2007 GMC Canyon Review
2007 GMC Canyon Review





+48
Used Canyon for sale
Appraise This CarGMC Canyon model years
GMC Canyon types
- Regular Cab
- Crew Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Composed handling on- and off-road, high crash test scores.
Cons
- Mediocre build and materials quality, engines lack power compared to rivals, low tow ratings.
What’s new
The GMC Canyon gets brawnier for 2007. A new, 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT) replaces the previous 175-hp 2.8-liter four. The inline five-cylinder is also improved. Now displacing 3.7 liters and equipped with VVT, it makes 242 hp, 22 hp more than last year. Other changes for 2007 include a standard tire-pressure monitor, improved shift quality for the four-speed automatic transmission and new wheel styles.
Edmunds says
Though it has the features and looks necessary to get the attention of compact pickup buyers, the 2007 GMC Canyon will likely disappoint due to its lack of performance, passenger comfort and overall fit and finish.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 GMC Canyon Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$188/mo for Canyon Work Truck
Canyon Work Truck
vs
$227/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
The GMC Canyon debuted a few years ago as a replacement for the Sonoma. Being a compact pickup, the Canyon promises decent utility without the bulky size or elevated price one normally associates with a full-size pickup. On that aspect, the GMC delivers. But in many other areas, the Canyon is a disappointment.
A twin of the Chevy Colorado, the 2007 GMC Canyon differs chiefly in its front end design and little else. It's a handsome rig, but its available engines come up a bit short in backing up that tough-truck look. On paper, both "Vortec" engines look impressive. Equipped with double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, electronic throttle control and, new for '07, variable valve timing, they're fully up to date with the latest technology, and reasonably fuel-efficient. But these are the only engines offered, and they're outmatched in terms of acceleration and pulling power when compared to the larger V6, and even V8, engines found in the top competing pickup trucks.
The other main drawback for the Canyon is its mediocre interior. Most folks buy and use compact pickups as daily drivers, and as a result, the trucks' cabins have become increasingly luxurious and refined. Although the Canyon's cabin is better than its predecessor's, it still trails the top trucks in this class -- the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier -- by a wide margin. Controls are well-placed and easy to use, but an abundance of hard plastic and so-so build quality makes the Canyon feel cheap.
In its favor, the Canyon offers a choice of several well-sorted suspension setups that provide impressive capability off-road or sporty handling dynamics on twisty blacktop. But in our editors' opinion, this isn't enough of a draw. If you're shopping for a smaller pickup, make sure to check out the offerings from Dodge, Nissan and Toyota before settling on the 2007 GMC Canyon.
Performance & mpg
For the 2007 GMC Canyon, both engines are slightly larger and more powerful. The 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder makes 185 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque -- the most of any four-cylinder engine offered in a pickup truck. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder produces 242 hp and 242 lb-ft. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all four-cylinder Canyons (except the 2WD crew cab), while a four-speed automatic is optional. The automatic comes standard on five-cylinder trucks. Although their outputs are respectable, neither engine provides acceleration on par with the V6 and V8 engines offered on the Canyon's competition. Four-wheel-drive models feature a dual-range transfer case with push-button controls and offer an optional locking rear differential. Maximum towing capacity, at 4000 pounds, is subpar for this class of truck.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, and side curtain airbags are optional. Traction control is also optional, but only on 2WD automatic trucks. Stability control is not available. In government crash tests, the GMC Canyon crew cab earned five stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. The other body styles earned four stars in those tests. Side-impact crash testing resulted in four stars for front-passenger protection and, on the crew cab, five stars for rear passengers. In IIHS frontal-offset crash testing, the Canyon rated "Good," the highest score possible.
Driving
The inline engines are reasonably refined, but their lack of off-the-line punch and odd exhaust notes is disappointing. Shifts from the four-speed automatic are firm and well timed, and although it's still fairly vague through the gears, the five-speed manual gearbox is about as good as you're going to find in a compact pickup truck. The stock suspension tuning is on the soft side, but the GMC Canyon handles well for this class. Go with the ZQ8 package for sharper reflexes on pavement or the Z71 for a boost in off-road capability.
Interior
Trucks may have gotten more hospitable in recent years, but don't expect anything fancy in the Canyon's cabin. Simple rotary climate controls and a large stereo face plate make the interior seem instantly familiar as soon as you get in. The gauges are similarly basic, but functional in their design. Materials range from average to substandard in quality, and build quality is inconsistent.
2007 GMC Canyon models
The 2007 GMC Canyon is a compact pickup truck that's available in three body styles: a regular cab, an extended cab with small reverse-opening doors and a crew cab with four normal doors and the lineup's largest rear seating area. To keep the truck's overall size manageable, crew cabs come with a 5-foot bed while the other two have a 6-footer. There are three basic trim levels: SL, SLE and SLT. (There's also a Work Truck trim, which is for commercial use only.) SL models come standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40 cloth bench seat. The SLE actually consists of three subsets: SLE-1, SLE-2 and SLE-3. The SLE-1 adds a CD player, titanium-colored trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded upholstery. The SLE-1 crew cab and all SLE-2s come with bucket seats, full power accessories, keyless entry and a five-cylinder engine (versus the inline-4 standard on lower trims). The SLE-3 (regular cab only) adds foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (with compass and outside temp display) and a sliding rear window. The top-of-the-line SLT features leather upholstery as well as front seats that are heated and power adjustable.
Several packages are available to tailor the GMC Canyon to specific duties. The Z71 "High Stance Off-Road" suspension package offers a taller ride height, along with a locking rear differential, oversize tires and skid plates on 4WD models. The ZQ8 "Sport" suspension, available on 2WD models only, is geared toward street performance, with a lowered suspension, quicker steering and 18-inch wheels fitted with performance tires. Other options include OnStar, XM satellite radio and a "Sun and Sound" package that bundles a six-disc CD changer with a power sunroof.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 GMC Canyon.
5 star(49%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(23%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(5%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
So far so good
Chris, 01/17/2007
2007 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
Overall an excellent vehicle. Very fun to drive. I expected a little bit better gas mileage given the 5 cyl. only getting 19 MPG, same as my full size truck got! interior comfortable front seat, wish the passager side seat had the lumbar support like the driver. The interior could have used some courtesy lighting for at night, can't find anything in the dark without having to turn on the … dome light. Given the size of the competitors small trucks GM could have given the crew cab a longer bed than the 5 feet. I wish the rear seats had just a little more angle to the backs of the seats just a few degrees too vertical. Overall nice quiet ride. i would reccomend to others
5 out of 5 stars
My Canyon
gmc_man9, 02/24/2007
2006 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.8L 4cyl 5M)
I went from regular cab Sierra to the extended cab Canyon. At first I wasn't a happy guy, but this truck will grow on you. I put a bug guard and a soft tonneau cover on my silver Canyon. Do I get the compliments. I get 21 MPG around town with the 4 CYL. I have friends who have extended cab Ford Rangers and it seems as if the Canyon is more roomy. Have owned many vehicles since I started … driving, my Canyon by far has to be my favorite.
2 out of 5 stars
body frame rust very bad
jorge, 07/07/2016
2006 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (2.8L 4cyl 5M)
body frame rust really bad my is a 2006 and is really rusty cheap material
4.75 out of 5 stars
Consider this
Larry, 11/30/2006
2006 GMC Canyon SL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.8L 4cyl 5M)
Americans have gotten way too obsessed and spoiled with huge engines and interior options. I wanted a basic truck with adequate power and simple interior appointments. Bigger and more luxurious isn't always better. I have owned other trucks with more cubic inches and a lot more bells and whistles and so far I enjoy this truck more. It reminds me of the first truck I owned, a base Toyota … 4WD SR5, only the Canyon now costs a lot less than Toyota....less is more!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2007 GMC Canyon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Canyon since its last redesign.
2007 Canyon Highlights
Regular Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP | $14,235 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 4,000 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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