Chevrolet Colorado

Overview: Is the Chevy Colorado a Good Truck?

Introduced for 2004, original Chevy Colorado trucks delivered versatile midsize dimensions with extended cab or crew cab options. After an initial nine-year run, Chevy brought back the second-generation Colorado for 2015 with improved refinement, power, and technology. The third-gen Colorado was launched in 2023. While earlier editions had four- and six-cylinder power (and sometimes a Diesel powerplant), the latest Colorado is strictly a four-cylinder pickup (with different engine output options). Over the years, the Chevrolet Colorado has steadily grown in sophistication, refinement, and capability. It competes with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and its GM corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon. The Ford Maverick pickup truck is in a smaller class.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Chevrolet Colorado for sale.

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Related: Which year model of Chevy Colorado is best to buy used?

Key Features

The Chevy Colorado offers:

• Midsize truck with regular, extended, or crew cab body style (varies by year)
• Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
• Four- or six-cylinder gas engines; turbocharged six-cylinder Diesel (varies by year)
• Manual or automatic transmission (varies by year)

Trims

Trims vary by year and generation but usually start with a base, LS, or Work Truck edition. Other lower-end trims can wear an LT badge, while the Colorado Z71 or ZR2 offer more off-road capability. The mid-tier Trail Boss joined the lineup with the introduction of the third-generation Colorado.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Comfort will vary greatly, depending on the model year, with crew cab editions offering the most space. Technology is also directly related to age, as older Colorados were more basic, while newer versions have the latest infotainment and driver-assist features. Cargo bed length varies by year and generation. The 2023 Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

How It Drives

Acceleration is tied to what’s under the hood, with older four-cylinders and the turbodiesel providing acceptable performance. However, Colorados are much quicker when equipped with a more horsepower-heavy powertrain—a V6 or one of the new turbo four-cylinder powerplants. Expect a mostly compliant ride, while cornering and sharp movements are less precise, typical of most pickups.

Safety

The Chevrolet Colorado generally does well in testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with four- or five-star (good to great) ratings. However, some later-year editions of the first-generation Colorado received a poor rating for side barrier protection.

Reviews

Chevy Colorado reviews via Kelley Blue Book average 4.2 (out of 5.0) for the first two generations. Owners cite reliability, styling, and performance as some of the Colorado’s best traits. There’s no feedback yet for the third generation.

Learn More: How Long Do Chevy Colorados Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan and Chevy Colorado Transmission Problems

FAQs

What is a good price for a Chevy Colorado?

Used Chevy Colorado prices average from $5,000 for early high-mileage models to over $40,000 for the latest crew cab Chevy Colorado ZR2 editions. Shoppers should consider mileage, condition, and features.

Is the Chevy Colorado a 4x4?

Four-wheel drive models are available across most trim levels to maximize traction on- and off-road. Some models may be equipped only with rear-wheel drive.

Is the Chevy Colorado a good truck?

The Chevy Colorado provides capable hauling and off-road performance, a comfortable ride, and high safety scores, though some rivals offer better interior quality and more advanced technology features.

Is a Tacoma bigger than a Colorado?

The Toyota Tacoma offers slightly larger passenger and cargo room dimensions than older Chevy Colorados.

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