Model year guide

2002 GMC Sonoma

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 GMC Sonoma is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2002 GMC Sonoma — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 GMC Sonoma at a glance

Owner complaints57
Combined14–22 mpg
Typical price$3,085

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 GMC Sonoma common problems

Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2002 GMC Sonoma safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 GMC Sonoma MPG & running costs

Combined14–22 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 GMC Sonoma worth?

Low
$750
Typical price
$3,085
High
$4,500

From 17 comparable 2002 GMC Sonoma listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 GMC Sonoma costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 GMC Sonoma trims & engines on record

Trims
SLS · SL
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl · 2.2L

2002 GMC Sonoma vehicles on record

Other GMC Sonoma model years

2002 GMC Sonoma — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sonoma?

Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are structure, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 2002 GMC Sonoma safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 GMC Sonoma crash-test ratings of frontal 2★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Sonoma get?

The 2002 GMC Sonoma has U.S. EPA estimates of 14–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

How much is a 2002 GMC Sonoma worth?

Comparable 2002 GMC Sonoma listings run roughly $750–$4,500, typically around $3,085 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.