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GMC Sonoma compact pickup strengthens engines, adds options
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Sandy tracks, rutted by gully-washer runoffs, led through a thicket of mesquite trees separating cattle pastures in the Texas Hill Country, yet the vehicle at hand, rigged with 4-wheel-drive, handled this rough stuff like it was so much parking lot pavement.
For rolling across those Texas meadows or romping down divided freeways which wind back to San Antonio, this machine pumps the power -- lots of it, thanks to enhancements in an optional 4.3-liter V6 engine which pushes output to 190 horsepower.
Inside a spacious cabin, front buckets are separated by a center console and provide lumbar support, just like a sporty coupe would. In place of a rear bench for three, as the typical sedan provides, a couple of flip-up jump seats are installed, although without spare passengers aboard the space could accommodate a load of personal gear.
And there's more: An optional third door, which tucks behind the driver's door, has a hinge along the rear edge. It can only be activated after opening the driver's door, then swings outward to create an expanded portal for easy access to that area behind the front seat.
What vehicle stocks three doors and two jump seats, provides 4x4 traction and V6 power -- and feels equally at home plowing down rural pastures and urban freeways?
It's Sonoma, compact pickup in the fleet of GMC Truck.
A new generational design two years ago resulted in dramatic modifications for this truck, with curvy new exterior shapes, best-in-class cabin space and a variety of configurations for regular or Club Coupe renditions with rear-wheel or 4-wheel-drive formats.
For the 1996 editions, Sonoma has a host of improved features, beginning with changes in the three powerplants.
Also, options for suspension packages, box lengths and cabin layout mean more practical choices for truckers.
Sonoma's trim levels step up from base SL to SLS and the ultimate SLE, but that's only the beginning of selections for a pickup that can conform to virtually any sport, work or lifestyle application.
For hauling cargo, pick either the short or long bed. The short box measures 6.1 feet in length, while the long one extends to 7.4 feet.
For hauling people, select a cab that's regular size or the extended Club Coupe edition.
For traction, choose between 4x2 rear-axle action or the go-anywhere all-terrain 4x4.
For ride quality and intended application, among 4x2 Sonoma models the suspension packages vary from a smooth-riding edition skewed for passenger comfort to a lively sport model or heavy-duty worker.
For 4x4 Sonoma, these suspensions range from smooth to heavy-duty and off-road variations, plus a tall Highrider boost with 46 mm Bilstein shocks and fat tires designed to clear ruts, rocks and trail debris.
For an easy-riding town truck -- a little runabout ideal for hopping from supermarket to office to hardware store -- pick entry-level Sonoma SL, which still sells for less than $12,000 after tacking on the delivery fee. Its list of standard features seems extensive and generous for the price, and the handling characteristics and economy angles are appealing.
For additional comfort features, step up the Sonoma model ladder.
For a heavy-hauling work truck, specify that long-bed extension or add cabin space with a Club Coupe -- it begins around $14,000.
For increases in power and tougher performance traits, go for one of the two V6 engines or Sonoma's optional traction in 4-wheel-drive.
The standard 4-in-line engine for Sonoma decreases volume while improving power output, torque and fuel efficiency ratings. With cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, it displaces 2.2 liters, uses a sequential port fuel injection system and produces 118 hp.
A pleasing new Venture Gear 5-speed manual stick mates with the base 4-cylinder engine.
Two 4.3-liter V6 choices boost power -- the first netting 170 hp for 4x2 and 180 hp for 4x4, or the ultimate L35 engine rated at 180 hp in 4x2 mode and 190 hp for 4x4.
By switching GMC's Vortec 4.3-liter V6 engines from central port fuel injection to sequential multi-port, engine operation and performance dramatically improved.
With these V6s, the standard transmission becomes a Venture Gear 5-speed manual with aggressive gear ratios, while GM's Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic is available.
Sonoma's optional 4-wheel-drive mechanism, GMC's patented Insta-Trac system, provides shift-on-the-fly capability while cruising at highway speed, plus a low range when you want to steer away from pavement.
Push-button 4x4 convenience becomes one more option.
For added safety when hauling a heavy load, all editions carry anti-lock brakes. On 1996 models, a Kelsey-Hayes ABS unit appears across the line with connections to all four wheels.
Sonoma's regular-cab in short-bed configuration with base SL trim provides a 3-person bench seat and the 4-cylinder engine mated to 5-speed manual transmission.
Conveniences run from analog instruments to power steering, twin cup holders and a handy elastic strap on the driver's sun visor for securing maps or sunglasses, or hidden assets like door guard beams, full-size spare tire, step bumper at the rear and 19-gallon fuel tank.
Sonoma SLS adds exterior elements like sporty wheel trim rings, color-keyed bumpers plus front grille and air dam, and interior conveniences such as full carpeting, lighted visor mirrors, twin high-back bucket seats and two accessory power outlets for operating electrical gadgets.
Top trim SLE brings features like power door locks and plush bench seat with 60-40 split. This one wears a 2-tone paint treatment, body side moldings and front grille highlighted by touches of chrome.
The Sportside variation of Sonoma for 1996 earns an optional 6-foot box for regular or extended cab, save the rugged Highlander off-road package with its higher ride height, undercarriage shielding, anti-roll bar and special flared fenders.
1996 GMC SONOMA
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 GMC SONOMA Specs |
| Description: |
Compact pickup truck |
| Model Options: |
Compact pickup truck |
| Wheelbase: |
Short-bed: 108.3 inches
Long-bed: 117.9 inches
Club Coupe: 122.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
Short-bed: 189.0 inches
Long-bed: 205.0 inches
Club Coupe: 203.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 2.2-L I-4
OHV 4.3-L V6
OHV 4.3-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear, 4WD |
| Braking: |
Disc/drum, ABS |
| Airbags: |
1 |
| Price: |
$ 11,090 to $ 19,000 |
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