, alloy wheels. NA with leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Marketing Option 1SH
4WD SLS extended cab
$3,057
$2,630
4-speed automatic transmission, 3.42 axle ratio, air conditioning, third door, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, deep-tinted glass, alloy wheels. NA with Sportside bed, Highrider Suspension, Underbody Shield Pkg.
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SJ
4WD SLS extended cab
$6,421
$5,522
Marketing Option Pkg. 1SH plus limited-slip differential, 3.73 axle ratio, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ZR2 Highrider Suspension Pkg. NA with Sportside bed, fog lights.
Hot Looks Marketing Option Pkg. 1SR
2WD SLS ext. cab auto. trans.
$3,373
$2,901
2WD SLS reg. cab short bed manual trans.
$3,018
$2,596
2WD SLS reg. cab short bed auto. trans.
$3,018
$2,595
2WD SLS ext. cab man. trans.
$3,373
$2,901
Air conditioning, third door (extended cab), tilt steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, Sportside bed, deep-tinted rear glass, brushed aluminum bed rails, special axle ratio, ZQ8 Sport Suspension Pkg.
ZQ6 Convenience Pkg.
SLS, SLE
$795
$684
Heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry. Regular cab requires air conditioning.
ZQ3 Convenience Pkg.
SL, SLE, SLS
$395
$340
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
ZQ8 Sport Suspension Pkg.
2WD SLS short bed
$735
$632
DeCarbon shock absorbers, special coil springs, heavy-duty front and rear stabilizer bars, urethane jounce bumpers, 235/55R16 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires tachometer.
ZR2 Highrider Suspension Pkg.
4WD SLS extended cab
$1,895
$1,630
Includes Shield Pkg., Bilstein shock absorbers, heavy-duty springs, wheel flares, 31x10.5R15 on/off-road tires, chassis enhancements for increased height and width. Requires locking differential, bucket seats. NA with Sportside bed, fog lights.
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 180-horsepower engine
2WD
$1,295
$1,114
Includes engine oil cooler, tachometer. Transmission oil cooler when ordered w/automatic transmission.
4-speed automatic transmission
SL, SLE, SLS
$1,095
$942
Optional axle ratio
SL, SLE, SLS
$0
$0
Locking differential
SL, SLE, SLS
$270
$232
Comfort and Convenience Features
Third door
extended cab
$315
$271
Deletes driver-side jump seat.
Air conditioning
SL, SLE, SLS
$805
$692
Bucket seats
2WD SLS, 2WD SLE
$341
$293
Includes center console.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
SLS, SLE
$54
$46
Tachometer
2WD
$59
$51
AM/FM/cassette
SL, SLE, SLS
$122
$105
AM/FM/cassette w/automatic tone control
SLS
$202
$174
AM/FM/CD player
SLS, SLE
$302
$260
Includes automatic tone control.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLS, SLE
$402
$346
SLS w/Option Pkg. 1SG/1SH/1SJ
$100
$86
Includes automatic tone control.
Carpeting
SL
$70
$60
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sportside bed
SLS short bed
$475
$409
Sliding rear window
SL, SLE, SLS
$120
$103
Deep-tinted rear glass
regular cab
$75
$65
extended cab
$115
$99
Fog lights
SLS, SLE
$115
$99
Heavy-duty battery
SL, SLE, SLS
$56
$48
Cold Climate Pkg.
SL, SLE, SLS
$89
$77
Engine-block heater, heavy-duty battery. NA with Marketing Option Pkgs. 1SE, 1SF, 1SG, 1SH, 1SJ.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Underbody Shield Pkg.
4WD
$126
$108
Transfer case, front differential, fuel tank, and steering linkage skid plates.
Heavy Duty Suspension Pkg.
2WD regular cab short bed
$256
$220
Heavy-duty shock absorbers and rear springs.
Alloy wheels
SL 2WD
$372
$320
SLS 2WD
$280
$205
Cast alloy wheels
4WD SL
$372
$320
4WD SLS
$280
$241
Full-size spare tire
SL, SLE, SLS
$95
$82
205/75R15 white-letter tires
2WD
$121
$104
235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires
4WD
$218
$187
2000 GMC Sonoma Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Sonoma reg. cab short bed GMC Sonoma reg. cab long bed GMC Sonoma ext. cab short bed
Wheelbase, in. 108.3 117.9 122.9
Overall Length, in. 190.6 206.6 205.3
Overall Width, in. 67.9 67.9 67.9
Overall Height, in. 62.0 62.9 62.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3112 3367 3274
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1160 1489 1126
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5 18.5 18.5
Seating Capacity 3 3 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.5 39.5 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4 42.4 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. -- -- 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv I4 ohv V6 ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.2 /134 4.3 /262 4.3 /262
Horsepower @ rpm. 120 @ 5000 180 @ 4400 190 @ 4400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 140 @ 3600 245 @ 2800 250 @ 2800
Availability Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/29 17/21 17/23
4-speed automatic 19/26 16/21 17/23
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test GMC Sonoma reg. cab short bed GMC Sonoma reg. cab long bed GMC Sonoma ext. cab short bed
Front Impact, Driver 3 NA 2
Front Impact, Passenger 3 NA 3
Side Impact, Driver 4 NA 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 GMC Sonoma Review:
5. 
GMC Sonoma Photos

6. 
GMC Sonoma Full Review

7. 
All GMC Sonomas

8. 
All GMCs


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