Overview & Reviews

Though not as popular as full-size pickups, compact and midsize pickups fulfill an important role. For the many truck buyers whose towing and hauling needs don't require the capabilities of a full-size, these more nimble and fuel-efficient trucks are the perfect choice. GMC's entrant in this segment is the Canyon.

The GMC Canyon is handsome-looking, thanks to its square jaw and broad-shouldered stance, and its impressive crash test scores offer peace of mind to owners. It also offers available V8 power, a rare treat in this segment. When it comes to negatives, however, the Canyon is plagued with more than its fair share. For much of this truck's life, its standard four- and five-cylinder engines have been lacking in the power department, which has limited the truck's ability to comfortably haul cargo or tow heavy loads. Build quality is average at best, and many items within the truck's cabin feel flimsy and cheap.

Though the snazzy, affordably priced GMC Canyon will no doubt hold a certain charm for budget-conscious shoppers with an eye for style, we think most compact or midsize pickup truck buyers will be better served by more capable rivals like the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.

Current GMC Canyon

Three configurations are available for the GMC Canyon: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Extended-cab and crew-cab models feature four doors; crew-cab Canyons have four standard-sized doors and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat that can seat three adults, while extended-cab versions offer two small reverse-opening doors and rear jump seats. Canyon crew cabs haul loads with a 5-foot bed, while the other two configurations get the job done with a bed that measures 6 feet.

Three trim levels are available: Work Truck (WT), SLE and SLT. WT models offer features like air-conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM stereo. The Canyon SLE model adds an improved stereo and a more extensive options list, though power accessories are an extra-cost option on regular-cab SLEs (standard on extended-cab SLEs). The SLT steps it up with leather upholstery and power seats. There are also two optional suspension packages. The Z71 suspension improves the off-road performance of 4WD trucks, while the ZQ8 package for 2WD trucks enhances on-road handling and grip.

GMC Canyon buyers have a choice of three engines. A 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder produces 185 horsepower, and is standard on WT and SLE models. It comes with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is more robust, offering 242 hp. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. The available 5.3-liter V8 cranks out 300 hp. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered; the 4WD system has a dual-range transfer case and push-button controls.

The GMC Canyon has met with middling reviews from our editors. Its interior has been criticized for being below average in build and material quality. Its engines, too, have been panned as lackluster, though the optional V8 is possibly the most enjoyable engine in the compact truck segment. In consumer reviews, owners have praised the truck for its stylish exterior and quiet ride, but have expressed reservations about its build quality. In sum, unless you can't live without V8 power in your midsize truck, there are better choices.

Used GMC Canyon Models

The GMC Canyon was launched for the 2004 model year. It debuted with less powerful engines: a 175-hp, 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline-5. The ZQ8 package didn't become available until 2006, and the five-cylinder engine received a power boost to current levels in 2007, along with a revised four-speed automatic transmission with better shift quality. The V8 engine option didn't debut until 2009; this was also the first year for stability control and satellite radio.

Consumers shopping for a used GMC Canyon would probably be wise to expand their search to include its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, which offers basically the same attributes.

User Reviews:

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  04 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4wd - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By dwnszer - January 28 - 4:13 pm

  Pretty much what I expected. Had only one problem. Front end was aligned wrong which caused premature wear of the front tires at 17500 miles. Dealer replaced tires and realligned quickly. I have the crew cab with four wheel drive. Works good in our snow filled winters. Rides very smoothly gas mileage not as good as I had hoped.

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  Nice Little Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Phil - January 26 - 5:53 am

  Overall, a good light-duty truck and I am happy with it. Fuel ecomony is about what the EPA said it would be (23MPG Hwy / 19MPG City). Fun to drive and the I-5 engine with the 3.42 rear end is peppy enough for everyday driving, but the cruise downshifts if you are climbing any significant grade at all - and rather abruptly! Cruise set on 65MPH will indicate 1750 RPM. No mechanical problems so far (6300 mi). I ordered it with leather seats & most of the available toys. No squeaks or rattles and the body is very tight. A good little truck for todays high gas prices!

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  GMC Canyon review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By wvu_matt - January 13 - 3:12 pm

  Handling is tight and responsive. I was hesitant with the 15" wheels. I have towed cargo trailers with no problem or lack of power. The 5 cyl is great on gas without losing much power. Only problem was the valve springs. These were replaced around 10k miles. Evidently there was a service bulletin but no official recall. If you lose power at highway speeds--have them check valve springs (I think they fixed that on the newer models). Overall, I would buy it again. Great looking (I have black on black offroad package) and plenty of interior room with crew-cab.

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  Love my Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By kygmcfan - January 12 - 8:29 pm

  Been driving a Canyon for about a year, the low end model with an automatic. Plenty of power, good fuel economy, overall acomfortable ride. I dont understand coments about poor build quality, I find this unit to be built far better than any other units I looked at including the Japanese units for a whole lot less money.

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  Perfect small truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Andy - January 5 - 9:59 pm

  I have taken this truck across the US twice going from Florida, to Maine, back to Florida, and then to Michigan. Ive gotten as much as 24 MPG at 75 MPH with 5 people, and luggage. I hauled a 3000lb trailer from Florida to Michigan with no problems, and got 17 MPG while doing it. No problems on climbing steep hills in Tennesee, or with braking. I love this truck. It is perfectly powered for a small truck. It has also performed excellant during the Michigan winter with its traction control, even in my steep driveway with snow.

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  Its OK - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By juniegravy - January 3 - 7:08 pm

  Vehicle used mainly for city delivery. Fuel economy 23 mpg on route. Has manual shift which is ok, but no vette. Handles 3000 lb trailer ok when called on. Id give it "considerly above average" over all.

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  Canyon a Great ride - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - December 31 - 12:32 am

  This is my 6th compact truck and by far the best. My last was a Japanese brand- mistake. Interior convenience is so much better and the seat material so much more durable. I have a low end version with 4 cyl and auto, the power is suprising and I still get 16 mpg around town.

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  Good Mid-sized Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By RSWARD - December 29 - 3:50 pm

  Very happy with the truck. Like the I5 engine, good acceleration, fun to drive, gas mileage is around 17 (city). Get compliments on the vehicle. Would have liked a better turning radius. Interior plain and simple. Otherwise very happy with the truck and got a good deal on it with all the rebates.

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  GMC Tough - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By fatboy - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  So far this truck has been everything I thought it would be for a small 5cyl truck. It gets the small jobs done perfectly and is a lot less expensive than the Tacoma. It is also easy to change the oil and air filter. Nice room under the hood.

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  Fun and good gas mileage - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Jim Salern - December 17 - 7:58 pm

  General Motors should have made this truck ten years ago and scrap the Sonoma. This truck rides quiet and smooth. The steering is tight. The gas mileage is good. Since I got my truck, other people I know have bought on e too. I love the 5 cylinder engine. Although car magazines rate the new Tacoma and the Hondas new pick-up truck a higher rating, Ill probably buy another Canyon when this one gets old.