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2006 Chevrolet Colorado Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Review
Chevrolet's compact pickup shares a basic design with the GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-280/i-350, but differs in trim and details. Colorado's regular- and extended cab body styles come in Work, LS, and LT trim. Crew Cabs are LT only. A 175-hp 4-cyl engine is standard; a 220-hp inline 5-cyl is optional. Regulars and extendeds use manual or automatic transmissions. Crew Cabs are automatic only. Colorados are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. A three-person front bench seat is standard. Bucket seats are optional. Extended cabs have rear-hinged back doors and seat up to five with two rear jump seats. Crew Cabs have four conventional doors and seat up to six with a split folding rear bench. Regulars and extendeds have a 6-ft bed; Crew Cabs a 5-ft bed. ABS is standard. Curtain side airbags covering all seating rows are optional. Traction control is available with 2WD, as is a sport suspension. Offered on all is an off-road suspension. New for '06 is a Sun and Sound Package, which includes a sunroof. Other options include OnStar assistance, heated bucket front seats, and leather upholstery.

Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.
News
Motown moles say Colorado will be "restyled and re-engineered" for 2009. That's probably code for a major midcycle freshening, not a top-to-bottom redesign. Nothing further yet, but keep checking back with us.
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
Cargo room (crew cab) Acceleration (4 cyl/auto)
Ride (ZQ8 suspension)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
4 3 6 5 4.8

In Colorado, Canyon, and Isuzu pickups, 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 LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT 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. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
2 4 5 4 4.3

Better than most compact pickups. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. Base suspension furnishes best ride. Colorado and Canyon's available off-road and brutally stiff sport suspensions grow tiresome on long drives.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
5 4 4 4 3.9

All 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 LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.4

Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors. Five-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4-cyl par for the class.
Controls

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT 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 LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
3 4 4 4 5.2

Lots of leg and head room. Seats adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks in LS Colorado. Middle seat for occasional use only.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
0 1 1 4 2.5

Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew Cab 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 LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
1 3 3 4 3.7

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 LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
4 4 6 5 6.2

Chevy's Colorado and GMC's Canyon 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. Similar Isuzu i-280/i-350 share these attributes, but a sparse dealer network and questions about Isuzu's long-term viability blunt their value.
Total Score

2WD LT ZQ8 reg. cab, 4-cyl man. 2WD LT Z71 ext. cab, 4-cyl auto. 2WD LS Z85 ext. cab, 5-cyl auto. 4WD LT Z71 Crew Cab, 5-cyl auto. Class Average
33 38 44 44 44.8
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
32
Average Score
44
High Score
60
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Work regular cab $14,730 $13,920 $660
2WD LS regular cab $14,930 $14,109 $660
4WD Work regular cab $18,330 $17,322 $660
4WD LS regular cab $18,330 $17,322 $660
2WD Work extended cab $17,330 $16,377 $660
2WD LS extended cab $17,330 $16,377 $660
4WD Work extended cab $20,530 $19,401 $660
4WD LS extended cab $20,530 $19,401 $660
2WD LT regular cab $15,930 $14,895 $660
4WD LT regular cab $19,330 $18,075 $660
2WD LT extended cab $18,530 $17,326 $660
4WD LT extended cab $21,530 $20,131 $660
2WD LT Crew Cab $21,330 $19,944 $660
4WD LT Crew Cab $23,830 $22,281 $660
Price note: LT requires 1LT, 2LT, or 3LT Option Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work/LS
Powertrain
2.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery (Work), cloth upholstery (LS), front split bench seat, cupholders, rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, vinyl floor covering, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
205/75R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
LT regular/extended cab adds to Work/LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear jump seats (extended cab), carpeting, vinyl floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/75R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
LT Crew Cab adds to Work/LS regular/extended cab:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split folding rear seat, front-hinged rear doors, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Street Pack
2WD LS regular cab
$650
$540
2WD LS extended cab
$695
$577
Carpeting, color-keyed bumpers and grille, 225/75R15 tires, alloy wheels. Requires vinyl floormats.
1LT Option Pkg.
LT w/standard Z85 Suspension Pkg.
$0
$0
2WD LT regular/extended cab w/ZQ8 Sport Suspension Pkg.
$1,630
$1,353
LT regular/extended cab w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
$1,380
$1,145
Standard equipment.
2LT Option Pkg.
LT Crew Cab w/standard Z85 Suspension Pkg.
$1,240
$1,029
LT Crew Cab w/ZQ8 Suspension Pkg.
$2,520
$2,092
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, map lights, bodyside moldings (Z85, ZQ8), rear privacy glass.
3LT Option Pkg.
LT Crew Cab w/standard Z85 Suspension Pkg.
$2,265
$1,880
2WD LT Crew Cab w/ZQ8 Sport Suspension Pkg.
$3,370
$2,797
LT Crew Cab w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension
$3,565
$2,959
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, front bucket seats, automatic day/night rearview mirror, carpeted floormats, sliding rear window, rear privacy glass, fog lights, bodyside moldings, front tow hooks.
ZQ8 Sport Suspension Pkg.
LT
$0
$0
Front bucket seats, center console, color-keyed bumpers and fender flares, lowered sport suspension, full-size spare tire, 235/50R17 tires. Available and included only with LT1, LT2, or LT3 Option Pkg.
Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
LT
$0
$0
Limited-slip differential, wheel flares, mud guards, raised off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/75R15 on/off-road tires. Available and included only with LT1, LT2, LT3 Option Pkg.
Sun and Sound Pkg.
LT
$795
$660
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Xtreme Appearance Pkg.
2WD LT
$2,500
$2,075
Bodyside ground-effects cladding, chrome grille accents, rear spoiler, wheel flares, 235/50R18 tires. Requires 2LT Option Pkg. w/ZQ8 Suspension Pkg. and fog lights or 3LT Option Pkg. w/ZQ8 Suspension Pkg.
Power Convenience Group
LT
$500
$415
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry. Std. Crew Cab.
Powertrain
3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$1,000
$830
2WD w/manual transmission requires trailer hitch.
4-speed automatic transmission
regular/extended cab
$1,095
$909
Traction control
2WD
$395
$328
2WD LT w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
$100
$83
Includes limited-slip differential. Regular/extended cab require 4-speed automatic transmission.
Limited-slip differential
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$295
$245
Special axle ratio
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$0
$0
Safety
Curtain side airbags
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$395
$328
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LT
$695
$577
Includes one year service. Requires rearview mirror DC4 when ordered w/1LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg. Deletes automatic day/night rearview mirror from 3LT Option Pkg.
Power sunroof
LT
$695
$577
Rearview mirror DC4
LT
$25
$21
Includes map lights.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
Work, LS
$435
$361
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT
$395
$328
Satellite radio
LT
$325
$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Leather upholstery
LT Crew Cab
$1,495
$1,241
LT extended cab
$1,295
$1,075
Includes heated front seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires 3LT Option Pkg.
Cloth front bucket seats
LT
$340
$282
Includes center console. Std w/ZQ8 suspension or 3LT Option Pkg.
Rear jump seats
Work/LS extended cab
$115
$95
Includes carpeting. Requires vinyl floormats.
Carpeting
Work/LS regular cab
$70
$58
Vinyl floormats
Work/LS regular cab
$25
$21
Work/LS extended cab
$45
$37
Regular cab requires carpeting. Extended cab requires rear jump seats.
Carpeted floormats
LT extended cab, Crew Cab
$160
$133
LT regular cab
$95
$79
Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$175
$145
Xtreme Accent Stripe Pkg.
LT
$250
$208
Hood and bodyside stripes. Requires Xtreme Appearance Pkg.
Engine-block heater
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$35
$29
Fog lights
LT
$115
$95
Running boards
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$375
$311
NA w/ZQ8 or Z71 Suspension Pkg.
Chrome side steps
LT
$525
$436
Requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg. w/Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
Rear privacy glass
regular cab
$75
$62
extended cab, Crew Cab
$115
$95
Hard tonneau cover
regular/extended cab
$725
$601
Crew Cab
$665
$552
Soft tonneau cover
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$255
$212
Bed extender
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$205
$170
Bed rail protectors
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$135
$112
NA w/ZQ8 suspension, hard tonneau cover.
Bodyside moldings
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$100
$83
Requires Z71 Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
Mud guards
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$80
$66
Tailgate edge protector
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$100
$83
NA w/ZQ8 suspension, hard tonneau cover.
Special paint
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$165
$137
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work/LS
$270
$224
Includes wiring harness.
Front tow hooks
4WD
$50
$42
Full-size spare tire
w/205/75R15 tires.
$95
$79
w/225/75R15 tires
$115
$95
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Colorado regular cab Chevrolet Colorado extended cab Chevrolet Colorado crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 111.2 125.9 125.9
Overall Length, in. 192.8 207.6 207.1
Overall Width, in. 67.6 67.6 68.6
Overall Height, in. 64.9 64.9 65.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3117 3346 3511
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1539 1539 1343
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.6 19.6 19.6
Seating Capacity 3 5 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6 38.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.0 44.0 44.0
Rear Head Room, in. -- 37.9 38.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 23.1 34.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc I5
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.8 /169 3.5 /211
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 5600 220 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 185 @ 2800 225 @ 2800
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 21/27 19/25
4-speed automatic 18/25 18/23
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Colorado regular cab Chevrolet Colorado extended cab Chevrolet Colorado crew cab
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA 5
Rollover Resistance 4 NA 4
Side Impact, Driver 4 NA 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA NA 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 Aveo, Cobalt and Uplander only.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --