While all the attention seems to go to sales battles between the big boys in the full-size pickup class, the compact pickup segment is no less competitive and certainly no less important to manufacturers trying to get market share wherever they can find it.
The Chevrolet Colorado is priced from about $14,500 to $23,500 and this makes it attractive to a segment of buyers who may not be traditional pickup enthusiasts -- but like the rugged image.
Like its full-size siblings, Colorado delivers a smorgasbord of packages and layouts. Attractive angular exterior styling cues mean good looks are available with each configuration.
Colorado offers standard-cab, extended-cab and crew cab sizes. Four-door configurations are available on the extended-cab and crew-cab models. The larger crew cab models feature large front-hinged doors while the smaller extended cab has the slimmer rear-hinged doors.
My tester was the LS two-door regular cab, so I cannot attest to the actual real-life access for Colorado's rear passengers. What I know from experience is that if you really want adult passengers to have access to the rear, and the larger bed is not necessarily required for work, then you are much better off in this segment going with the larger backseat and full-door access. It costs a bit more, but it will pay off with passenger comfort and entry and exit access.
Colorado delivers in three trim levels: Work, LS and LT. The LS tester came with standard cruise control, tilt steering, air-conditioning and automatic headlights. This is a good base of standards for this price range.
Regular- and extended-cabs have six-foot cargo beds while crew cab models feature a shorter five-foot bed. My tester had the six-foot bed. From the profile, the wheels appear to be pushed far front and the cargo bed really has a very short overhang, even with the longer bed. This makes the truck look more aggressive and less boxy.
While this is still the 2004 inaugural design, it still holds its own with a more steeply raked windshield than the competitors, big slotted grille and a large headlight assembly that oozes power and attitude.
Inside the regular cabin of the LS model you will find space to be at a premium. I found the cabin, with the large glass window surround, to have a really "open" feel with great sightlines and comfortable use of the side mirrors. Seating positions are easily manually adjusted, though I thought the bolstering in the seat cushions could have been a bit softer.
The dash assembly is basic Chevy. That's not necessarily meant as anything other than a benchmark for middle-of-the road domestic style. The competitors are not changing the world with their interiors either, but Chevy clearly sees no reason to push the envelope for anything more than common needs. I thought the gauges were easily visible; the radio was a basic AM/FM model with a standard CD player. If there is an upside to the smallish quarters, it is that the cabin heats up on cold mornings in less than five minutes.
Colorado can be equipped with either a 2-wheel or four-wheel-drive system. Suspension options include a Z85 heavy-duty and Z71 off-road package. Of special mention is the really cool looking Xtreme Package, which features a performance-tuned suspension, performance tires, 18-inch wheels and hip exterior tuner-like effects.
If Colorado were clearly lacking in any area against the competition, I'd have to say it is in the soft offering of engine configurations. Not having a six-cylinder engine option makes it especially hard to compete for customers who are looking for the extra ponies and the bigger towing weights. My tester had a workable 2.9-liter (185 horsepower) four-cylinder, which is the base powerplant. A 3.7-liter five-cylinder (242 horsepower) engine is optional. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission is available with either engine.
Colorado handles nicely on the road. Wind noise and road hum is prevalent inside the cabin, but I found the ride to be less jarring and more accommodating to lousy roads and poor weather conditions.
Overall, the Colorado is best described as adequate and workable as a compact pickup truck. Budget-conscious consumers will be attracted by the lower prices and will likely be more forgiving of the lower grade interior materials and lack of a six-cylinder option. Styling is a strong point for me and price will be key to attracting buyers interested in saving a buck without sacrificing looks. |