Used 2012 GMC Canyon Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Canyon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Canyon since its last redesign.
Nice Little Ride
rtjacks2, 03/05/2008
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Purchased the 2008 SLT Crew Cab 5cyl 4WD Dec 4th, 2007. To date we have around 6000 miles from 60 miles/day commute. Initial gas mileage was avg, but has steadily increased after continued break-in. Don't expect great mpg due to weight, but to date at 16mpg hwy. Will get cold air induction, better plugs, and go to synthetic old to eek out some more mpg. Build quality good, but sparse. This is your basic truck. Throw about 10k more for full size goodies and vanity mirrors. Nothing broke to date. Fun vehicle to drive, but turns like a ship. I hope GM fixes this and gets 5speed tranny. Roomy interior and ample hauling capability. Satisfied with money spent.
Nice Truck at a Reasonable Price
GMC Owner, 07/13/2009
2008 GMC Canyon SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a 4 cylinder, manual 5-speed S-10 with 118 hp, and it was running perfectly with 180,000 miles when I bought this new GMC. THE S-10 total cost of repair was less than $1,000 during the time I had it, and I hope this GMC can get close to that. The 242 hp of the GMC Canyon is a big improvement, and I don't have to worry about keeping up with traffic on steep freeway hills anymore. The suspension is awesome compared to the S-10. The drastically increased power, and much better braking make the truck fun to drive. I get about 25 mpg highway and about 16 mpg city. In contrast, my S-10 got about 31 highway and 22 city.
2012 GMC Canyon for sale near you
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Not that bad
juliancasta, 01/03/2010
2010 GMC Canyon SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I wanted a small truck to haul small loads. I wanted an American truck. So far its not that bad, its really good on the highway, not that much noise. The seats could be better, but they are ok. The cd player though does have an old style to it. One weird thing, on the armrest there is a cassette tape case holder. Who uses cassettes anymore, it's a waste of space. It's easy to drive, my wife likes to drive it. It needs a place for your change, you don't have a storage place on the dash for your change or anything important. I haven't yet taken it offroad.
2008 GMC Canyon SLE Crew Cab 4cyl
RJS, 03/06/2008
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 4A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for almost 2 mos. now. It replaced my 1995 Chevy p/u that had just under 370K miles on it. I was quite please with the price paid (just over 18K after rebates & GM card bonus for a base model w/ tow package) and the buying experience at the dealership. The truck itself is the best buy out there for the money. In my opinion, the 4 cyl is not much different power-wise from the 5 cyl (I test drove both) and the gas mileage is great (have been averaging 22-23mpg in mixed city-highway driving). Plus, the 4cyl was much quieter than the 5 cyl. The interior is very nice and well-laid out. There is plenty of room for five people. It rides like a dream. Great job GM!
Grandma Loves This Truck
GrandmaBooBoo, 08/10/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Perfect vehicle for this disabled Grandma who loves to go camping with the kids.I neither have to plop down into nor hoist myself out of the seat. Lumbar support drivers seat is a godsend!Plenty of room in the crew cab for 3 children and leg room enough for taller adults too. Even the short bed has enough room for my mobility scooter AND all our camping gear.I don't know how others are driving to get ONLY 20MPG, because I consistently average slightly OVER 25 MPG on the highway and 18-19mpg in town. The OnStar is amazing!I can receive calls in remote areas where my cell phone does not work. This 5 cyl. truck has NO problem climbing mountains even fully loaded. I LOVE this truck!
GMC/Chevrolet
gab, 08/21/2010
2010 GMC Canyon SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have a Chevrolet Colorado as well. I would recommend the 5 cylinderbecause it's very fast. I bought the 4 cylinderbecause it has more hp than any other 4 cylindertruck. These are type of cars you buy without having to read reviews (experts are really not too knowledgeable anyways). These are very fun cars to drive. The great thing is that my Colorado has 75,000 miles and the only problem I had was a belt squeak so I changed the belt. That is why I repeated the purchase. Also look at the sierras and silverado bc they are running huge rebates. I bought bigger tires for it and it looks killer.
ONLY small pickup that can be towed.
tompaine1, 10/10/2013
2012 GMC Canyon SLE-2 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
24 of 30 people found this review helpful
Never figgered out why other companies build auto transmissions that CANNOT allow people to tow the vehicle with all four wheels down. And Edminds NEVER mentions it as a HUGE advantage of GM vehicles. There are a BUNCH or RV'ers out there who buy Canyon and Colorado SOLEY due to this characteristic. Otherwise, it is a small pickup. What do you expect ? Since the S-10 got dumped, it's the only game in town.
Beter then my tacoma by far
John Atmallis, 11/15/2016
2009 GMC Canyon Value 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Performance was based on the fact that it is a truck and a 4cyl. It is not fast or a sports car but for what it is performed great. quicker and holds the rode better then my Tacoma that is newer and has a 6 cyl in it and hasn't ever left me stranded or not start like my Tacoma continues to do.
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Major Improvements
Eric, 01/15/2010
2010 GMC Canyon SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I use to have a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado LT until it was vandalized. I was very happy with how this truck performed that I decided to get another one, but with a few more options. I opted with the GMC Canyon SLE 4x4. I must say that I am more than satisfied with what GM has added as standards for the 2010 model. The suspension offers a much better ride than my 2WD one did from 2010, and the darker interior looks very nice. I know there are complaints with the simplicity of the interior, but everything is efficiently placed, and I feel it has a more rugged look than competing mid-sized truck. All in all there is no other mid-size truck that I would buy over this one.
wish I would have waited for the V8
Mark S, 04/24/2009
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2008 I4 Canyon 2Wd Ext Cab since June 2008. I have over 41,000 miles on it. Most of the miles are hwy driving. 18-20 city 25-27 Hwy. I wish the V8 option would have been available when I purchased. I couldn't wait because I was driving a 2006 GMC HD2500 with the 496 Big Block and allison trans. 15 mpg Hwy at best. I love my Canyon I just wish It had the V8 option. I added after market wheels and micheland tires, best thing I could have done. The only issue I have had is during starting it used to shake and cause the check engine light to come on. The dealership reprogrammed the computer and it's fine now. I also had ghost wipes from the wipers, they had to reprogram again.
Great truck
newowner, 10/18/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Got this truck during cash C4C and love it. The cons: Lucky to get 15 miles per gallon in the city. The engine doesn't have a lot of punch starting from zero. Low clearance and not meant for off road if not 4X4. The pros: Great power on the highway. Has real punch once you get over 50. Quiet at high speeds, compared to other trucks. Smooth suspension, great on washboard, bumpy roads. Very comfortable with a lot of room, at least in the front. Great interior; I don't agree that it has too much plastic or seems cheap on the inside. Replaced tiny factory tires and it has a great, classic look now. Note:Toyota and Nissan are now copying big, boxy look of GMC trucks.
This truck saved my life
jequines, 02/04/2011
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Stabilitrac on this truck is the best thing I have ever had in a vehicle, driving through a blizzard in the mountains for 7hrs with 1/2 a foot of snow on the highway and this truck(2wd) with firestone winterforce tires handled it like a champ, no slipping no sliding it drove perfectly. gets great mileage 20city 28 hwy. By far the most powerful 4cyl pickup I test drove. Looks great and now have 40,000kms on it with no problems. Interior front seats are comfortable rear seat in ext cab are a joke, for children only. Truck tows my 3000 boat no problems and this little 2wd can get through suprisingly deep snow confidently. Would defn' buy another.
Almost a perfect truck.
RjPiet, 05/05/2016
2011 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck about 3 years ago.It had about 53000 miles and now it has 57000 miles which included 2 trips from Raleigh NC to Chicago Il. I love this truck and feel safe weather it be traveling through the mountains or just short trips. The only reason I need to sell this truck is because of the jump seats in back.It was fine for my wife and I but once the grandkids came around it is not feasible for child carriers or small children since they are not high enough to see out the side rear window.But I would use extra pillows to help that along. Other than that I would drive this truck cross country and feel very safe. So now I need to sell this truck because I need a full rear back seat and it will cost me more to get a crew cab and I am sure I will have to get an older model truck but the wife is the boss.
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This is a Great Little Truck
john r. page, 04/19/2017
2012 GMC Canyon SLE-1 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
It has its "act together."
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- Value
Brake Problems
ken Almonrode, 10/29/2009
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
The day I picked it up the head lights would not shut off and brake pedal went almost to the floor. the Dealer fixed the head lights and was told the brakes were ok they are all like that. Back to the dealer for wipers that turned on by their self and low tire light coming on for on reason. Took vehicle to a none dealer service station were they trued the rear drums and solved the brake problem.
bought American-GMC Loyalty customer
355nation believer, 09/05/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
less than 2K mi. just got it, but I Cash for Clunkers'ed a GMC Sierra 1500 w. 156K mi. The improvements in this truck over my 90's era truck are amazing! It's NOT the 4x4 model I have, it's the 4X2. The site doesn't allow the inline 5 cyl. engine 4X2 choice for the crew cab. The power of the 225 c.i. engine is great, much better than my old 4.3 liter V-6 could muster. It has passing power! I have had a Taco (Toyota Tacoma) left 'in the dust' after a traffic merging. Mileage is about 17-18 mpg in mostly city driving, not really broken-in yet. Interior comfort is high. The truck drives like a car more-than a truck. The crew cab is spacious-enough for two adults in the rear.
Great truck few problems
seabig, 12/15/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have a 2009 ex cab long box 2wd. Pros. -gas mileage, just over 20mpg in the city -no problems really so far, -stabilitrac is a must for winter driving -stereo sounds great -comfortable -power is adequate -Love all the chrome and the little tool boxes under the rear seats Cons. -Tires (amerigeneral) love to grab little stones and fling them up causing paint chips. Driving down a road that is dirty sounds like you are being shot at. -Plastic around stereo and vents looks very cheap -trac control comes on automatically and limits acceleration if you forget to turn it off and try to jump across traffic you might die -drivers door wouldn't shut right but dealer adjusted it and its fine now
gmc canyon
canyon, 11/05/2010
2010 GMC Canyon SLT 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
i was looking to get back into a truck. my local dealer had one z71 sle ext cab on the lot. test drove it and got it. i was a little concerned with all the negative reviews, but did research with other owners. they told me it's a solid truck. so far, i love it! only had one headlamp replaced due to condensation.
Best Truck for My Money
FDH, 02/11/2008
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I previously had 2005 GMC Reg cab with 4cyl and Auto trans. Drove around 67000 mi. Purchased current 2008 GMC SLE ext cab 3.7 5 cylinder with auto trans and locking rear. Fantastic truck with Great towing ability! I think for the money spent and the 5yr /100000 mi warranty that comes with this truck. This is probably the best buy out there
Like it so far...
Frank, 03/05/2008
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have only had my Canyon for about a month now and have put on about 800 miles. I like the interior, the exterior styling, power and handling of this truck. I bought a GMC (only my second new US vehicle) after pricing a comparable Toyota Tacoma. I had a '97 Tacoma which was a good truck, but for an '08 with the options I wanted, it would have cost around $5K more than the GMC. So far the only thing I am disapointed in is the MPG. I should get 16/23 with the 4 cyl automatic, but so far have just barely done better than 16 on the first few tanks (mostly hwy). Hopefully this is due to driving a few times in 4WD, and I imagine the mileage is worse in cold weather due to thicker fluids.
Runs like a champ
john232, 04/16/2008
2008 GMC Canyon SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Truck has lots of power for a 4 banger. Get about 26 on the highway and 18 in the city. Smooth tranny and stoutly built medium sized truck. I recommend this truck. Four wheel anti lock brakes are standard as are cruise control. Get the auto trans you will not be dissapointed. I got the SL trim with sliding glass back window.
Great little truck
Bud Smith, 12/09/2019
2008 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have over 240,000 KMS on my truck, four wheel drive , five cylinder engine. Fuel mileage can't complain at 28 MPG (imperial) on three extended trips of over 6000 miles. The 3.7 ltr , five cylinder engine has performed well even pulling a loaded trailer of over 6000 pounds .For a mid sized truck I will compare it to any brand out there . Have a friend with the same truck but he has the V 6 and does not get the mileage that I get and says that the V6 does not perform well pulling his travel trailer that weighs in at 4700 ponds. One tough little truck.Just waiting to get the next one with the diesel.
Just get a Tacoma, it will be cheaper long term
Seth, 03/20/2024
2008 GMC Canyon SL 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought one of these with 50k miles about 6 years ago and have spent several thousand dollars a year on repairs over that time. These include 4 front wheel bearings at $700 to $900 apiece, 2 sets of plugs and coils, a water pump, a fuel pump, a bad cruise control switch on the turn signal stalk, broken exhaust heat shields, and recurring evap and random misfire codes. It will soon be scrapped due to frame corrosion at around 150k miles.
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Great Mileage
JohnS, 06/12/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This 4 cyl Canyon replaces a Chevy S10 and after having looked at all the small pickups (Ford, Toyota, Nissan) I have been extremely pleased with it. I was expecting slightly less gas mileage since I went from a 2.2 engine to 2.9 and from standard to automatic, but it's has matched the S10 with 23 / 24 around town and 27 / 28 on the highway. Just great fun to drive
Great looking and performing Truck
rhawes, 05/13/2012
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought a 09 4x4 Quad Cab SLT fully loaded with Z71 suspension and the 5.3L V-8 engine new for vacation travel and to use when going skiing by our cabin in northern Arizona. This truck has been everything I thought it would be and more! I had looked and test drove other trucks in the mid-size class; the Toyota was the only one that came close to it, but Iwould have had to settle for a basic 4x4 quad cab model for what I paid for this truck. Toyota offers a 4.0L engine which didnt seem to have the pull of the 4.3L that was in my 98 S10. If GMC hadnt offered the 5.3L engine, I might have considered the Toyota a bit more, but after driving one then the choice was simple.
gmc
t, 10/25/2022
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
my truck is a 2008 gmc canon worst truck i ever bought 4x4 not working ac not working frame rotted out
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2009 Canyon new 5.3 ltr. V-8
Jack, 01/03/2009
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Traded my 06 Canyon for a hard to find 09 V-8 model. Was worth the effort. Lots of power, z71 package holds it in the road. Fun to drive and growls.
great little truck
carl&, 03/01/2024
2008 GMC Canyon SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
does all i need a small truck to do, very good fuel economy, rides nice, much easier to drive, park, backup than full size pickups
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Comfortable, Fun to Drive V8
Lanie, 11/25/2009
2009 GMC Canyon Work Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
FYI, I have the extended cab V8 SLT. This website did not have that choice. In any case I have had this truck about 9 months now, and just love it. It is really comfortable to drive. Being in CO it is wonderful to have the heated seats in winter. It handles well in snow, on rough dirt roads, etc. The gas mileage isn't great, but didn't expect it to be given that it is a V8. Has great "get up and go" to get up those mountains!
Canyon Conquers Mountain Commute
Wayne Dear, 01/29/2010
2009 GMC Canyon SLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.9L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I drive 120 miles round trip uphill both ways. The 3.7L I5 4sp auto has lots of power even with a full load. Got 24.9 mpg on the first fill up. 17" tires, high clearance good for off road, truck tracks steady in 4wd on snow and ice. CPU broke down in mountains; OnStar emergency towing and GMC warranty worked fine. Plenty of storage behind front seats but no room to sit there 'cept for babies. Middle seat belt a joke so I disconnected it. Friends commented on rugged good looks and awesome metalic blue paint job. Overall, a smart, affordable "small" 4wd truck.
80 year old great nana gets her first truck!
Nana Cheryl, 09/23/2023
2012 GMC Canyon SLE-1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.7L 5cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great truck and looks clean and in great shape considering its age. Only thing I didn't like was when it was delivered, I opened the tailgate and it opened. After delivery guy left, I tried to open it again and a rubber thing flew out and the tailgate would not open. That was on 9/9 and here it is 9/22 and it has never opened. There's a large chip out of the latch area so I'm assuming the rubber thing was to rig it so it worked at least once.