The Chevrolet Colorado is GM’s entry into the midsize pickup truck market. Now in its second generation, we’ll examine the best (and worst) years for this versatile pickup truck.
Key Points
- The first generation was produced from 2004 to 2012, and was available with four-, five- and eight-cylinder engines, rear- or all-wheel drive, and a manual or automatic transmission.
- The second generation debuted in 2015 with an all-new platform, updated powertrain options, and a host of new creature comforts.
- Avoid Colorados from 2004 and 2005 for being underpowered and for having a problem-prone powertrain. The 2015 model was also particularly troublesome, with seven NHTSA recalls.
- The best Colorado year would be a 2017 or newer, which have fewer NHTSA recalls and complaints vs. earlier models. What’s more, 2016 added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2018, wireless charging, and 2019, a heated steering wheel.
First-generation Chevy Colorado Lacks Potent Engine Options in Early Years, Adds 300-hp 5.3L V8 in 2009
The first-generation Colorado (2004-2012) is available in a regular, extended, or crew cab configuration, along with rear or all-wheel drive, a long or short-bed option, and three suspension configurations. Initially, the engine lineup consisted of the base 2.8-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower or 3.5-liter five-cylinder with 220 horsepower. The five-cylinder is a unique layout and is a spinoff from the Vortex 4200 inline-six. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or 4L60 four-speed automatic.
By the time the first generation wrapped production, it was available with an even greater range of engine options, including a new 5.3-liter V8 that had 300 horses under the hood. The five-cylinder was upped to 242, while the four-cylinder increased in size to a 2.9-liter, and now produced 185 horsepower. Equipped with the V8, this last iteration of the first generation can tow 6,000 pounds.
Worst Years for the First-gen. Colorado
Consider avoiding the 2004 and 2005 model years, which are known for transmission, engine, and AC unit failures. CoPilot states that “Repairs on these year models cost, on average, around $2,000.”
Best Years for the First-gen. Colorado
We recommend going after one of the later models from 2009-2012 with the 5.3-liter engine, as these are the most capable of the first-gen. Colorados, and will almost make you forget you’re driving a midsize pickup over a full-size.
Chevy’s Colorado went on three-year hiatus, with a new model debuting in 2015.
Second-generation Colorado Grows in Size, Gains New Powertrain Options, Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2017
With the demise of competitors like the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota, the second-gen. Colorado (2015-present) found itself alone as the only American compact pickup truck. Though bigger than the original, the second generation was still smaller than the also growing Silverado. Again, there are plenty of configurations to choose from.
The standard powertrain is a 200 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual driving the rear wheels. Four-wheel-drive is an option, but it requires the six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with the same automatic.
Cars.com recommends the V6, as it’s “a far more appealing powertrain thanks to much more sprightly acceleration and stronger towing abilities. In fact, the Colorado with the V6 and a factory tow package is rated to haul up to 7,000 pounds, more than enough to get a boat or a pair of motorcycles to where you want to take them.” A Duramax 2.8L diesel option debuted in 2016 with 369 lb.-ft. of torque and 181 horsepower.
Worst Years for the Second-gen. Colorado
The 2015 model year has been the worst for the new Colorado, with Motor Biscuit stating, “Though the transmission seems the be the biggest reported problem with the 2015 Chevy Colorado, many owners report having problems with steering, the engine, interior accessories, and drivetrain.”
There have been seven recalls on this model year alone by the NHTSA, for steering (twice), airbags (three times), brakes, and seats. The most complained-about issue is related to the transmission, which TheLemonFirm states, “The most commonly reported issue is “shuddering” when the truck accelerates and sudden “jerking” when downshifting gears when driving up an incline.”
Car Complaints also advises staying away from the 2015 model year, as they “Rate 2015 as the worst model year ranked on several factors such as repair cost and average mileage when problems occur.” Their number one problem relates to a loss of power steering and notes that it can cost $1,500 to fix.
Best Years for the Second-gen. Colorado
As this generation is still being produced, it’s had some updates along the way that might be appealing to you. Models from 2016 feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in 2017 wireless charging was added, and in the 2019 Colorado, a heated steering wheel was optional. We’d choose a 2017 model at minimum as these also only have a single recall and limited registered complaints.
2004-2008 Colorados Lack Competitive Specs, but 2017 and Newer Models Have Ample Capabilities and Modern Features
While the first-gen. Colorado was a decent midsize pickup for its time, it wasn’t very capable until the 5.3L engine was added in 2009. Stick with 2009-2012 Colorado’s with the 5.3L V8 for the best experience. Plus, you can pick one up for fairly cheap, as Kelley Blue Book shows a 2009 4×4 Crew Cab Colorado has a fair purchase price of about $13,000.
The second-generation Chevy Colorado was initially a worry, with the 2015 model having seven recalls and a problem-prone transmission. By 2016 recalls dropped to four, and by 2017, only one about a faulty fuel pump was issued for multiple GM vehicles, but only 895 units were affected in total. We suggest the 2017 or newer Colorado with the 3.6L engine as the best, which can still tow 7,000 pounds, has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wireless Charging.
Photos: Chevrolet
