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2002 GMC Sonoma Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 GMC Sonoma Review:
2002 GMC Sonoma Review
GMC's version of the Chevrolet S-10 adds air conditioning and a tachometer as standard on all models for 2002. And the long cargo bed, which had been dropped at the beginning of the model year, has been reinstated. Sonoma comes in 2-dr regular cab, 3-dr extended cab, and 4-dr Crew Cab body styles. Regular and extended cabs come with a 6-ft bed in either Wideside or flared-fender Sportside form; the 7.3-ft long bed is available only on the regular cab. Crew Cabs use a 4.6-ft Wideside bed. New options include a bed extender that folds out from the rear of the cargo box, and for Crew Cabs, a rigid, locking bed cover. Regulars and extendeds offer bench or bucket front seats; Crews have buckets. Extended cabs have a left-side rear-hinged back door and one rear jump seat. Crew Cabs have a 3-passenger rear bench. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer is a new '02 option, and Crew Cabs are now available with heated front seats. Regular cabs come only with rear-wheel drive, Crew Cabs only with 4WD. Extended cabs offer 2WD or 4WD. The 4WD system must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. A 4-cyl engine is standard on 2WD models. A V6 is standard with 4WD, optional with 2WD. Short-bed regular and extended cabs offer manual or automatic transmission. Crew Cabs and long beds automatic only. ABS is standard, and 4x4s get 4-wheel disc brakes. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb. 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 Truck). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.
This year we are limiting our Recommended choice to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
This year we are limiting our Recommended choice to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
News
Sonoma will evidently be dropped after the 2003 model year as part of GMC's effort to offer "premium" trucks not available from in-house rival Chevrolet--and presumably anyone else. GMC shouldn't lose much by abandoning compact pickups, especially as Sonoma sales dropped 20.4 percent in the first nine months of 2001 vs the year-earlier period.
To take over Sonoma's place in the lineup, GMC is said to be eyeing a "crossover" wagon being engineered by Isuzu, General Motors' Japanese affiliate. This vehicle is still in the early design phases, so outsiders don't yet have a clue as to what it will be like. But Isuzu is just as truck-oriented as GMC, so we'd expect rugged styling and a "real SUV" 4WD with low-range gearing combined with upscale luxuries of the sort GMC now emphasizes.
To take over Sonoma's place in the lineup, GMC is said to be eyeing a "crossover" wagon being engineered by Isuzu, General Motors' Japanese affiliate. This vehicle is still in the early design phases, so outsiders don't yet have a clue as to what it will be like. But Isuzu is just as truck-oriented as GMC, so we'd expect rugged styling and a "real SUV" 4WD with low-range gearing combined with upscale luxuries of the sort GMC now emphasizes.
2002 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
Four-cyl models perform best with manual transmission. Automatic transmission or heavy hauling warrants a V6.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Four-cyl models perform best with manual transmission. Automatic transmission or heavy hauling warrants a V6.
Fuel Economy
Test 4-cyl model averaged 19.8 mpg, test 4WD extended-cab versions 15.9-16.5. GM recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Test 4-cyl model averaged 19.8 mpg, test 4WD extended-cab versions 15.9-16.5. GM recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.
Ride Quality
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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
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
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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
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
Wind noise moderate, but engines gruff when cold. Road noise fairly low with 2WD, higher with 4WD's knobby tires.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Wind noise moderate, but engines gruff when cold. Road noise fairly low with 2WD, higher with 4WD's knobby tires.
Controls
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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS 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)
Front-seat comfort is good. Extended- and crew-cabs benefit from generous rearward seat travel.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Front-seat comfort is good. Extended- and crew-cabs benefit from generous rearward seat travel.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Extended-cab's rear jump seat suits only children. (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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.5 |
Extended-cab's rear jump seat suits only children. (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
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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 1 | 3 | 4 | 2.7 |
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
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.
| SL reg. cab 2WD, man. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6.6 |
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. | SLS ext. cab 4WD, auto. | SLS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 29 | 36 | 40 | 39.5 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 39 | |
| High Score | 52 |
2002 GMC Sonoma Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD SL regular cab, short bed | $13,975 | $13,206 | $610 |
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| 2WD SL regular cab, long bed | $15,420 | $14,572 | $610 |
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| 2WD SL extended cab, short bed | $15,957 | $14,441 | $610 |
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| 4WD SL extended cab, short bed | $19,675 | $18,592 | $610 |
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| 2WD SLS regular cab, short bed | $15,093 | $13,659 | $610 |
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| 2WD SLS regular cab, long bed | $16,538 | $14,967 | $610 |
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| 2WD SLS extended cab, short bed | $17,093 | $15,469 | $610 |
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| 4WD SLS extended cab, short bed | $20,793 | $18,818 | $610 |
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| 4WD SLS Crew Cab, short bed | $24,492 | $22,165 | $610 |
Price note: SLS, 4WD SL require a Marketing Option Pkg.
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, 5-speed manual transmission (short bed), 4-speed automatic transmission (long bed).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, air conditioning, vinyl upholstery (regular cab), cloth upholstery (extended cab), bench seat (regular cab), split bench seat w/driver-side lumbar adjustment (extended cab), rear jump seat (extended cab), cupholders, third door (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, painted front bumper and rear step bumper, Wideside bed.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Smooth Ride Suspension Pkg. (regular cab short bed), Increased Capacity Suspension Pkg. (regular cab long bed, extended cab), 205/75R15 tires, 4WD models add: 4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, front bucket seats, center console, front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, 235/70R15 tires.
SLS regular/extended cab adds to SL:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, split bench seat w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/CD player, map lights, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, 235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires. Deletes: fog lights.
SLS Crew Cab adds to SLS:
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 190-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats, center console, rear bench seat, front-hinged rear doors, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, overhead console, visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, bedliner, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, full-size spare tire, 235/75R15 on/off-road white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Marketing Option Pkg. 1SA
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4WD SL
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$95
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$82
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SLS Crew Cab
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$413
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$355
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Standard equipment.
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Marketing Option Pkg. 1SB
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4WD SLS extended cab
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$3,394
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$2,919
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Standard equipment.
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Marketing Option Pkg. 1SC
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SLS regular cab short bed
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$2,201
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$1,893
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2WD SLS extended cab
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$2,241
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$1,927
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Standard equipment.
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Marketing Option Group 1SC
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4WD SLS extended cab
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$5,321
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$5,476
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Bucket seats, center console, sliding rear window, ZR2 Wide Stance Suspension (chassis enhancements for increased height and width, heavy-duty front differential gears, heavy-duty axles, heavy-duty shock absorbers and front stabilizer bar, revised rear springs, unique front fenders and bed, fender flares), 3.73 axle ratio, 31x10.5R15 on/off-road tires. NA w/Sportside bed.
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Marketing Option Pkg. 1SD
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SLS regular cab short bed
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$3,201
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$2,753
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2WD SLS extended cab
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$3,241
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$2,787
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SLS long bed
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$2,636
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$2,267
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4.3-liter V6 180-horsepower engine.
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Marketing Option Pkg. 1SE
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2WD SLS regular/extended cab
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$3,976
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$3,419
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4.3-liter V6 180-horsepower engine, limited-slip differential, Sport Suspension, 235/55R16 tires, cast alloy wheels.
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ZQ6 Convenience Pkg.
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SLS
|
$795
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$684
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Heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry. Regular cab requires air conditioning. Std. Crew Cab.
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ZQ3 Convenience Pkg.
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SL
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$395
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$340
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
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Powertrain |
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2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine
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SLS long bed (credit)
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$-1,000
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$-860
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5-speed manual transmission
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SLS regular cab short bed, SLS extended cab (credit)
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$-1,095
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$-942
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4-speed automatic transmission
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SL
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$1,095
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$942
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SL
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Optional axle ratio
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SL, SLS regular/extended cab
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$0
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$0
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Limited-slip differential
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2WD SL extended cab, 2WD SLS
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$270
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$232
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Bucket seats
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2WD SLS, 2WD SL extended cab
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$341
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$293
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Includes center console. Requires automatic transmission.
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Split bench seat
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SL regular cab
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$275
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$237
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Requires automatic transmission.
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Heated bucket seats
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Crew Cab
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$1,495
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$1,286
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Includes dual 6-way power, center console.
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Leather upholstery
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Crew Cab
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$1,550
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$1,333
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Includes 8-way power front seats.
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Cloth upholstery
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SL regular cab
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$0
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$0
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AM/FM/CD player
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SL
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$302
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$260
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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SLS extended/regular cab
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$100
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$86
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Requires bucket seats. NA w/5-speed manual transmission.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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SLS
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$395
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$340
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Crew Cab
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$295
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$254
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Sportside bed
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SLS regular/extended cab
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$475
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$409
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NA long bed.
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Sliding rear window
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SLS regular cab, 4WD SLS extended cab
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$120
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$103
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Deep-tinted rear glass
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SL regular cab
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$75
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$65
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SL extended cab
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$115
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$99
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Fog lights
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SL regular cab, 4WD SLS extended cab
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$115
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$99
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SL requires Marketing Option Pkg. 1SB.
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Bed extender
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SL, SLS Crew Cab, SLS regular/extended cab
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$189
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$162
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NA w/Sportside bed.
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Hard tonneau cover
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regular/extended cab short bed
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$515
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$443
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Crew Cab
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$569
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$489
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Soft tonneau cover
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regular/extended cab short bed
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$271
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$233
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Crew Cab
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$310
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$267
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Bed rails
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regular cab, extended cab
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$169
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$145
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NA long bed
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Special paint
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SL, SLS Crew Cab, SLS regular/extended cab
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$115
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$99
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Cold Climate Pkg.
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SL, SLS Crew Cab, SLS regular/extended cab
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$90
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$77
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Engine-block heater, heavy-duty battery.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Z85 Increased Capacity Suspension Pkg.
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SL regular cab short bed
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$64
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$55
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Heavy-duty shock absorbers and rear springs.
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Trailer hitch
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SLS extended cab/Crew Cab
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$249
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$214
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2WD SLS extended cab requires Marketing Option Pkg. 1SD or 1SE.
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Full-size spare tire
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SL, SLS regular/extended cab
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$95
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$82
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Std. 4WD.
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2002 GMC Sonoma Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | GMC Sonoma regular cab short bed | GMC Sonoma regular cab long bed | GMC Sonoma extended cab short bed | GMC Sonoma Crew Cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.3 | 117.9 | 122.9 | 122.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.6 | 206.1 | 205.3 | 205.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.9 | 67.9 | 67.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 62.0 | 62.9 | 62.7 | 63.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3092 | 3096 | 3198 | 4039 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1184 | 1504 | 1202 | 1111 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 | 35.7 | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- | -- | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- | -- | 34.6 |
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
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| 5-speed manual | 22/28 | 16/22 | 16/22 |
| 4-speed automatic | 19/25 | 17/22 | 17/22 |
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 regular cab short bed | GMC Sonoma regular cab long bed | GMC Sonoma extended cab short bed | GMC Sonoma Crew Cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 | NA | 2 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 | NA | 3 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 | NA | 3 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | NA | 3 | NA |
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 2002 GMC Sonoma Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
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