2002 GMC Sonoma: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.