1997 GMC Sonoma A Personal Pickup for Work or Play. By Sue Mead, New Car Test Drive .com

In 1994, GM debuted an all-new family of pickup trucks, the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S-Series. Since then, GM has continued to upgrade the lines.

Last year's models came with stronger engines, more options and an extra

door. Refinements make this year's models even more sporty, fuel efficient,

comfortable and user friendly.

GMC offers one of the greatest variety of options on the market with

two- and four-wheel drive models, regular and extended cab versions, short

and long beds, seven different chassis packages and SL, SLS and SLE trim

levels.

Last year, a model with a third door debuted along with performance

improvements under the hood and a new ZX8 chassis package.

Now a popular choice, the third-door option for extended cabs was an

industry-first for compact trucks when GMC introduced it. A driver's-side

panel swings out to make it easier to load personal gear, pets and people.

The ZQ8 suspension is now available for regular and extended cab models.

Designed for performance enthusiasts, this street suspension package enhances

on-road handling and goes a long way toward making the Sonoma ride and

handle more like a car. The $700 ZQ8 package comes with springs that lower

the ride height, high-performance gas shock absorbers, urethane bounce

jumpers, front and rear stabilizer bars, specially tuned variable-ratio

power steering and wide eight-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear P235/55R-16

tires. A locking differential enhances traction on paved surfaces.

Also new this year is an improved frame design on 2WD models, enhancements

to both the Vortec V6 and 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines, automatic transmission

upgrades for improved fuel economy and revised front half-shafts on 4WD

models.

Competitors for the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S-Series are the Ford Ranger,

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Pickup, Mazda B-series, Dodge Dakota and Isuzu Hombre.