New 2008 GMC Canyon Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 26 Canyon reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Canyon has a rugged look that most appreciate, but it doesn't fare well when compared to the menacing stances of the Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado or Dodge Dakota. However, Car and Driver calls the Canyon "brawny but lovable," and says, "If you want a modern pickup that isn't scaled like the dump trucks of yesteryear, here's one that's worth a serious look."
The Wall Street Journal finds the "prominent grille and high, squared-off fenders look rugged and remind us of GM's full-size trucks." The Arizona Republic also sees the family resemblance, writing, "The big chrome grille and headlight treatment look bold and effective, in line with GMC's tough-truck look." It's "aggressively styled with angular wheel arches. Its front end is bright and bold in the GMC tradition and looks mean and menacing, albeit in a classy GMC manner," decides New Car Test Drive.
"The bold front is punctuated by a bold grille and big headlights," reports the Kansas City Star. "Large fender flares accent the wheels." Bold doesn't necessarily mean flashy or overbearing, however. The Detroit Free Press finds, "The Canyon gives an impression of confident and restrained capability -- a truck that means business but doesn't overwhelm you with light bars, roof racks and other extraneous eye candy." The Detroit News says, "The rugged, distinctive exterior design is appealing, but not necessarily in a gender-specific way," and that the, "Canyon manages to appear tough and durable in a nonthreatening way."
The Canyon is available as a regular cab model, an extended cab, or as a crew cab. Regular and extended cab models are available with base, SL, SLT and SLE trim packages, while crew cab models are available only with the SLE package.
