The 1996 GMC Sonoma is a compact pickup truck often praised for its overall economy and handling. It belongs to the second generation of Sonomas produced between 1994 and 2004. Offered in a variety of trims including SLS, SL, and SLE, the truck came with both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. Depending on the configuration, it was available with a 2.2-liter I4 engine that produced 118 horsepower, or a 4.3-liter V6 that ranged from 175 to 250 horsepower. Both engines came mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1996 Sonoma also introduced a new 'Third Door' option on extended cab models, which would later become a common feature in the pickup truck industry. However, it lacked advanced tech and safety features common in modern vehicles as it was market-typical for the time.