The Hombre's cabin is that of a low-dollar S-Series or Sonoma. A large and rather
blocky dashboard holds basic gauges, the steering wheel has an airbag, radio and
heating/cooling systems have simple controls, and there are seats, pedals and a shift
lever. A lockable glovebox takes up the space that may in the future hold a
passenger's airbag. That's about it, although it does share the roomy interior
dimensions of its cousins from GM, a definite plus when it comes to comfort.
The S has sturdy vinyl floor coverings and durable seat fabric. Basic American needs
for refreshment-in-motion are met: A pair of cupholders are molded into the center
console.
Simple the Hombre cabin may be, but shoddy it definitely is not. Materials used
throughout are good, and everything appears to be attached with care. Upholstered
surfaces are doused with Scotchgard at the factory for added soil and stain
resistance.
The better equipped XS adds a few desireable touches. A tachometer joins speedometer,
fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure dials in the gauge cluster, the seats
are covered with a higher grade of upholstery fabric, and the floor is carpeted.
An AM/FM radio is standard equipment in the XS, and a sliding rear window is optional.
The radio can be added to the S, but only if you order a rear bumper as well, a
peculiar combination that must have something to do with simplifying the assembly
process.
When it comes to choosing extras, the XS buyer is clearly better off. He or she can
select a 4-speaker AM/FM/cassette sound system, or air conditioning, or the sliding
rear window. Better yet, all three can be combined in a package that saves the buyer
some $300 when compared to buying these extra comforts piecemeal. The S customer is
restricted to adding air conditioning and the rear bumper-AM/FM radio option.
Unless you go wild with dealer-installed accessories (there are floor mats and no
doubt other add-ons available at that level) your Hombre will cost no more than our
fully-equipped XS tester. At less than $13,500 it's a real bargain.
All Hombres are 2-wheel drive. What is lost in off-road ability--something most buyers
in this category don't care at all about--is gained in highway ride comfort. And the
Hombre is extraordinarily smooth by pickup standards. Even though this is a truck,
with rear springs designed to accommodate a range of loads, its deportment with an
empty cargo box is surprisingly free of wheel hop on rough surfaces.
It is also quite maneuverable, a trait that's enhanced by good visibility from the
driver's seat, making it easier to see what you're maneuvering into or away from. A
high seating position, lots of glass area and good power steering see to that.
Stopping ability is very good as well; all Hombres have standard ABS, a feature not
available on base S-Series or Sonoma versions. That, too, is a plus in a pickup with
an empty cargo bed, since the rear wheels are more likely to lock up under hard
braking when there's relatively little weight at the back of the truck.
Simplicity is the word for the Hombre's powertrain. There are no choices; if you want
anything but a 4-cyl. engine and 5-speed manual transmission, shop elsewhere.
But both engine and gearbox are up to the job. The engine's 118 hp rating may not
sound impressive, but is sufficient to keep pace with traffic and manage Hombre's
1200-lb. maximum payload. It scores equally well when rated for smoothness and
economy, and has a good durability record.
Towing is another story, of course. If you're planning to attach a trailer that weighs
more than about 2000 lbs., you'll be better off with the 4.3-liter V6 offered in the
S-Series and Sonoma trucks.
Under way, Hombre is relatively quiet for a no-nonsense basic pickup. GM engineers have paid much attention to sound insulation, and have developed door seals that help to cut down on wind noise. Based on our experiences, we think most buyers will be able to drive the Hombre for long distances without discomfort or fatigue.