Against 435 other V6 cars rated 2002–2004, the Sonoma trails their 18.8 mpg average by 3.8 mpg, about $517 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1991, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1994–2003), does 22.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1994–2004), 17.7: $462 a year apart.
Every GMC Sonoma engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 19.7 / 25.9 | 1994–2003 | $1,707 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20.3 / 25 | 1991–1993 | $1,745 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17 / 23 | 1991–1993 | $2,021 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 21.2 | 1994–2004 | $2,169 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet S-10 Pickup gets 18.3 mpg, next to 15 mpg for the 2004 Sonoma. The Sonoma costs the most of them to run: $462 a year more than the Chevrolet S-10 Pickup.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2002–2004 | +$517 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,176 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 GMC Sonoma gives up 4 mpg in town: 18 on the highway against 14 in the city, $610 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Sonoma changed over the years
The Sonoma peaked in 1997 at 21 mpg (18 city, 25 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 15 — 6 mpg apart, or $731 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 15. The 2004 model loses 4.5 mpg against 19.5 for the 2003, with 1 version instead of 2.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1999 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1998 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 25 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 18.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1994 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1993 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1992 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 27 EPA ratings of the GMC Sonoma — 4 engines across 1991–2004. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,176. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 GMC Sonoma get?
15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the Sonoma has averaged 20.1 mpg.
Is the 2004 Sonoma more efficient than the 2003?
No: 15 against 19.5 mpg combined, about $591 a year more to run.
Which Sonoma year has the best gas mileage?
The 1997, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 25 highway).
Does the Sonoma get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet S-10 Pickup?
No: 15 mpg for the 2004 Sonoma against 18.3 for the 2004 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup, about $462 a year more to run.
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