Used 2009 GMC Canyon Value Package

The Canyon comes in three different cab styles--regular, extended, and crew--with two different bed lengths and three different engines. The base engine for most Canyon models is a 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter in-line 4-cylinder, while a 242-horsepower, 3.7-liter in-line 5-cylinder engine is optional on most models and standard on crew cab 4WD models. Newly optional on extended cab and crew cab models is a 5.3-liter V8 making 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both the 4- and 5-cylinder engines get improved fuel economy for 2009, with 4-cylinder models rated up to 25 mpg highway.

Most 4-cylinder models come with a 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is optional on those and standard on all other Canyons. A shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system is optional across the model line, and three different rear-end gear ratios are offered, depending on the need of the owner. With the V8, the Canyon can tow up to 6,000 pounds and accelerate to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.

Regular and crew cab models come with a 6-foot cargo bed while the bed on crew cab models measures just over 5-feet long. Bed walls are said to be taller than those of some rivals, and both beds come with a tailgate that can be locked in a 55-degree position to line up with the top of rear wheel wells for longer objects.

Crew cab models are configured for those who plan to carry passengers in back on a regular basis; the full-size back seat can accommodate three adults, and its split 60/40 such that it can be folded down and used as a cargo shelf otherwise.

Several packages bring extensive appearance and suspension changes to the Canyon to make it more appealing for specific types of pickup buyers. For off-road enthusiasts, there's the Z71 Off-Road package, which includes a high-stance suspension, torsion bars, off-road tires, a locking rear differential, wheel flares, and jounce bumpers. Also looking the part for street-racer types is the ZQ8 package; available only on V8 versions in extended or crew cab styles, the ZQ8 brings a "slammed" appearance from a stiffer sport suspension that rides about an inch lower than standard models. Painted aluminum wheels, low-profile sport tires, and a power-steering cooler are also included. Those who do any towing should opt for the Z85 heavy-duty suspension.

The Canyon can otherwise be equipped with as much luxury you want, ranging from the stripped-down Work Truck models up to the very well-equipped SLT, which adds items like a rear sliding window, leather upholstery and chrome-clad wheels. Hear-curtain side airbags that cover front and rear outboard rows are a recommended option for anyone who wants to have the most protection possible.

Easier To Park Than Full-size Trucks

Impressive Fuel Economy In The 4-cylinder Version

Less Expensive Than Full-size Trucks

Enough Capability For Casual Pickup Needs

Specialized Models For Off-roading And Towing

For the first time, a V8 is available on Canyon extended cab and crew cab models, while fuel-system improvements for the in-line 4- and 5-cylinder engines have improved fuel economy. The Canyon's brake system has been improved to match, and electronic stability control is now standard on all trims.

A revised ZQ8 sport suspension is available with the V8; it offers a "slammed" appearance, includes low-profile sport tires and has been lowered by about an inch. The Z71 Off-Road package has also been reconfigured to have a higher stance, with larger wheels and tires for better maneuverability off-road. Even base Work Truck models feature larger 16-inch wheels, with new 17- and 18-inch designs available. Body-side trim has been reconfigured through the model line, and two new colors--Navy Blue and Aqua Blue Metallic--join the palette.

The Canyon is between compact and mid-size among pickup trucks, and is a very useful size for city-dwellers as it's small enough to easily fit into just about any standard parking spot. The new V8 engine for 2009 fills a void in the compact-truck arena and turns the Canyon into a very capable, exciting-to-drive muscle truck. Price might be its most attractive attribute, though; comparably equipped, even with the V8, it comes priced several thousand dollars below a full-size truck.