2004 Chevrolet Colorado Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado help you decide if a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is right for you.

2004 Chevrolet Colorado Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)

Cargo room (crew cab)	Acceleration (4 cyl/auto)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
6	3	6	5	4.6

In both Colorado and Canyon, 4 cyl is underpowered for anything but daily commuting--especially with 4WD and automatic transmission. The 5 cyl is spritely with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission. No opportunity yet to test with manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.1

Extended-cab 2WD 5 cyl averaged 18.8 mpg. Crew Cab 4WD 5 cyl averaged 18.1. Though both were driven mostly highway miles, test fuel economy still slightly better than V6 rivals'. No opportunity to measure with 4 cyl. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
2	4	4	4	3.6

Overall, better than most any other compact pickup. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. Otherwise composed. Z85 (base) suspension furnishes best ride. Stiffer Z71 (off-road) and ZQ8 (sport) suspensions grow tiresome on long drives.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	3	3	3	3.3

Slow to react to most steering inputs, but Colorado and Canyon corner with reasonable poise. Overall, among the more-agile compact pickups. Good straightline stability. 4WD models have noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. Brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.

Quietness

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.5

Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors of extended and crew models. GM's 5-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4 cyl par for the class.

Controls

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Audio/climate controls simple to use, clearly marked. Gauges easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight. Interior materials and fit-and-finish above average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.1

Lots of leg and head room; seats adequately comfortable for long drives. Middle seat for occasional use only.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
0	1	1	3	1.9

Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew cab somewhat more spacious, but leg room still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, rear seats hard and undersized, and entry/exit difficult through small door openings.

Cargo Room

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
1	3	3	4	3.1

Interior storage limited on regular cabs, good on extended and crew cabs with rear seats folded. Unique dual-position support cable allows tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop wheelwells with support from tailgate.

Value within Class

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
4	4	6	5	6

Chevy's Colorado and its GMC Canyon companion focus on the light-duty noncommercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the full-size Silverado and Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks.

Total Score

Base ZQ8 reg. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 ext. cab 2WD, 4-cyl auto.	LS Z85 ext. cab 2WD, 5-cyl auto.	LS Z71 crew cab 4WD, 5-cyl auto.	Class Average
37	38	43	43	40.2