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2004 GMC Canyon Full Review
Date Published: 7/08/08
Also in the 2004 GMC Canyon Review:
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GMC Canyon Photos

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GMC Canyon Full Review

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All GMC Canyons

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2004 GMC Canyon Review
GM introduces its new family of compact pickup trucks with the 2004 GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling. Canyon is slightly larger than the GMC Sonoma it replaces and comes in regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. Canyon and Colorado have separate trim details but share a platform and two new GM truck engines. Supplanting a 120-hp 2.2 liter as the base 4 cyl is a 175-hp 2.8. A 190-hp 4.3-liter V6 is replaced by a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline 5 cyl. Both new engines have dual overhead cams vs. overhead valves and team with manual or automatic transmission. Both are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that has low-range gearing but must be disengaged on dry pavement. Canyon's regular cab seats up to three. Its extended cab comes with dual rear-hinged back doors and seats for five. The 4-dr Crew Cab seats up to six. The Crew Cab has a 5-ft-long cargo box, the other models a 6-ft bed. ABS is standard. Available for the first time on a GM pickup are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Available on all body styles and with 2WD and 4WD is the optional Z71 off-road suspension, which adds elevated ground clearance. Canyon does not offer Colorado's ZQ8 sport-suspension option. All Canyons have 15-inch wheels and are available with a limited-slip rear differential. Traction control is a new option for 2WD versions. Also available are heated leather seats, OnStar assistance, and satellite radio. Sold alongside Canyon for the '04 model year are heldover GMC Sonoma Crew Cabs. Canyon's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Colorados.
News
Like cousin Chevy Colorado, GMC's newest junior pickup shouldn't change much for a few years. A possible exception is the addition of a 6-cyl option if GMC thinks adding one would help sales. If a six does materialize, it would be the 4.2-liter inline unit available in midsize GM SUVs and which shares the basic engineering of Canyon's 4- and 5-cyl engines.
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

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
38 43 43 40.2
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
32
Average Score
40
High Score
56
2004 GMC Canyon Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/31/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SL Z85 suspension regular cab $16,025 $15,144 $635
4WD SL Z85 suspension regular cab $18,635 $17,610 $635
2WD SL Z85 suspension extended cab $18,370 $16,625 $635
4WD SL Z85 suspension extended cab $20,980 $18,987 $635
2WD SL Z71 suspension regular cab $17,730 $16,755 $635
4WD SL Z71 suspension regular cab $20,410 $19,287 $635
2WD SL Z71 suspension extended cab $20,075 $18,168 $635
4WD SL Z71 suspension extended cab $22,755 $20,593 $635
2WD SLE Z85 suspension regular cab $16,980 $15,367 $635
4WD SLE Z85 suspension regular cab $19,590 $17,729 $635
2WD SLE Z85 suspension extended cab $20,080 $18,172 $635
4WD SLE Z85 suspension extended cab $22,690 $20,534 $635
2WD SLE w/1SB and Z85 suspension Crew Cab $20,610 $18,652 $635
4WD SLE w/1SB and Z85 suspension Crew Cab $23,220 $21,014 $635
2WD SLE Z71 suspension regular cab $18,905 $17,109 $635
4WD SLE Z71 suspension regular cab $21,960 $19,874 $635
2WD SLE Z71 suspension extended cab $21,535 $19,489 $635
4WD SLE Z71 suspension extended cab $24,615 $22,277 $635
2WD SLE w/1SC and Z85 suspension Crew Cab $21,680 $19,620 $635
4WD SLE w/1SC and Z85 suspension Crew Cab $24,265 $21,960 $635
2WD SLE w/1SE and Z71 suspension Crew Cab $24,235 $21,933 $635
2WD SLE w/1SF and Z71 suspension Crew Cab $24,555 $22,222 $635
4WD SLE w/1SE and Z71 suspension Crew Cab $27,340 $24,743 $635
4WD SLE w/1SF and Z71 suspension Crew Cab $28,000 $25,340 $635
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SL w/Z85 suspension
Powertrain
2.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, automatic headlights, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/75R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 235/75R15 tires.
SL w/Z71 suspension adds to SL w/Z85 suspension:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, raised off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/75R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates.
SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension adds to SL w/Z85 suspension:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt steering wheel (extended cab, Crew Cab), cruise control (extended cab, Crew Cab), front bucket seats, center console, rear jump seats (extended cab), split folding rear seat (Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD player, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass (extended cab, Crew Cab).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 235/75R15 tires.
SLE w/Z71 suspension adds to SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, raised off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/75R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, side steps, skid plates. Deletes: traction control.
SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension adds to SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, bed extender.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 235/75R15 tires. Deletes: traction control.
SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension adds to SLE w/Z71 suspension:
Powertrain
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates. Deletes: traction control.
SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension adds to SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, side steps, skid plates. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
ZQ3 Comfort Convenience Pkg.
SL, SLE Z85 regular cab
$395
$340
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
ZQ6 Power Convenience Pkg.
SLE, SLE 1SB, SLE 1SE
$500
$430
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Work Ready Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$250
$215
Cargo mat, trailer hitch, full-size spare tire. NA w/3.5-liter dohc 5-cylinder engine, Z71 suspension.
Powertrain
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$1,000
$860
2WD regular cab w/manual transmission requires trailer hitch. Crew Cab requires automatic transmission. Std. SLE w/1SE, SLE w/1SF.
4-speed automatic transmission
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$1,095
$942
Std. SLE 1SE, SLE 1SF.
Traction control
2WD
$295
$254
Includes limited-slip differential. Std. SLE Z71 suspension, SLE 1SC.
Limited-slip differential
SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$270
$232
Std. w/Z71 suspension.
Special axle ratio
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$0
$0
Safety
Curtain side airbags
regular cab
$195
$168
extended cab
$215
$185
Crew Cab
$235
$202
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
SLE
$695
$598
Includes one-year service. SLE, SLE 1SB, SLE 1SE require Power Convenience Group.
AM/FM/CD player
SL
$300
$258
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE
$395
$340
Satellite radio
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee. SL requires AM/FM/CD player.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
SLE
$175
$151
SLE, SLE 1SB, SLE 1SE require Power Convenience Group. NA w/OnStar assistance system.
Leather upholstery
SLE Crew Cab
$1,495
$1,286
Includes heated front seats. NA w/front split bench seat.
Front split bench seat
SLE
$0
$0
Rear jump seats
SL extended cab
$45
$39
Carpeting
SL
$70
$60
Rubber floormats
SL regular cab
$25
$22
SL extended cab
$45
$39
Requires carpeting.
Carpeted floormats
SL/SLE regular cab
$95
$82
SL/SLE extended cab, SLE 1SB, SLE 1SE
$160
$138
SL requires carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$205
$176
Std. SLE 1SF.
Hard tonneau cover
regular cab, extended cab
$725
$624
Crew Cab
$665
$572
Soft tonneau cover
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$255
$219
Bed rail protectors
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$135
$116
NA w/tonneau cover.
Tailgate edge protectors
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$100
$86
Running boards
SL/SLE Z85 suspension
$375
$322
Side steps
regular cab
$400
$344
extended cab
$425
$366
Crew Cab
$450
$387
Requires Z71 suspension. Std. 4WD SLE 1SF.
Fog lights
SLE Z85 suspension
$115
$99
Std. w/Z71 suspension and SLE 1SC.
Rear privacy glass
regular cab
$75
$65
SL extended cab
$115
$99
Std. SLE Z71 regular cab, SLE extended cab.
Bodyside molding
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$100
$86
Mud guards
Z85 suspension
$80
$69
Std. w/Z71 suspension.
Special paint
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$165
$142
Engine-block heater
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$20
$17
Sliding rear window
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$120
$103
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
SL w/Z71 suspension, SL w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SC w/Z85 suspension, SLE 1SE w/Z71 suspension, SLE 1SF w/Z71 suspension, SLE w/Z71 suspension, SLE/SLE 1SB w/Z85 suspension
$270
$232
Includes wiring harness.
Front tow hooks
4WD w/Z85 suspension
$50
$43
Skid plates
4WD w/Z85 suspension
$120
$103
Full-size spare tire
w/Z85 suspension
$95
$82
2004 GMC Canyon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Canyon regular cab GMC Canyon extended cab GMC Canyon crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 111.2 125.9 125.9
Overall Length, in. 192.8 207.0 207.1
Overall Width, in. 67.6 67.6 68.6
Overall Height, in. 64.8 64.8 64.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3117 3346 3511
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1733 1654 1489
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.6 19.6 19.6
Seating Capacity 3 5 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.0 44.0 44.0
Rear Head Room, in. -- 37.9 38.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 23.1 34.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc I5
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.8 /169 3.5 /211
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 5600 220 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 185 @ 2800 225 @ 2800
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 21/27 19/25
4-speed automatic 18/25 18/24
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test GMC Canyon regular cab GMC Canyon extended cab GMC Canyon crew cab
Front Impact, Driver NA NA 4
Front Impact, Passenger NA NA 4
Side Impact, Driver NA NA 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA NA 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments