2008 GMC Canyon Review

The Canyon is a compact pickup truck that replaced the Sonoma in 2004. It offers an inexpensive option for those in the market for a light-duty truck. Variations of the Canyon and its platform are available from Chevrolet and Isuzu.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The GMC Canyon is a solid all-around light-duty truck. Its comfortable interior makes it a good choice for day-to-day activities, while still providing rugged utility. For the price, it’s one of the best options on the market, though there are limitations in towing capacity and engine performance.

What’s New For 2008:

OnStar is now standard. Three new colors are available. Numerous options are available, including your choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, regular, extended, or crew cab, and three trims: Work Truck, LS, and LT.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Colorado 2 stars dependability. Problems with the Colorado include engine misfires, inoperative OnStar, inaccurate fuel gauges and weak pickup boxes. It’s had one major recall for inoperative brake lamps. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Colorado earned 4 stars in government crash tests. In IIHS tests, it earned “Good” for the front and “Marginal” for the rear. Anti-lock brakes come standard. Side airbags and traction control are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Solid handling
+ Standard ABS

Cons
- Weak engine performance
- Cheap materials
- Poor fit and finish

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Canyon is virtually identical to the Chevrolet Colorado, except for the styling. The Ford Ranger costs a few hundred less, but lacks air conditioning, and has less towing capacity and horsepower. The Dodge Dakota has a V6 engine with 25 more hp, more towing capacity, and a CD player, but costs several thousand more and lacks power accessories.

What Others Are Saying:

“GM’s new middies are comfortable, good-looking, and reasonably priced. The lack of a six-cylinder engine may turn off those who equate cylinders with horsepower, but the new engines should attract import buyers who are used to having technically advanced engines in their trucks.” – Automobile Magazine

“Add a crew cab-basically, sedanlike seating for either five or six-and you’ll be tempted to wonder, why bother with a car or SUV? When I took my kids sled-riding, we simply tossed the sleds in the pickup bed without any fuss and headed off. That’s an especially handy way to haul home or garden supplies or dirty football uniforms or other messy stuff. And GM has improved its interiors enough that the Canyon is as comfy as a basic sedan-nothing fancy, but durable enough you won’t worry about mud on the kids’ (OK, the adults’) feet.” – U.S.News & World Report

“The GMC Canyon is ideal for people who need a real pickup but don’t need or want the size and cost of a full-size truck. The Canyon is easy to park and is driver-friendly. The Crew Cab can haul home a load of horse manure for the garden, then take the family out for dinner and a movie (after hosing out the bed, that is). In short, the Canyon is an all-around performer, putting GMC in the groove for mid-size pickup performance. GMC’s packaging and styling are distinct from those of the mechanically identical Chevrolet Colorado.” – The New York Times

Read more about the 2008 GMC Canyon at the GMC manufacturer web site.