The Colorado is offered in a bewildering number of combinations, to suit uses ranging from industrial and construction to farm use to luxury commuting and occasional boat-towing or off-roading. This includes three cab styles--regular, crew, and extended--and two bed lengths.
Three very different engines are offered on the Colorado: a 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter four-cylinder, a 242-horsepower, 3.7-liter five-cylinder, or a new 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8. Most four-cylinder models have a standard five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic is optional with the four-cylinder but standard with the other two engines.
With the standard four-cylinder engine, fuel economy is a strong point. Thanks to mechanical improvements this year, the Colorado's highway rating goes up to 25 mpg.
Each of the three engines can be combined with either rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel drive system, which includes electronic "shift-on-the-fly" engagement. A locking rear differential, which may aid traction in some situations, is also optional, and three different axle ratios are available with the V-8 to suit possible uses like hauling or off-roading.
Again to suit this range of potential uses, there are three different suspension setups: the standard Z85, an off-road-tuned Z71, and the sport-tuned ZQ8. The latter includes larger aluminum 18-inch 'Xtreme' wheels and low-profile sport tires, and it rides about an inch lower for improved handling. All four-wheel-drive models get front torsion bars, while rear-wheel drive models have a coil-over-shock arrangement that's better suited for road duty; and all Colorados have twin-piston front disc brakes (rear drum) with anti-lock.
Safety features have been bolstered this year, and GM's Stabilitrak electronic stability control system--which helps prevent the loss of control on slippery roads or in evasive maneuvers--is now standard on all Colorado models. Head-curtain side airbags remain optional.
Crew cab Colorados come with a 60/40-split back bench seat suitable for adults and have the space for up to six adults, while the extended cab comes with two small folding rear seats.
Base Work Truck editions of the Colorado come very simply equipped, with manual mirrors, windows, and locks, but cruise control, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo are standard. A number of different VL and LT models add features like power windows, tinted glass and an MP3-compatible CD audio system with XM Satellite Radio. The options list includes assist steps, a rear sliding window, leather seats and a sunroof.
Roomy Crew Cab
Standard Stability Control
Available V-8 In A Compact Truck, Fuel Economy With Four-cylinder
Affordability Of Basic Models
The Colorado has a new V-8 option on extended and crew cab models, standard Stabilitrak stability control, improved braking, better fuel economy, and a number of new features for 2009. Solar Ray tinted glass is now standard on some models and XM Satellite Radio is newly standard on all Colorados.
Appearance-wise, wheel designs have been completely revamped, while Z85 models get what was previously optional as a Sport Appearance Package. All models now have a body-color front fascia, body-color moldings have been reconfigured and the Z71 Off-Road model gets a new grille design. Work Truck models now include carpet and cloth seating.
The Colorado isn't as refined or quiet as some of its competitors, but it stands out in the market as one of the most fuel-efficient pickups available, and if you keep the equipment simple it's one of the most affordable. With so many different configurations, it's easy to find one that suits you best, and the longer six-foot bed is among the longest available in its class.
