Throughout the model years, the Canyon has been available in many transmissions including four, six and eight-speed automatic transmissions along with manual options. After taking a few years off, GMC brought back the Canyon in 2015, and continues to market it today.

GMC continued to make interior, exterior and capability improvements until this first generation of the Canyon ended in 2012. GMC introduced the Canyon for the 2004 model year. Owners can get the utility, capabilities and functionality of a pickup truck at a lower sticker price and often better gas mileage when compared to full size trucks. These trucks serve a need where owners do not quite need the size and power of a full-size pickup truck. The GMC Canyon belongs to the unique class of mid-size pickup trucks.