2004-2008 Chevrolet Colorado: Road Test

The four-cylinder engine is undepowered for anything other than daily commuting. Adequate with 2WD and manual shift, it's sluggish with 4WD and an automatic transmission. The five-cylinder is sprightly with 2WD and adequate with 4WD. Both engines are considerably smoother than the ones they replaced, and seem well-mated to the quick-shifting automatic transmission. Four-cylinder engines are a bit easier on fuel. An extended-cab 2WD five-cylinder averaged 18.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. A Crew Cab 4WD pickup with that engine averaged 18.1 mpg under similar conditions. A manual-shift 2WD four-cylinder regular-cab model averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. Jittery on rough or badly broken surfaces, Colorados are otherwise composed. Overall, they ride better than most other compact pickups. Still, abrupt vertical motions are felt over bumps and dips. The base suspension furnishes the best ride, while stiffer Z71 (off-road) and ZQ8 (sport) suspensions grow tiresome on long drives. A Colorado corners with more security and poise than the old S-10, making it among the more agile compact pickups. Expect good straightline stability, but some testers claim it's slow to react to steering inputs. Meaty steering has pronounced on-center feel. The turning radius is noticeably larger with 4WD than with 2WD. Brakes provide quick, even stops with precise pedal feel. Colorados are quieter overall than most competitors, though extended cabs in particular may suffer some wind rush where the front and rear door meet. Five-cylinder engines are louder and coarser than rival V6s, but the four-cylinder is about on par for this class. Gauges are easy to read, but some early digital readouts washed out in direct sunlight. Audio/climate controls are simple to use and clearly marked. Interior materials and fit-and-finish are above average for the class. Still, some early test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area. Front occupants get lots of leg and head room, on seats that are adequately comfortable for long drives. The middle seat is for occasional use only. Some testers have complained of hard, flat seatbacks in base models. The extended cab's rear seat is for use by preteens only; adults lack leg room even if front seats are pushed well forward. Crew cabs are somewhat more spacious, but rear leg space is still no better than a compact sedan's, and entry/exit is difficult through small door openings. All rear seats are hard and undersized. Interior storage is limited on regular cabs, but good on extended and crew cabs with rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured in a partially open position, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried on top of the wheelwells, supported in back by the tailgate.

Value for the Money
Colorado and its GMC Canyon counterpart focus on the light-duty daily user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to Silverado. That said, Colorado is a well-balanced, modern, and attractive small truck with plenty of appeal.