 I owned a 2001 Sonoma years before buying this truck. There is no comparison. This truck feels like it has a V6 (only a 2.7L 4 cyl) and has an awesome ride while not being too harsh. What takes the cake is the great gas mileage. I didn't buy this truck for mileage, but I'm averaging 25 mpg with about 40%/60% city/highway driving. Not to shabby. The composite bed is nice, I'm sure it saves a few pounds off of the weight. I was bummed that it doesn't come with a tow package, but I did buy the OE hitch system for it. The man. trans is awesome, even when pulling a load. Keep your mud flaps on, the paint chips easily along the rockers; I found out the hard way.