2004 GMC Canyon Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 GMC Canyon includes a full evaluation of the 2004 GMC Canyon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 GMC Canyon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 GMC Canyon help you decide if a 2004 GMC Canyon is right for you.

2004 GMC Canyon Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)

	Acceleration (4 cyl/auto)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
3	6	5	4.6

For anything but daily commuting, 4 cyl is underpowered--especially with 4WD and automatic transmission. The 5 cyl is spritely with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission. No opportunity yet to test with manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
5	5	4	4.1

Extended-cab 2WD 5 cyl averaged 18.8 mpg. Crew Cab 4WD 5 cyl averaged 18.1. Though both were driven mostly highway miles, test fuel economy still slightly better than V6 rivals'. No opportunity to measure with 4 cyl. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.6

Overall, better than most any other compact pickup. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. Otherwise composed. Z85 (base) suspension furnishes best ride. Stiffer Z71 (off-road) suspension grows tiresome on long drives.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.3

Slow to react to most steering inputs, but Canyon corners with reasonable poise. Overall, among the more-agile compact pickups. Good straight-line stability. 4WD models have noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. Brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.

Quietness

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.5

Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors of extended and crew models. GM's 5-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4 cyl par for the class.

Controls

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6

Audio/climate controls simple to use, clearly marked. Gauges easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight. Interior materials and fit-and-finish above average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Lots of leg and head room; seats adequately comfortable for long drives. Middle seat for occasional use only.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
1	1	3	1.9

Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew cab somewhat more spacious, but leg room still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, rear seats hard and undersized, and entry/exit difficult through small door openings.

Cargo Room

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	3.1

Interior storage limited on regular cabs, good on extended and crew cabs with rear seats folded. Unique dual-position support cable allows tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop wheelwells with support from tailgate.

Value within Class

SLE Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	SLE Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	SLE Z85 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	6	5	6

GMC's Canyon and its Chevy Colorado companion focus on the light-duty non-commercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the full-size Sierra and Silverado. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks. List prices are fairly steep, however, so don't buy without a substantial discount.

Total Score