2004 GMC Canyon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.