- pickup 168,697
- Middletown, OH
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- autoshopper.com
- pickup 168,697 gasoline silver manual
1997 gmc sonoma review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A personal pickup for work or play. introductionin 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. 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. The frame was reinforced this year. Distinctions are size of shocks, wheel and tire package and the size of cab and cargo box. the sonoma we tested came with gmc's $2,127 option package that included the vortec v6, aluminum wheels, wideside body, sls sport decor, air conditioning, tilt steering column, cruise control, high-back front bucket seats, and an am/fm stereo with cd player and clock. the sportside box adds flair and functionality. The floorboard is capped in steel for greater durability. Special transparent tape protects the vulnerable areas of both the box and the wheel wells to prevent stone chipping. Plank pockets, which can be used to create a raised deck for hauling wider loads. A serviceablility and fuel efficiency benefit: a drain plug that has been added to the front differential housing making it easier to change the fluid at home. new exterior paint colors for '97 are fairway green, smokey caramel, radar purple and bright teal. interiorthe sonoma's interior is roomy, comfortable and functional. The long, wide body along with a thinner door design translates to greater shoulder, hip and head room. Seat options include high-back bucket seats for two passengers or a standard bench seat or reclining 60/40 split bench for three. extended cab sonomas with automatic transmissions and bucket seats now have the shifter located at the center console. Seats, as well as door panels and carpet, are a scotchguard stain-resistant fabric. models vary with the number of comfort and convenience features. Solar ray tinted glass 72) protects folks and fabrics from sun exposure and reduces heat. Sunvisors with extensions for additional glare protection are a thoughtful addition. A glove box, door pockets, and space behind the seats provide spartan but basic stowage needs. A sloping hood, narrow a-pillar and unobstructed views to the rear make for clear views in all directions. analog displays of all engine functions are easily visible to the driver with switches that are bold and easy-to-operate for sound and climate controls. Although there are a variety of modern safety features in the sonoma series, including gm's standard daytime running lamps, only a driver's-side airbag is available. The c/k full-size trucks received them for '97 and they will be standard equipment in the compact pickups next year. driving impressionthere was a lot we enjoyed about the sonoma 4x4. As expected, ride quality was a bit jouncy with the heavy duty suspension package. These trucks ride much better with a cord of wood in back. The suspension does its job well though when in its element--driving on rough terrain, carrying heavy loads or pulling a trailer. the v6 engine provided healthy throttle response across the power band, which made everyday driving enjoyable and assisted with passing maneuvers. Sonoma's two v6 engines were upgraded with sequential central port fuel injection and now offer the best available combination of power and torque in the compact pickup truck class. The transmission has been improved this year with a new hydraulic pump that delivers up to 20 percent more output. Aluminum valves help reduce leakage and improve internal oil flow and a new clutch-plate design increases efficiency. sonoma's electronic transfer case called insta-trac is a dream to operate. The off road package is designed for the serious. the brakes worked well, though the pedal felt soft at the top third of its travel, a trait common with gm trucks. The truck will stop, but the driver learns to use the brake pedal with authority. Bucket Seats✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ AM/FM✔ Cruise Control✔ Aluminum Wheels✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Player✔ Alloy Wheels
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