2001 GMC Sonoma: Road Test
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2001 GMC Sonoma ▼
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- MSRP: $12,863 -$25,183
- Invoice: $12,156 -$22,791
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Our road test for the 2001 GMC Sonoma includes a full evaluation of the 2001 GMC Sonoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 GMC Sonoma, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 GMC Sonoma help you decide if a 2001 GMC Sonoma is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Chevy or GMC, 4-cyl versions perform best with manual transmission. Automatic transmission or heavy hauling warrants the V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
We averaged 19.8 mpg with a 4-cyl, 18 with a 4WD extended cab.
RIDE QUALITY
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Base suspension provides relatively soft, controlled ride. Firmer off-road and heavy-duty suspensions give a harsh ride, so try before you buy. As in any unloaded truck, the rear end tends to hop over sharp bumps and ridges.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Cornering lean is evident with any suspension, but Sonomas generally feel balanced in turns, with a natural feel to the power steering and good resistance to crosswinds.
QUIETNESS
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Wind noise moderate, but engines gruff when cold. Road noise fairly low with 2WD, higher with 4WD's knobby tires.
CONTROLS
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Gauges are unobstructed. Soft-touch rotary knobs for climate system along with large buttons for audio system enhance simple control layout. Some plastics look, feel low-budget.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Front-seat comfort is good. Extended- and crew-cabs benefit from generous rearward seat travel.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.3 |
Extended-cab's twin rear jump seats suit only children, and the right one is sacrificed with the optional 3rd door. (Rival Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series extended-cabs offer two rear doors and two rear jump seats.) Crew Cab's independent front hinged rear doors are more convenient than any extended-cab's rear-hinged doors, but its seat is low to the floor and there isn't a lot of legroom.
CARGO ROOM
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 |
Slight behind seat in regular cabs. Fold rear seat and pile high for good storage space in extended and crew cabs. Cabin provides cupholders and bins; door panels have map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
We rate the Dodge Dakota, Ranger/B-Series, and Toyota Tacoma higher overall, GM's trucks suffering from an aging design. But their price, payload, power, and available crew cab are competitive and discounts are readily available.
Total Score
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLE ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 36 | 39 | 38.3 |
Total Score: 35
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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