The big three auto makers have been in an all-out war in the sports truck marketplace. Ford's Ranger and the Dodge Dakota have chalked up significant sales figures, but GMC hopes to make a charge with the 1998 Sonoma. Structurally unchanged from the 1997 model, the GMC Sonoma underwent a significant facelift in appearance and driver comfort.
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Like its competitors, GMC offers the Sonoma in both 2- and 4-wheel-drive versions. Regular cab, extended cab and extended cab with a third door option are all available. Sonoma sales have slipped since its introduction in 1994, producing only 44,629 units in 1996 compared to 57,496 in 1994. GMC plans to reverse the trend by adding features popular with today's sport truck buyer.
A Vortec 2200 4-cylinder engine powers 2wd models. The 4wd models offer a choice of two V6 engines. The most powerful of the two, a 262-cubic-inch, 190-horsepower edition, gives Sonoma a real punch off the line. Rated at 250 ft-lbs. of torque at a relatively low 2,800 rpm, Sonoma also boasts the strength to pull or carry an impressive payload. When coupled with an aftermarket weight distributing hitch, Sonoma can tow up to 5,500 pounds.
The 4-cylinder-equipped Sonoma rates at 120 horsepower with 140 ft-lbs. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Buyers who intend to use their truck for daily transportation more than hauling may want to consider this option.
Suspension options are numerous in both 2wd and 4wd models. Base models come with the choice of a suspension layout designed for the all-purpose Smooth-Ride, a firmer Heavy-Duty suspension for work trucks, and a sure-footed, responsive ZQ8 Sport suspension specifically tuned for a firm ride and great handling.
Four-wheel-drive models offer any of these three suspension layouts, as well as two off-road suspensions. The uplevel Highrider package for optimum ride control also includes an aggressive high stance and unique wheel flares. Mated either to the automatic transmission or standard 5-speed manual gearbox, the Sonoma handles its road duties in impressive fashion.
GMC hopes numerous upgrades in the cabin will differentiate Sonoma from its competition. Buyers opting for the automatic transmission will notice that GMC designers moved the shifter from its traditional floor position onto the steering column. This provided an opportunity to improve the functionality of Sonoma's center console. The space saved created room for an available remote cassette player with dual playback.
The new console design incorporates many driver-friendly features, such as a combination CD/cassette storage compartment, a spring-loaded coin release, dual-bin storage under the armrest and cupholders for containers of varying sizes. Elsewhere in the cabin, new front door trim allows wider arm rests. An additional cupholder resides in the map pocket.
New airbags for driver and passenger are of the second-generation, lower-impact variety. As with other pickup trucks where back seats are not always an option, GMC provides a switch to deactivate the passenger airbag for when children must ride up front.
The instrument panel redesign features an all-new gauge cluster and a backlit headlamp switch. Seating comfort is good, with shoulder, leg and headroom sufficient to keep you from feeling squeezed when riding with another full-size adult.
A touch-up of the exterior profile helps Sonoma illustrate its 1998 changes. New composite headlamps integrated fog and parking lamps into a single unit. Grille design is less angular that in previous models. The front license plate bracket, formerly mounted on the bumper, now blends into the charcoal-colored lower valance.
Other changes for 1998 include a center step cutout in the rear bumper for easier access to the cargo area. Four-wheel disc brakes are now standard equipment on all 4-wheel drive models.
GMC targets Sonoma to members of the baby-boomer generation who want the utilitarian benefits of a truck, but aren't ready to give up the fun of sports car driving. GMC offers plenty of both in Sonoma.
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