Profile of the GMC Canyon

Summary

The GMC Canyon is pitched as suitable for people who need a pickup without being encumbered by the cost and size of a large truck. The Canyon is labeled as a midsize compact pickup truck and is available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab versions. 34,845 GMC Canyons were sold in the US in 2005.

The 2006 model features two new colors: the stealth gray metallic and superior blue metallic with a sport suspension package and 17 inch aluminum wheels. The Canyon is similar to Chevy's Colorado as far as its basic design and powertrais are concerned. Canyons also feature a rear wheel drive or 4wheel drive with low range gearing. All versions come with ABS and have an optional curtain side airbag covering all seating rows, with OnStar assistance and a sunroof.

History

The Canyon was released in 2004 and replaced the earlier Sonoma. The Sonoma was introduced in 1982 as the S-15, and was among the first compact trucks. The S-15 became the Sonoma in 1992.

Specifications

Seating: The Chevy Canyon regular cabs can seat three while the extended version can seat five. The four-door crew cab takes six.

Gas Mileage: The Canyon gets mileage of 17-20 miles per gallon in the city and between 23-27 miles per gallon on the highway.

Safety Rating: The NHTSA frontal crash test ratings for the Canyon crewcab give it a 5 star maximum protection rating for both front passenger and driver. The rating for the rollover test is 4 stars, implying a 11-20 per cent or greater chance of injury. The Canyon gets a rating of 4 stars for the front side and 5 stars for the rear. The IIHS gave the Canyon a "Good" rating in the front offset crash test.

Price: The 2007 GMC Canyon has an MSRP range of $14,495 to $23,065.

Warranty

Almost every GMC 2007 truck comes with the GMC 100,000 mile warranty. There is a 100,000 mile fully transferable 5-year powertrain unlimited warranty; a 100,000mile- 5 years of courtesy transporation and 100,000 miles 5-year of roadside assistance.

Reviews at a Glance

MSN.com users rated the Chevy Canyon 9 out of 10, concluding that it is a "great truck" in terms of mileage and looks. Edmunds.com gives the Chevy Canyon a mixed review; while the truck is spacious and is easy to handle on and off the road, it has low tow ratings due to below standard build and quality of material. Mitch McCullough from New Car Test Drive rates the Canyon as an all-around performer that is driver-friendly.