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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  My Review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Blake - December 17 - 10:28 am

  A good truck, American made and used for light hauling, presonal use only. I receive compliments on this vehicle. I have the off road, not beeing used off road.

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  Look before you buy - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By chevylover1965 - December 13 - 9:09 pm

  Overall the truck offers inferior quality, poor towing capability, and poor service from General Motors. The turning radius is horrible, as is the braking system. It is underpowered to the point that the transmission must shift often to maintain speed. The most significant problem is a weak air conditioning system. The air fluctuates between cold and warm. GM is aware of the problem, but does not have a fix.

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  Pretty Satisfied - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Mike - December 13 - 5:11 pm

  I have had an ABS/Traction Control fault problem with less than 1500 mile on it. The wheels look like they are plastic wheel coverings. Otherwise, I am very happy with the SLT package.

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  Very nice.... - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Doug - November 26 - 4:30 pm

  My Canyon is all that I could expect from a smaller truck. GREAT mileage with the 5 cylinder. Plenty of power. In fact, on a wet day the wheels actually break loose! Interior could be a bit more "classy".

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  Love my Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Patrick Chaisson - November 8 - 2:59 pm

  First time buyer of pick-up truck, serched web for past two years and decided to get it. All my friends love the looks and I and my wife have found our all round vehicle. I tow a small boat and it is a breeze. Lots of power and love the fuel economy. I am sticking with my GMC.

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  Love New Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jill - October 27 - 3:02 pm

  I used to drive a Dodge Ram 1500 at 15 MPG or less. Since even the Dakota gets only about 17 MPG and I needed a truck, I test drove the GMC Canyon. I have a 5 cycl, automatic, with FWD. I just love it!!! Best truck I have owned in the compact category. Gas mileage is anywhere from 20 MPG to 25 depending on my payload, wind...etc. This truck handles sssoooo much better than the Dodge Ram did and I really like Dodge products. Interior may not be as fancy as Dodge but I can live with it.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By cb500rider - October 9 - 2:01 am

  Ive never trusted GM vehicles. I grew up in MIchigan and heard all of the horror stories about the poor quality for my many relations who work or have worked in the GM plants. My last GM car was a 1980 Chevy Monza. I bought the Canyon because of the employee pricing and the five cylinder engines fuel economy. I have the Z71 SLE Ext cab with bucket seats. The seats are very comfortabe. The ride is high and smooth. The 2WD offroad suspension is great. I drove it down five miles of washboard dirt road at 45mph and couldnt believe the smooth ride. No problems so far, accept the center console creeks when i rest my arm on it. This is probably due to its thin plastic.

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  I cant beleive I bought another GM - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By bad decision - October 2 - 11:20 pm

  The build quality is horrendous! The doors do not seal and have no adjustment and are bend to fit. The seat material is garbage and already shows heavy wear at 12k miles. The a/c does not cool in traffic. Alignment was way off. Rear main seal seeps, power window go up crooked, no ash tray. The arm rest on the door is very hard and elbow gets sore after an hour on the interstate. Theres trash in the paint, and vehicle was delivered to me with known defective tires and on and on and on.

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  Could be Better - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - September 30 - 5:13 pm

  Yes, you get what you pay for - many features for lower than competition prices. Materials, fit & finish are poor. 4-cyl + 5 spd manual gives me a 25 mpg avg. Not much power w/ a/c & 500 lb load in back. 5 spd manual has been hard shifting into 2nd gear (dealer says "normal"?). Main (major) problem so far is driver side doors (ext cab) have constant water leak. At the dealer right now for the 3rd time having entire interior removed and carpet replaced + new weatherstripping replaced on both doors. If they can finally get this fixed I would consider the truck acceptable at an average rating. There are better small trucks out there but you would pay more money.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By IIZFISHIN - September 23 - 5:03 pm

  Bought this truck with 14,000 miles on it in July and have 18,000 on it right now. It’s a super truck and pulls the boat and camper just fine. Plenty of power and very roomy inside. Im 62" with plenty of leg room and headroom for me.