2004-2008 GMC Canyon: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 GMC Canyon
2008 GMC Canyon
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2004-2008 GMC Canyon ▼

  • Price Range:  $4,200 - $18,900
CG Rating

44

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room (crew cab)
  • Instruments/controls

Cons

  • Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
  • Acceleration (4-cyl/auto.)

Vehicle Highlights

General Motors introduced its new family of compact pickup trucks with the 2004 GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling. GM called these "midsize" pickups. While Chevrolet's Canyon was slightly larger than the GMC Sonoma model it replaced, it was smaller than the Dodge Dakota--the largest pickup in the compact class. Available in regular, extended, and crew-cab body styles, Canyon and Colorado had separate trim details but shared a platform and two new GM truck engines. Replacing a 120-hp 2.2-liter as the base four-cylinder was a 175-horsepower 2.8-liter. A 220-horsepower 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder edged aside the prior 190-hp 4.3-liter V6. Both new engines had dual overhead cams rather than the previous overhead valves, and both teamed with a manual or automatic transmission. Each was available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that had low-range gearing but had to be disengaged on dry pavement. Canyon's regular cab seated up to three. Extended cabs came with dual rear-hinged back doors and seating for five, while the four-door Crew Cab seated up to six occupants. Crew Cab pickups had a 5-foot-long cargo box, while others had a 6-foot bed. Antilock braking was standard. Available for the first time on a GM pickup were curtain side airbags that covered all seating rows. Available on all body styles, with either 2WD or 4WD, was the optional Z71 off-road suspension, which added elevated ground clearance. Canyon did not offer the Colorado's ZQ8 sport-suspension option. All Canyons had 15-inch wheels and were available with a locking rear differential. Traction control was a new option for 2WD versions. Additional options included heated leather seats, OnStar assistance, and satellite radio. Sold alongside Canyon for the 2004 model year were heldover GMC Sonoma Crew Cabs. Canyon's performance and accommodations mirrored those of similarly-equipped Colorados. With the Canyon, GMC competed against the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, as well as the Dodge Dakota.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category GMC Canyon 2WD Z71 ext.cab 5-cyl/auto. Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 1
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 44
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon.

Year to Year Changes


2005 GMC Canyon: Little changed for 2005, except that a sunroof was newly available and extended-cab models could get a leather package. Side steps and a CD/MP3 player were now available for all Canyons, which came in SL and uplevel SLE trim. Traction control, optional for 2WD models, now included a limited-slip differential.
2006 GMC Canyon: A ZQ8 sport suspension became available this year, including 17-inch wheels. A newly available SLT package for extended and Crew Cabs bundled the five-cylinder engine with leather upholstery and heated front bucket seats. Isuzu now offered I-280 and I-350 pickups that were similar to the Canyon and Colorado.
2007 GMC Canyon: GMC's compact pickup added more power for 2007. For '07, a 185-hp 2.9-liter 4-cylinder replaced a 175-hp 2.8.
2008 GMC Canyon: The 2008 GMC Canyon was little changed this year.

Our road test for the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 GMC Canyon is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

In nearly every area, the GMC Canyon is similar to Chevrolet's Colorado. GM's four-cylinder engine is underpowered for anything other than daily commuting. Adequate with 2WD and a manual gearbox, it's sluggish with 4WD and an automatic transmission. The five-cylinder is sprightly with 2WD and adequate with 4WD. Both are considerably smoother than the engines they replaced, and they seem well-matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission. As expected, four-cylinder engines are a bit easier on fuel. An extended-cab five-cylinder with 2WD averaged 18.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Under similar conditions, a Crew Cab 4WD pickup with that engine averaged 18.1 mpg. A manual-shift 2WD four-cylinder regular-cab pickup averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. Jittery on rough surfaces or badly broken pavement, Canyons are otherwise composed. Overall, they ride better than most compact pickups. On the down side, abrupt vertical motions are felt over bumps and dips. The base suspension furnishes the best ride, while stiffer Z71 (off-road) and ZQ8 (sport) suspensions can grow tiresome on long drives. Cornering with greater security and poise than the old Sonoma, GMC's Canyon and its Chevrolet counterpart rank among the more agile compact pickups. Straightline stability is good, and steering has pronounced on-center feel, though some testers have claimed it reacts slowly to driver inputs. The turning radius is noticeably larger with 4WD than with 2WD. Brakes provide quick and even stops, with precise pedal feel. Overall, Canyons are quieter than most competitors, but extended cabs in particular may suffer some wind rush where the front and rear door meet. Five-cylinder engines are louder and coarser than rival V6s, but the four-cylinder is about average for this class. Instruments are easy to read, but some early digital displays could wash out in direct sunlight. Audio/climate controls are clearly marked and easy to use. Interior materials and fit/finish score above average for the class, though some early test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area. Front occupants get ample leg and head room, on seats that are adequately comfortable for long drives. Middle seats are for occasional use only. Some testers have complained of hard, flat seatbacks in base models. The extended cab's rear seat is for preteens only; adults lack leg room if front seats are pushed more than halfway back. Crew cabs are somewhat more spacious, but rear leg space is no better than that of a compact sedan, and entry/exit is difficult through small door openings. All rear seats are hard and undersized. Interior storage is limited in regular cabs, but good in extended and crew cabs with their rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured in a partially open position, permitting 4x8 sheets to fit atop the wheelwells, supported in back by the tailgate.
Value for the Money
GMC's Canyon and its Chevrolet Coloardo companion target light-duty daily users, assuming that heavy haulers will move up to a full-size Sierra pickup. Overall, though, the Canyon is a well-balanced, modern, and attractive small truck that exudes considerable appeal.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category GMC Canyon 2WD Z71 ext.cab 5-cyl/auto. Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 1
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation GMC Canyon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation GMC Canyon .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on accompanied by an engine misfire due to weak exhaust valve springs which must be replaced. (2004-05)

Electrical problem: If the OnStar system quits or won't come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)

Fuel gauge: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2004-06)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may not move on trucks with the 4-cylineder or 5-cylinder engine, and all California models, requiring recalibration of the PCM. (2004)

Hood/trunk: Pickup box must be reinforced with available kit before installing a tool box, cap, etc. to prevent collapse. (2004-06)

Keyless entry: The keyless remote transmitter may not work, but function may be restored if reprogrammed only to quit working again due to water leaking into the body control module from a leak in the cowl. (2005)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $7,300
Alternator $410
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,450
Brakes $420
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $750
Constant Velocity Joints $320
Exhaust System $640
Radiator $490
Shocks and/or Struts $390
Timing Chain or Belt $540
Our price chart for this generation GMC Canyon details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Canyon $10,500-16,300 $9,500-14,700 $5,600-8,600
Canyon Crew Cab $16,700-20,800 $15,200-18,900 $10,700-13,300
Canyon Extended Cab $12,500-18,300 $11,300-16,500 $7,100-10,400
2007
Canyon $8,800-13,200 $7,900-11,900 $4,600-6,900
Canyon Crew Cab $14,800-18,500 $13,500-16,800 $9,300-11,700
Canyon Extended Cab $10,500-16,800 $9,500-15,100 $5,600-8,900
2006
Canyon $7,200-14,700 $6,400-13,100 $3,500-7,200
Canyon Crew Cab $13,100-16,700 $11,900-15,200 $7,600-9,700
2005
Canyon $6,100-12,300 $5,300-10,700 $2,600-5,300
Canyon Crew Cab $11,300-14,500 $10,200-13,100 $6,200-8,000
2004
Canyon $4,900-10,700 $4,200-9,100 $1,900-4,200
Canyon Crew Cab $9,400-12,300 $8,500-11,100 $4,900-6,400
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation GMC Canyon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification crew cab 4-dr pickup ext. cab 2-dr pickup reg. cab 2-dr pickup
Wheelbase, in. 126.0 126.0 111.3
Overall Length, in. 207.1 207.1 192.4
Overall Width, in. 68.6 67.6 67.6
Overall Height, in. 64.8 64.8 64.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3677 3461 3375
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1343 1539 1539
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.6 19.6 19.6
Seating Capacity 6 5 3
Front Head Room, in. 39.3 39.6 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.0 44.0 44.0
Rear Head Room, in. 38.3 37.9 --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.8 23.1 --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two engines and two transmissions have been available in Canyons. Both the 175-horsepower 2.8-liter four-cylinder and the 220-horsepower 3.5-liter five-cylinder mate with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For '07, a 185-hp 2.9-liter replaces a 175-hp 2.8-liter.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.9 / 178 185 190 5-speed manual: 20/26
4-speed automatic: 17/24		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
dohc I4 2.8 / 169 175 185 5-speed manual: 19/23
4-speed automatic: 18/23		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
dohc I5 3.5 / 211 220 225 5-speed manual: 18/23
4-speed automatic: 18/23		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation GMC Canyon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2005 Canyon
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 GMC Canyon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2004-06 Canyon: Brake lamps may fail to function, or may illuminate at all times; also, cruise control would become inoperative.
2006 Canyon: Tire and loading information label may list inaccurate vehicle capacity weight.

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