• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2004 GMC Canyon Road Test

Loves Labor Vehicle Lost

Appearances are funny. Ive had intimate relationships that started off with intense attraction, but ended with me wondering in disbelief as to why I had ever been so enamored. You probably know what Im talking about.

My experiences with cars are much the same. My first one was an Audi 100 LS, a sophisticated bit of German engineering to say the least. Of course, sophisticated doesnt always translate into user friendly. During my attempt at repairing the inboard brakes I came up with expletives that even I hadnt heard before. One minor fix after another it finally gave up the ghost - the clack, clack, clacking of a blown rod being my first clue. One Haynes manual and a good friend

First appearances can be deceiving, often a closer look can end up changing your whole perception. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

later I had rebuilt it, minus a bucket full of odd parts. Needless to say I gave it away as I couldnt have lived with myself if someone paid good money for the horrible pile of scrap metal. Its amazing how unattractive an Audi 100 LS looks if I happen upon one now. It, of course, would be merely the first of many such relationships.

Why do I bring up lost automotive love for my review

I dont think Canyon buyers need concern themselves with reliability, even though the truck is all-new. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

of the GMC Canyon? Well it isnt because of any problems with reliability. During my weeklong testing period it ran like quartz clockwork. GM has an enviable history when it comes to producing reliable cars, so I dont think Canyon buyers need concern themselves with regards to buying something all-new.

No, I fell out of love with the truck during our first date. To be truthful, it was merely a surface relationship in the beginning anyway. I was initially taken in

My love affair with the Canyon quickly went sour after taking a closer look at the paint job. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

by its stunning good looks, but like a mail order bride photos dont always do a vehicle justice. For instance, while the GM spokesman who gave me the keys made sure to mention that its poor paint quality was due to early production, it was just so ruddy awful that I couldnt get past it. It would be an insult to oranges to call it orange peel. I made a point of showing it to everyone I knew, all of which, after trying to contain their laughter, stared in utter dismay. Its so bad that its humorous.

But stand back a little, OK a lot, and it still looks handsome. The

The interior of the Canyon is typical truck-fair, not outstanding but practical. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

front end, encompassing a robust grille and nicely detailed fascia, is my favorite viewpoint, with only the Chevy Colorado looking better in my opinion. Sure the rather pathetic 15-inch aluminum wheels (why bother with alloys of this size anyway) seemed out of place in a class that now predominantly features 16s as standard equipment, but above the beltline its one stylish workhorse.

Inside, the materials used are about what can be expected in a pickup, not particularly good but still hardly offensive. Plastics quality is better than in the previous Sonoma, but that isnt saying a heck of a lot either. But wait a minute, most buyers in this category dont care all

Although the Canyons ride is soft and compliant, its handling is less than ideal. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

that much about the tactile quality of switchgear or dash surfaces anyway, right? Hmmm, Im not sure about that. I know if I was in need of a pickup, a vehicle type that I have previously shelled out personal coin for, perceived quality would be high on my list. Its often a sign of the care and attention permeating the entire vehicle, or so thats the popular misgiving - live with a new Volkswagen product a while and you may disagree. But it will still be interesting to see what Ford does with its next-generation Ranger, after turning the full-size pickup truck segment on its proverbial ear with the best-in-class F150 interior. Theres nothing that currently comes close, even from Nissan or Toyota.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo