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GMC Sonoma Car
As in the pre-1994 generation, the redesigned GMC Sonoma and similar Chevrolet S-Series compact pickup shared basic styling. Each rode a modification of the prior generation's platform, with more powerful engines than before and newly available 4-wheel antilock braking. Overall lengths increased by about 10 inches, for all three body styles: regular-cab long- and short-bed, and extended-cab short-bed. A redesigned dashboard and console included two cupholders. Pickups again came with rear-drive or part-time 4-wheel drive, with 4-cylinder or V6 engines and a 6- or 7.5-foot cargo bed. Rear antilock braking was standard on 4-cylinder models; V6s got new 4-wheel ABS that worked in both rear-drive and 4WD.
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GMC Sonoma
1994: $1,600-$3,900
1997: $2,800-$6,200
2000:$4,900-$9,800
2004: $13,200-16,500 |
A V6 is virtually essential if you want an automatic transmission or expect to do even occasional hauling. The 4-cylinder engine works best with manual shift, providing adequate acceleration for light-duty chores. With an empty cargo bed, the Sonoma's back wheels tend to hop over sharp bumps and ridges in the road. Otherwise the basic "smooth-ride" suspension handles most pavement imperfections with little harshness and minimal bounding. Body lean is evident in turns, but the truck feels balanced and poised, providing fine resistance to gusty crosswinds. Power steering has a natural feel. Four-wheel antilock braking, standard on all late models, is a definite bonus. However, the brake pedal is spongy and has plenty of play before you feel any stopping power. The optional rear door is easy to use and a genuine convenience, allowing unprecedented access to the rear of extended-cab models. A Sonoma equipped with that door, however, lacks the second jump seat. The 2001 Crew Cab's independent front hinged rear doors are more convenient than any extended-cab's rear-hinged doors, but its seat is low to the floor and there isn't a lot of legroom.
| Specification |
crew cab |
ext. cab |
reg. cab long bed |
reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. |
122.9 |
122.9 |
117.9 |
108.3 |
| Overall Length, in. |
205.3 |
203.7 |
205.0 |
189.0 |
| Overall Width, in. |
67.8 |
67.9 |
67.9 |
67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. |
63.4 |
62.2 |
62.1 |
62.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. |
4039 |
3168 |
2983 |
2930 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. |
1111 |
1461 |
1727 |
1667 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
18.0 |
20.0 |
20.0 |
20.0 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
| Front Head Room, in. |
39.6 |
39.5 |
39.5 |
39.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
42.4 |
43.2 |
43.2 |
43.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. |
38.2 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
34.6 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Sonomas had a choice of three engines: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, 165-horsepower 4.3-liter V6, and an "enhanced" 4.3-liter V6 that delivered 30 extra horsepower. In 1995, the 4.3-liter dipped from 165 to 155 horsepower, while the "enhanced" version dropped to 191. For '96, the revised 4.3-liter Vortec V6 jumped to 180 horsepower (but just 170 horses with 2WD, where the V6 was an option). A high-output version now made 190 horsepower with 4WD or 180 with 2WD. In 1997, the regular V6 was rated at 180 horsepower with 4WD, or 175 with 2WD. Those ratings grew to 190 and 180, respectively, for 2000. Most Sonomas could have 5-speed manual shift, or an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's crashworthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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