2003 GMC Sonoma: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

An available sunroof is the 2003 highlight as GMC's compact pickup awaits a larger replacement for 2004. Sonoma shares a basic design with Chevrolet's S-10. It offers 2-dr regular cabs and 3-dr extended cabs in SL and uplevel SLS trim, plus a 4-dr SLS Crew Cab. Extendeds have a left rear door and a rear jump seat. Regulars and extendeds use a 6-ft Fleetside bed; regulars also offer a 7.3-ft Fleetside bed. Crews have a 4.6-ft bed and a 3-passenger rear bench seat. A 6-ft flared-fender Sportside box is available for SLS models except Crew Cabs.

Regulars come only with rear-wheel drive. Available for extendeds and standard in Crew Cabs is 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. A 4-cyl engine is standard with 2WD and a 180-hp V6 is optional; 4WD Sonomas use a 190-hp V6. Long beds and Crew Cabs come only with automatic transmission, other models also offer manual. All have air conditioning and ABS; 4x4s substitute rear disc brakes for drums. Crew Cab options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the ZR5 package with brushed-aluminum exterior accents and special alloy wheels. For 2003, a split front bench is standard instead of optional on 2WD Sonomas. The new ZRX Street Rider package for the 2WD SLS short-bed includes a power sunroof. Due for '04 are slightly larger replacements called the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado. Sonoma's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped S-10s.

COMPETITION

Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. 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.

Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.