Strengths

New 5.3-liter V8 engine; standard stability control; curtain air bags now available; nearly endless configuration options

 

Changes

Not much has changed for the Colorado. A new 5.3-liter V8 engine has been added for the extended and crew cab versions. Last year, electronic stability control was added as standard equipment; this year, curtain air bags are added.

 

Value

The base model Colorado comes at an entry-level price for a no-frills truck. Even at that level, it comes equipped with a few luxuries such as air conditioning, two 12-volt power outlets, updated chrome trim for the interior and lots of safety features.

 

Overview

There are three body styles for the Colorado: regular cab, long-wheelbase extended cab and 4-door crew cab. Each of these is available in rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. There are three engines available: a 185-hp, 2.9-liter 4-cylinder, which is standard on all but the crew cab; a 242-hp, 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine; and a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8. These can then be coupled with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

There are three available suspensions as well, the Z85, the Z71 for off-roading and the sportier ZQ8. The upgraded suspensions require either a crew cab or extended cab; the base model is available with the base Z85 suspension only.

So already, there are choices to be made, depending on what kind of use the truck will get and where you want to spend your money. All the trucks start with power-assisted rack-and pinion steering, front and side curtain air bags, TPMS, traction control, and GM's OnStar Safe and Sound system. A stereo with CD and MP3 playback is also standard.

From here, options are nearly endless. The Power and Convenience package includes power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable mirrors, and auto-dimming mirror.

All in all, the Colorado can be configured dozens of ways, from the inexpensive, fuel-sipping base model to the top-of-the-line, largest, most powerful crew cab. In addition to engine, transmission, and suspension configurations, options make this truck as customizable as any light truck on the market.