1998 GMC Sonoma A personal pickup for work or play. By Sue Mead, New Car Test Drive .com

This year's GMC Sonoma is better and more refined than ever. General Motors has been upgrading and refining

the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S-10 ever since their introduction in 1994. Recent changes include stronger engines,

better fuel economy, improved suspension systems and a greater selection of options, including a third door.

Refinements for 1998 make this year's line-up safer, more comfortable, more fun to drive and easier to use.

Dual air bags are standard equipment; a key-operated suppression switch allows the driver to deactivate the

passenger-side airbag. Other improvements include new looks inside and out, improved brakes, an upgraded

automatic transmission, increased towing capacity and more comfort and convenience features.

GMC offers a huge selection of options with two- and four-wheel-drive models, regular and extended cab

bodies, short and long beds, seven different chassis packages and SL, SLS and SLE trim levels.

Compact pickups that compete with the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S-Series are the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota,

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Mazda B-Series and Isuzu Hombre.