2003 Gmc Sonoma in Mine Hill, NJ - $4,499

Meet the new flagship of the Sonoma lineup: the four-door, four-wheel drive Crew Cab. Added to the Sonoma roster last year, it provides a whole new dimension of versatility, durability and spaciousness. The new Crew Cab offers sedan-like amenities with the flexibility of a pickup -- designed to carry five adults in relative comfort.

Since its last major redesign in 1995, the Sonoma story has been one of product evolution. An inside and out freshening during the 1998 model year has aligned the small truck's identity with the larger Sierra pickup. With its rugged good looks and improved structure, this compact pickup works and plays hard. Sharing its exterior dimensions with the Sonoma extended cab model, the Crew Cab rides on a 122.9 inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 205.3 inches.

Manufactured in the automaker's Linden, N.J., assembly plant, the Sonoma Crew Cab is available in SLS trim and equipped with four-wheel drive. Power is generated by the L35 Vortec 4300 V-6 engine and transferred to the ground via the silky smooth 4L60-E four-speed electronic automatic with overdrive and torque converter. No other drivetrain is offered.

On the road, the smooth running powertrain turns in a powerful, safe and sure performance. Suspension hardware includes upper and lower control arms, torsion bars and a 25 mm anti-roll bar in the front. Rear suspension hardware consists of a traditional two-stage, variable rate multi-leaf suspension with a semifloating axle in order to manage ride quality when the specially designed short bed cargo box is fully loaded or empty.

The Sonoma Crew Cab is equipped with the Z85 Increased Capacity/Firm Ride Package suspension. This setup is recommended for heavy-duty hauling and trailering and can be used on paved or gravel roads. Technical features of the Z85 include 5,150 GVWR, 32 mm twin tube shock absorbers, 28 mm front anti-roll bar and P235/75R15 tires.

Inside the cabin, there is a full complement of analog displays and controls. Water and motor oil temperature gauges join the speedometer, tach, fuel, volts, odometer and trip odometer to provide an excellent, well laid out format that is easy to use. Outward visibility is top notch. The cargo box features a standard factory bedliner! A rear chrome bumper and full size spare tire are also standard equipment.

Ratings & specifications

Engine performance numbers are 190 hp at 4,400 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. EPA fuel economy figures are 15 city/18 highway using regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are easily accessible and clearly marked. Properly equipped, the GMC Sonoma Crew Cab has a maximum payload of 1,111 pounds and can tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 5,200 pounds.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, side impact door beams, programmable door locks, fog lamps, automatic headlamp control, front tow hooks, PassLock theft deterrent system, daytime running lights and limited slip rear differential.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2002 GMC Sonoma Crew Cab pickup starts at $24,273. Destination charge adds $585.

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