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2008 Chevrolet Colorado Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Colorado Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Chevrolet Colorado Review
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado carries forward with no major changes. This compact pickup truck shares its basic design with the GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-290/i-370. Regular and extended cab body styles are offered in Work, LS, and LT trims. A 4-door LT Crew Cab is also available. Regulars and extendeds have a 6-foot cargo bed. Crew Cabs have a 5-foot bed. All Colorados offer rear-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but has a low-range gear for off-roading. Standard on most models is a 185-hp 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. Standard on 4WD Crew Cabs and optional on other Colorados is a 242-hp 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine. Four-cylinder models are available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Five-cylinder versions use the automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 4000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control (2WD models only), and curtain side airbags. An off-road suspension, sunroof, and leather upholstery are among the optional features.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.
News
Colorado had been rumored for a fairly major 2009 makeover, but sources now predict only a freshening. No word on what that involves, but we hope it includes cleaner styling and a 6-cylinder engine option.
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2008 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
With either transmission, the 4-cylinder engine has adequate power for around town driving, but lacks reserve for passing or hauling heavy loads. Five-cylinder Colorados, Canyons, and i-370s are sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. That engine is particularly well-matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
With either transmission, the 4-cylinder engine has adequate power for around town driving, but lacks reserve for passing or hauling heavy loads. Five-cylinder Colorados, Canyons, and i-370s are sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. That engine is particularly well-matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD 4-cylinder Isuzu i-290 extended cab with automatic transmission averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. We've not had an opportunity to measure a Colorado or Canyon. All these trucks use regular-grade gas.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD 4-cylinder Isuzu i-290 extended cab with automatic transmission averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. We've not had an opportunity to measure a Colorado or Canyon. All these trucks use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Better than most compact pickups, provided you stick with the base suspension. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. The base suspension furnishes the best ride. Colorado and Canyon's available off-road suspension grows tiresome on long trips.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Better than most compact pickups, provided you stick with the base suspension. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces. The base suspension furnishes the best ride. Colorado and Canyon's available off-road suspension grows tiresome on long trips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All corner with reasonable poise, though some testers find these trucks slow to react to steering inputs. Good straightline stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. The brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
All corner with reasonable poise, though some testers find these trucks slow to react to steering inputs. Good straightline stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. The brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.
Quietness
Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush is prominent around the doors. Most of these trucks' rivals offer V6 engines that are smoother and more refined than the 5-cylinder engine.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush is prominent around the doors. Most of these trucks' rivals offer V6 engines that are smoother and more refined than the 5-cylinder engine.
Controls
GM and Isuzu versions have the same basic dashboard design. The audio and climate controls are simple to use and are clearly marked. Gauges are easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
GM and Isuzu versions have the same basic dashboard design. The audio and climate controls are simple to use and are clearly marked. Gauges are easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight.
Details
Interior materials and fit-and-finish are average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Interior materials and fit-and-finish are average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Lots of legroom and headroom. The seats are adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks in entry-level versions. The middle position on the bench seat is for occasional use only.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Lots of legroom and headroom. The seats are adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks in entry-level versions. The middle position on the bench seat is for occasional use only.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens. Adults lack legroom even if the front seats are pushed well forward. Crew Cabs are more spacious, but legroom is still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, the rear seats are hard and undersized, and entry and exit is difficult through small door openings.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 1 | 3 | 2.7 |
Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens. Adults lack legroom even if the front seats are pushed well forward. Crew Cabs are more spacious, but legroom is still no better than a subcompact sedan's. On both, the rear seats are hard and undersized, and entry and exit is difficult through small door openings.
Cargo Room
Interior storage is limited on regular cabs, but is good on extended and Crew Cabs with the rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop the wheelwells with support from the tailgate.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 1 | 3 | 3.6 |
Interior storage is limited on regular cabs, but is good on extended and Crew Cabs with the rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop the wheelwells with support from the tailgate.
Value within Class
Chevrolet's Colorado and GMC's Canyon focus on casual pickup users, assuming heavy haulers will move up to the larger Silverado and Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks. The nearly identical Isuzu i-290 and i-370 share their attributes, but we don't recommend them since Isuzu is slated to stop selling light-duty vehicles in North America.
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
Chevrolet's Colorado and GMC's Canyon focus on casual pickup users, assuming heavy haulers will move up to the larger Silverado and Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks. The nearly identical Isuzu i-290 and i-370 share their attributes, but we don't recommend them since Isuzu is slated to stop selling light-duty vehicles in North America.
Total Score
| 2WD LS ext. cab, 5-cylinder | 4WD 2LT Crew Cab, 5-cylinder | Class Average |
| 46 | 46 | 49.7 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 61 |
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2008 Chevrolet Colorado Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Work regular cab | $15,085 | $14,255 | $685 |
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| 4WD Work regular cab | $18,540 | $17,520 | $685 |
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| 2WD Work extended cab | $17,195 | $16,249 | $685 |
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| 4WD Work extended cab | $20,445 | $19,321 | $685 |
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| 2WD LS regular cab | $15,365 | $14,520 | $685 |
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| 4WD LS regular cab | $18,920 | $17,879 | $685 |
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| 2WD LS extended cab | $17,690 | $16,717 | $685 |
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| 4WD LS extended cab | $21,045 | $19,888 | $685 |
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| 2WD LT regular cab | $17,355 | $16,227 | $685 |
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| 4WD LT regular cab | $20,810 | $19,457 | $685 |
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| 2WD LT extended cab | $19,860 | $18,569 | $685 |
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| 4WD LT extended cab | $22,910 | $21,421 | $685 |
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| 2WD LT Crew Cab | $21,590 | $20,187 | $685 |
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| 4WD LT Crew Cab | $25,150 | $23,515 | $685 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Colorado | Up to $500 cash back or 3.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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
Powertrain
2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front split bench seat, rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, tachometer, intermittent wipers, 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.
LS adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, rear jump seats (extended cab), carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, color-keyed bumpers.
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 regular/extended cab adds to LS:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one year service, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
LT Crew Cab adds to LS regular/extended cab:
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, 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine, skid plates, 235/75R15 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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2LT Option Pkg.
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2WD LT Crew Cab
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$2,655
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$2,204
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4WD LT Crew Cab
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$1,655
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$1,374
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3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine (2WD), limited-slip differential, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, map lights, sliding rear window, wheel flares, unique grille, front tow hooks, off-road suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/75R15 on/off-road tires.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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LT
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$795
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$660
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Power sunroof, satellite radio. NA regular cab.
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Power Convenience Group
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LT
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$500
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$415
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Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry. Std. Crew Cab.
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Powertrain |
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3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$1,000
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$830
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Work, LS require 4-speed automatic transmission. Std. 4WD LT Crew Cab.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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Work, LS
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$1,095
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$909
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Traction control
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2WD
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$395
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$328
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2WD LT w/2LT Pkg.
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$100
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$83
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Includes limited-slip differential. Work, LS require 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Limited-slip differential
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$295
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$245
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Special axle ratio
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$0
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$0
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$395
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$328
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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LT extended cab/Crew Cab
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$695
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$577
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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LT
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$175
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$145
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Includes compass. Regular cab, extended cab require Power Convenience Group.
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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LS
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$450
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$374
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Includes OnStar assistance system w/one year service.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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LT
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$395
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$328
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Satellite radio
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LS, LT
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$200
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$166
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Cloth upholstery
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Work
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$0
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$0
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Leather upholstery
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LT Crew Cab
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$1,495
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$1,241
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LT extended cab
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$1,295
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$1,075
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Includes heated front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power front seats. Extended cab requires Power Convenience Group or 2LT Option Pkg.
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Front bucket seats
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LT
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$340
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$282
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Includes center console.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Sliding rear window
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LT
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$175
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$145
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Engine-block heater
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$75
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$62
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Rear privacy glass
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Work/LS regular cab
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$75
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$62
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Work/LS extended cab
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$115
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$95
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Special paint
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$95
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$79
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Premium paint
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$295
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$245
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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LS, LT Crew Cab, LT regular/extended cab, Work
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$270
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$224
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Includes wiring harness.
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Front tow hooks
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4WD
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$50
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$42
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Full-size spare tire
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Work, LS
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$95
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$79
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LT
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$115
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$95
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Chrome alloy wheels
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LT
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$495
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$411
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Chevrolet Colorado Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Colorado regular cab | Chevrolet Colorado extended cab | Chevrolet Colorado crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.3 | 126.0 | 126.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.4 | 207.1 | 207.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.6 | 67.6 | 67.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.9 | 64.9 | 65.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3375 | 3461 | 3677 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1733 | 1654 | 1498 |
| 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. | 2.9 /178 | 3.7 /223 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 5600 | 242 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 190 @ 2800 | 242 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 18/24 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 18/24 | 16/22 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | 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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Colorado Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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