Overview & Reviews
In what is likely the last year of production before a full redesign, the Sonoma gets a host of minor equipment upgrades. All extended cabs get a standard third door, while all models get a bed extender and upgraded stereos. The top-of-the-line SLE trim level has been discontinued along with the regular cab, long-bed model. Graphite leather trim is now available on crew cab models and Sandalwood has been added to the color palette.
- Sporty styling, fuel-efficient base engine, powerful optional V6.
- Cheesy interior plastics, low seating positions, spotty build quality.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 33.00-
Good little truck. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By Matt - October 28 - 10:24 pmBought the truck used with 120k miles for a steal, its pushing 180k now and Ive done nothing to this truck other than basic maintenance. The only issues Ive had with it are a crap radio (which is a common GM problem) and the typical rust on these little trucks. As far as the rust goes, the fender wells on the bed are for the most part completely gone, but the stepside trucks seem to be plagued with this issue. Slight rust on the cab corners and rockers, and the spare tire cable rusted and the tire fell off. As far as reliability, its been among the best Ive owned. Its not a powerhouse, but the little 2.2 does well when mated to the 5 speed. It doesnt seem to like interstate travel, as its runs about 3k rpms at 75 mph, but it cruises right along. The engine is noisy, it has that trademark 2.2 timing chain noise, but it has no effect on performance. Replacing with oem parts will cure it, but I just havent gotten around to it yet. Overall I love my little truck, and wouldnt hesitate to buy another. May go for a 4.3 next time for more power.
-
Good little truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By njoosse - November 15 - 10:17 amNice little truck, very reliable. Lots of power, tows easily, good on gas. Its ten years old, with 115000miles, starting to rust. No issues with reliability at all, but I find it has a lot of rattles and squeaks, more than I would expect. Everything works good, air blows cold, heated seats, etc..., overall a good truck.
-
Awesome. Wish they still made them. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By ChadneyG5 - April 23 - 11:54 pmI bought this truck new. I drive it every day & have ridden it hard with frequent off-roading and towing. It has had almost no problems. I now have 130k miles on it (in 2010) & it runs like new. Other than regular maintenance, Ive only had to replace the fuel pump & water pump. There is a door hinge pin that is a design flaw that must be replaced approx. every 100k mi. for $40. Ive owned 3 Toyota trucks previously and got this because of the 0% 60mo. financing. None of my Toyotas ran this well for so long, with such comfort. The MPG was about the same. I average 16-18.
-
love my sonoma - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By foster - March 16 - 3:31 pmexpensive truck to fix, only 85000 kms, changed o2 sensors, battery, brakes, front bearings, front bushings, 4x4 actuator valve, around $3000 so far in repairs, paint is chipping off bottom 2 inches of the 3rd door, still love my truck, 4x4 does not engage properly when its below 0 degrees C. Moisture buildup in the air line.
-
Miles per gallon - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By patty - July 12 - 8:50 amMy Sonoma never even got 19 on a good day. It only gets 17 on the highway. I drive 50 miles round trip highway miles to work every day. I have had it for 6 months and I have to sell it because of the poor mpg.
-
1 fun ride! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By LINMUP - February 3 - 1:12 amIve had really good luck with my 02 Sonoma SLS 5spd. with a 4.3l V6. Its definitely a fast little truck with only a few small/cheap parts. Cold air intake and a hypertech chip and youve got a sport truck. I love blowing away the occassional sport compacts and full- sized "accessorized" trucks! Power-to- weight ratio...you do the math (275hp+small, light truck= HOLD ON!)
-
Drinks like a fish - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By SwampRat - November 11 - 4:45 pmI like my 2002 GMC Sonoma, but it has terrible gas mileage. It averages about 13 mpg for me. My 1984 full size 4WD truck got better mileage (and that was a V8 compared to this 6-cylinder). Aside from that, its been a good truck. Its comfortable, rides well, and Ive had little in the way of problems. The rear left sides windows weatherstripping cracked, but it was replaced under warranty. As long as you can afford the gas for it, Id highly recommend this truck. Ive also driven Dodge and Ford compact pickups, and Id definitely recommend the Sonoma over either of them. If youre going to get a truck like this, DEFINITELY get a 3 door. Its worth it!
-
gmc items - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By hoss II - October 13 - 2:00 amVehicle needs aproximately 50 more horse power to be a good work truck. It suffers from a blind spot over the right rear corner due to the location and size of the c pillar and rear seat headrests. The fit and finish of the sheet metal (out of Linden NJ) was less than stellar. Warranty repairs to AC compressor, transfer case electric shift solenoid and air distribution system vacuum motors required
-
Like it...... but - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By B-man - September 15 - 2:00 amI like my truck and plan on keeping it for a long time. The 4.3 has plenty of power for me although it is a bit thirsty. I havent had any reliability issues at all. My complaints come from GMs classic little things like, Im on my 3rd radio and this one is messing up. (out of warranty now) Wind noise from drivers door weather stripping. (that the dealer couldnt hear when it was under warranty) Intermittent wiper switch slowly faded and is now on a mood basis. Noise from the front right wheel well when I turn left and accelerate hard. Scared to go to the dealer on this one!! Only other complaint is gas milage. Tows plenty, but hauls nothing!
-
Once the problems were fixed... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
By bigwarranty - May 8 - 2:00 amThe first 5 month of ownership were hell. The truck had water leaks like you would not believe. They fixed 5 different leaks 4 times, and replaced the rug and jute 3 times because mold from the water getting under the rug made the interior unhealthy to even sit in. LSS, the Division Manager met with me and gave me options. I wanted them to buy back the truck, but they wanted to charge me for miles. No way! In the end, I let them fix this truck "one last time" and I would agree to keep it if they gave me a 7 yr./100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Once everything was fixed, I fell in love with my truck... and it smells like a new truck should.
