2002 GMC Sonoma

Although there's nothing car-like about a Sonoma, it's by no means unpleasant to drive, even for recreational and everyday uses. Basically, this is a pickup with few surprises—the same capable compact it's always been, benefiting from periodic improvements over the years.


Acceleration with the V-6 4x4 Crew Cab Sonoma is brisk from a standstill and rather vigorous when passing at 50 mph or so. The automatic transmission downshifts with only momentary delay.


Quite stable on the highway, the Sonoma maneuvers easily and is not difficult to judge, but you don't want to push it too hard through curves. No one would call the ride gentle, especially when fitted with the heavy-duty suspension, but the Sonoma reacts promptly to bumps, smoothing out at least a few of them in the process. Like most pickups, it exhibits a moderate driveline drone during acceleration, but is quiet enough at speed.

Four-door Crew Cab Sonomas have decent rear-seat access/accommodation for full-sized adults. A leather interior package is optional.

Long seat bottoms and nice cushioning with the optional leather upholstery combine with good support for a comfortable experience, at least for front-seat occupants. The full-back bench is handy, though head and leg space are snug—and getting in and out is a little tight. Passengers aren't likely to sign up eagerly for long journeys if consigned to the rear.


Mounted high on the dashboard, the optional InstaTrac setup permits fingertip selection of 2WD or 4WD—a handy feature if you're the type of driver who needs to use different modes periodically.