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

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  Good little truck. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Matt - October 28 - 10:24 pm

  Bought 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.

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  Good little truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By njoosse - November 15 - 10:17 am

  Nice 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.

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  Awesome. Wish they still made them. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By ChadneyG5 - April 23 - 11:54 pm

  I 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.

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  Great little workhorse! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By BigD - May 29 - 7:05 pm

  This is a little truck with an attitude...I have the 4.3 V6 and it will take on those big boys like the full size fords and dodges and stay with them. now this is a stock V6 and it has the sound of a big boy! it tows real good and can carry a big load and still do 70mph...so if you are looking at this model of a truck you will not be disapointed if you buy it!

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  Great little truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By dustin - May 20 - 3:08 pm

  I havent had this truck very long so i cant say about the reliability. But it seems really solid. I have the zr2 package. It rides really good for a 4x4. The gas mileage isnt horrible, it is a truck after all. It will get up and go, but my moms minivan will go faster. But her van cant go thru mud!!!

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  love my sonoma - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By foster - March 16 - 3:31 pm

  expensive 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.

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  Miles per gallon - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By patty - July 12 - 8:50 am

  My 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.

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  170000 mile review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Wishbone - June 20 - 1:32 am

  I bought this truck new. The biggest complaint I have is the warranty is not good. At 30000 miles the rear axle went out. They rebuilt it with no questions asked. At 40000 miles it went out again, again they rebuilt it and no questions asked. I never towed anything and never abused the truck. The mechanic said he heard a whine at 50000 miles and he was overriden by the rep that was deaf and said he heard nothing. At 52000 miles the rear axle crapped out again and GMC said it was out of warranty and I was on my own. Got a junk yard axle and have had no problems with it since. Ive replaced the A/C compressor and the fuel pump, but no other major items and am at 170000 miles! Love this truck

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  Very happy - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By larry moore - December 24 - 4:32 pm

  We are the original owners and are very happy with our first 4x4 vehicle. We cannot believe how great the ride is for being a 4x4. The performance is great with the 4.3 engine. We drive for 7 hrs to get up north in the summer and we both feel fresh, even tho we each sat in the same position all the way. We make sure that it is maintained regularly. We are seniors and are depending on never getting rid of our 2002 Sonoma 4x4 extended cab.

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  Love it after 100K miles - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By safeman - July 26 - 12:44 pm

  Have had the truck for 5 years and have a little over 111,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, have not had to repair anything. Got 105,000 miles on the original tires! Extremely reliable. Rides as well today as when I first bought it. Had an accident in it at 80 mph on I-95. I was hit in the passenger door, spun 180 degrees and slid across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic. I ended up facing the wrong way on the opposite shoulder of the interstate. The truck was rock solid during the entire ordeal. The truck still looks good, runs well and is comfortable. It still gets 20 mpg. After reading some of the earlier comments, I wonder whether we are talking about the same vehicle.