2005 Chevrolet Colorado: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Chevrolet Colorado ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $15,095 -$28,550
- Invoice: $14,265 -$25,838
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Chevrolet Colorado
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
In both Colorado and Canyon, 4-cyl is adequate with 2WD and manual transmission, sluggish with 4WD and automatic. The 5-cyl is sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-cab 2WD 5-cyl averaged 18.8 mpg. Crew Cab 4WD 5-cyl averaged 18.1. Though both were driven mostly highway miles, fuel economy should still be slightly better than V6 rivals'. Manual-transmission 2WD 4-cyl regular cab averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Colorado and Canyon corner with reasonable poise, though some testers found them slow to react to steering inputs. 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
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors. GM's 5-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4-cyl par for the class.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
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)
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Lots of leg and head room. Seats adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks in base Colorado. Middle seat for occasional use only.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
Extended cab's jump seats best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew Cab's rear bench more spacious, but leg room still no better than a compact sedan's. On both, rear seats hard and undersized, and entry/exit difficult through small door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 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
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Chevy's Colorado and its GMC Canyon companion focus on the light-duty noncommercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the large Silverado and Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks.
Total Score
| 2WD Base ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. | 2WD LS Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. | 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. | 4WD LS Z71 crew cab, 5-cyl auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 38 | 43 | 44 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
