2004 GMC Canyon

There are two trim levels, SL and SLE. The SLE includes carpeting, bucket seats, tilt wheel, cruise control and rear seats for extended cab models. Transmission choices are a new five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, there is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and two suspension calibrations; the "standard" suspension is called "Heavy Duty," and is for the usual truck chores, and there's a "High Stance Off Road" package for those who just can't wait to go someplace where our tax dollars haven't yet paved things over nice and smooth.


Steering is power rack and pinion, and brakes are discs in front, drums in the rear, with ABS as standard equipment. On the safety side, there are dual-stage front airbags, with an airbag cutoff switch for the passenger's side (in those without rear seats) for times when there's nowhere else for the child's safety seat.

The upline optional 5-cylinder engine makes 220 hp and 225 lb.-ft. of torque, which is more horsepower than any V-6 in the class.

For the cargo hauling side—which is, after all, what trucks were once built for—there are eight tie-downs in the bed, two-tier loading, and one nice little feature of convenience is that the tailgate straps can be adjusted to hold it at a 55-degree angle, which can help keep longer stuff from sliding out and, thoughtfully, will support the aft end of a 4x8 sheet of plywood that's in the upper tier position.


The eager customer will have to get himself or herself down to the friendly GMC dealer to check out all the little features, but once on the test drive one thing that should stand out should be the responsive and even quick level of performance. The four-cylinder is more than surprising, and the five-cylinder has a definite spunky feel to it. There has also been considerable time spent on the ride and handling side, as well, because the Canyon gets down the road with a level of smoothness, a quiet, sure steering feel and general overall comfort that, if not equal to a luxury sedan, is at least commendable for a midsize pickup.


If you're in any way, shape or form considering a midsize pickup for your next vehicle, you will be well advised to include your local GMC dealer, and the Canyon, on the shopping trip. (www.gmc.com)