Expressive styling, comfortable ride.

Introduction

The Chevrolet Colorado was among the first of a new generation of larger compact pickups when it was introduced as a 2004 model and all but Ford followed quickly on its heals. In fact, we don't even call them compact pickups anymore. Now they're called midsize pickups. 

Colorado was designed to offer improved comfort and maybe replace the family sedan in the process. Colorado favors roominess, ride comfort and fuel efficiency over traditional truck virtues such as payload and towing capacity. That's a strong selling point because compact trucks are increasingly bought as alternatives to cars, and their owners want more hip room, leg room and head room. Most are willing to sacrifice bed length for cab room. Sales of Regular Cab trucks, which typically offered the longest beds, are way down (although Colorado is one of the few to still offer this variation). The Extended Cab has largely replaced the Regular Cab as the truck for serious haulers, many of whom like being able to stash gear, tools, luggage, or groceries behind the seats. Crew Cabs are exploding in popularity because they offer the convenience of a comfortable back seat for family and friends. Their short bed lengths are an acceptable compromise for many buyers. But don't get us wrong: The Colorado isn't a car with a bed. 

In fact, the Colorado provides all the trucking capacity most owners will ever use. It has a six-foot bed with Regular and Extended Cabs, and a five-foot bed on Crew Cabs. A properly equipped Colorado is rated to tow 4,000 pounds, enough for transporting ATVs, dirt bikes, personal watercraft, bass boats, and small camping trailers. In most configurations, the Colorado can carry more weight in the bed than the old S10 could. So it'll get the job done. 

On the whole, we think the trade-offs have paid off. Colorado rides smoothly and feels refined. Order the five-cylinder engine and it accelerates smartly. (That's right: five-cylinder.) The Crew Cab features a roomy back seat that's surprisingly comfortable and not bolt-upright. Yet the Colorado fits into tight parking spaces, something that can't be said of full-size pickups. Like all the trucks in this category, the Colorado is substantially smaller and more maneuverable than full-size pickups such as the Dodge Ram or Chevy Silverado. 

And Colorado offers something its competitors have forgotten, and that's a utilitarian Regular Cab work truck. In fact, about a hundred permutations are available, giving buyers lots of choices to fit their needs. 

The number of trim levels has been expanded for 2006, although little else is actually new. The cloth upholstery for the new high-level LT model has been upgraded, and a new option package that combines the sunroof with a six-disc CD changer is available. 

Lineup

The 2006 Chevrolet Colorado comes with three different suspensions: The rugged Z85 is the standard suspension and is available with two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Z71 off-road suspension is also available with 2WD and 4WD. Appropriately, the low-riding ZQ8 sport suspension is only available with 2WD. 

A 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard in most models, rated 175 horsepower. A 3.5-liter five-cylinder rated 220 horsepower is optional ($1,000) on most Colorados and standard on some upper-level models. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with either engine, with a four-speed automatic ($1,095) optional. 

Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab models are available. Trim levels have been expanded for 2006. 

The only base-level models are commercial-grade trucks. These are available as a Regular Cab 2WD ($15,330) or Extended Cab 2WD ($17,705), plus new Regular Cab 4WD ($19,125) and Extended Cab 4WD ($21,475) models. All come with hose-it-out vinyl floor mats and durable vinyl seating, ideal for muddy-boot applications (and situations where the buyer isn't the same person as the driver). Air conditioning is standard, along with tilt steering and cruise control. Four-cylinder engines come standard, but five-cylinder engines are available. All come with the standard Z85 suspension. An LS badge, which was the deluxe Colorado last year, now simply means the commercial truck with a 60/40 split cloth bench seat. Prices are exactly the same, although the option list expands somewhat. Options includes carpeting ($70). 

To move up to what was an LS truck last year, you now must order one of three sub-levels of LT trim. 1LT adds a recline feature, center armrest, and upgraded fabric for the 60/40 split bench seat; plus leather wrap for the steering wheel and AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio. 2LT adds power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry, and makes the automatic transmission standard. Choosing 3LT makes the five-cylinder engine standard as well, plus front bucket seats and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with eight-point compass and temperature readout. And again, the option list expands at each level. 

The Z71 off-road suspension requires a minimum of 1LT trim, and adds an automatic-locking rear differential, P265/75R15 on/off-road tires, and a Smoke Gray grille and wheel flares. Ground clearance at the rear differential is 8.4 inches. Order 4WD and you get skid plates, too. 

The ZQ8 sport suspension requires 2WD and 3LT trim. The ZQ8 rides lower than base models, with a slight forward rake, and comes with P235/50R17 tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. A monochromatic paint scheme and fog lamps add visual distinction. 

Taking the ZQ8 concept one step further is the Colorado Xtreme, which drops the already lowered ZQ8 suspension down another 1.6 inches and mounts gas-charged shocks and bigger-diameter P235/50R18 wheels and tires. A unique grille, tailgate spoiler, and side-sill extensions add exclusivity to Xtreme's appearance, along with monochromatic paint schemes limited to red, black, blue, or yellow. 

As before, content at any trim level can vary with suspension package and cab style, and not every cab style is offered with every suspension and trim combination. It's all very complicated, so we suggest you see your Chevrolet dealer for details. 

Power windows, locks and mirrors are optional ($500) on 1LT. XM Satellite Radio ($325) is available with any LT trim, while Gen 6 OnStar ($695) requires 2LT at minimum. Crew Cabs with 3LT offer optional heated, power-adjustable bucket seats with leather seating surfaces ($340) and a power sunroof ($695). A new Sun and Sound package ($795) for 2006 will bundle the sunroof with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. 

Safety features include curtain-style side-impact airbags designed for head protection that come standard on Crew Cabs, but are optional ($395) on other models. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) come stan. 

Walkaround

The Chevrolet Colorado still looks like a downsized and slightly Picasso-ized rendition of the full-size Silverado, beginning with its bold chrome horizontal-bar grille and multi-lens headlamps. The lamp assembly has a flying wedge contour, higher at the outside, and includes high and low beams, daytime running lamps and turn signals. On models so equipped, fog lamps are inset into the bumper. 

Overall, the Colorado has a clean, modern look. The fender bulges are angular and aggressive, more so than Silverado's. The leading edge of the front fender flares isn't finished elegantly, however. Reach-through door handles allow a full handful of grip for easy opening, even with gloves. 

The Crew Cab looks well balanced despite the extra cab length. 

Cargo boxes are 6-foot, 1-inch on Regular and Extended Cab models and 5-foot, 1-inch on Crew Cabs. A two-position locking tailgate, which opens to 55 degrees or to fully horizontal, provides more cargo utility. When the tailgate is partway down, the Colorado can carry a 4-by-8 foot sheet of plywood flat, supported by the wheel wells and the rear edge of the tailgate. 

Ride height varies by suspension grade and has a dramatic effect on the truck's appearance. The ZQ8 Sport models look slammed with their lower ride height. In fact, with a minimum ground clearance of just 5 inches at the front axle, they ride 3.5 inches lower in front and 1.1 inches lower in the rear than the standard 2WD Colorado. The standard Colorado has 7.5 inches of ground clearance, with 2WD or 4WD, with the low point at the rear axle. The Z71 off-road suspension raises the ground clearance to 8.4 inches, again the same with 2WD or 4WD. 

All Crew Cab and Extended Cab models ride on a 126-inch wheelbase, while Regular Cab models ride on a 111-inch wheelbase. Overall length is 207 inches for all but Regular Cabs, which are 193 inches long. Overall height is about 65 inches for the standard Z85 suspension, 66 inches with 4WD; 63.5 inches for the low-rider ZQ8 Sport models; and 67 inches for the Z71 off-road models, 2WD and 4WD. 

Chevrolet dealers offer a range of accessories, including a bed extender, hard and soft tonneau covers, tubular assist steps and splash guards. All can be installed at the time of delivery and can be financed as part of the deal. 

Interior

The interior of the Chevrolet Colorado is swathed in hard plastic that's not finger friendly but should prove to be durable, important in a pickup truck. Inside door releases feel solid and sturdy, but have the same hard feel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is well cushioned, however, and feels good in hand and should remain comfortable for the long haul. 

The front bucket seats are wide and soft, and the fabric upholstery in LT models has been upgraded for 2006. We thought the seats lacked lateral support, whether upholstered in cloth or leather. 

Getting into the Z71 off-road models requires stepping up. Specifically, Z71's step-in height is 22 inches, compared with 21.4 for the standard 4WD suspension, 18.4 with 2WD, and just 16.5 for the low-riding ZQ8 Sport. 

Each door panel has a molded map pocket contoured for a bottle or can. The center console has cup holders that look capable of handling a variety of drink containers. The center armrest opens into a small storage space, big enough for a large wallet, but it wobbles when pushed. A small tray on the console is useful. 

The instrument panel is traditional white-on-black with orange needles. It's easy to read and doesn't hide its functionality with artsy markings. This practical approach continues to the center stack. No ground-breaking innovation here, just straightforward knobs and dials that don't require a postgraduate degree to operate. Turning on the dome light requires fumbling around for a small thumbwheel, however, which we found difficult while navigating in pre-dawn darkness. For this reason, we recommend the optional electrochomic (automatic-dimming) rearview mirror, which features map lights, compass and outside temperature display. Light switches on mirrors often lead to thumbprints and frequent mirror adjustments, but in this case they're a step up. 

The Crew Cab's back seat is surprisingly comfortable, particularly when compared with the back seats of old-generation compact Crew Cabs. There's a reasonable amount of leg room, especially with a little cooperation from those sitting in front, and the seat height is comfortably high. The seatback angles back slightly, making it more comfortable than the bolt-upright backrest found in some other pickups. The wide cabin provides enough shoulder room for adult males, but don't expect the width of a full-size pickup. Getting in and out of the back seats is a little awkward because the door is relatively narrow and you have to swing your feet in to clear the wide B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors). 

Forget about sitting in the back of an Extended Cab. It has back seats, but they're only good for hauling kids and only then for short distances. The rear seats flip down, providing a good place for cargo and, with modifications, it would be okay for a medium-size dog. The rear doors swing open suicide-style. 

Driving Impression

As mentioned, the Chevrolet Colorado comes with a choice of engines. The standard engine is a 2.8-liter inline-4 called the Vortec 2800. It's rated at 175 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. We found it delivers acceptable acceleration, particularly when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. It should prove adequate for most mid-size pickup-truck duties, but don't expect to accelerate like a rocket. The manual transmission shifts smoothly, though the gate into Reverse seemed a bit reluctant at times. The four-cylinder Vortec 2800 gets an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg City/Highway with manual transmission and 2WD. 

The optional engine is an inline-5 called the Vortec 3500. A five-cylinder engine is an unusual configuration for a U.S. vehicle, but German automakers have been using them for years. Mercedes-Benz offered five-cylinder diesels in the '70s, and Audi's premier engine was in inline-5 from 1977-91. More recently Volvo has adopted the straight-five idea. All of these engines produce a distinctive, siren-like sound at full throttle, and so does the five-cylinder Colorado. At cruise, however, GM's five-cylinder is quiet, and there's no indication that it's anything out of the ordinary. If you like inline-6 engines better than V6s, then you'll like the inline-5 just fine. It's much more responsive than the four-cylinder and delivers quicker acceleration. It's also smoother. Just don't mention the number of jugs it has in a cowboy bar. 

The five-cylinder Vortec 3500 delivers 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. That's a bit weak compared to the optional 4.0-liter V6 engines in the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, which rate north of 280 pound-feet of torque. Dodge Dakota's optional V8 boasts 310 pound-feet of torque, but it's a bigger, heavier truck, too. In the Colorado's defense, we should point out that the inline-5 sustains its peak torque over 90 percent of its rev range, which is important when hauling heavy loads or towing trailers. The maximum towing load for the Colorado with the five-cylinder engine and automatic transmission is 4000 pounds, compared with 6500 for the V6 Tacoma and Frontier, and 7150 for the V8 Dakota. On the other hand, the Colorado's recommended fuel is 87 octane. Toyota recommends premium for its V6. Also, the five-cylinder engine with 2WD and manual transmission earns an EPA rating of 19/25 mpg (or 18/23 mpg with automatic), which is significantly better than Tacoma, Frontier, or Dakota. 

Both the GM 2800 and 3500 engines were derived from the Vortec 4200 inline-6 used in the Chevy TrailBlazer. GM lopped cylinders off the six to get the five and four. These are modern engines featuring all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle control, variable exhaust timing and a healthy 10:1 compression ratio. 

Chevrolet appears to have struck the right balance between capability and comfort for its midsize pickup. Colorado rides like a truck, but it isn't nasty about it. By aiming for a more modest towing capacity, GM engineers were able to reduce the rear spring rate and tune the suspension for a smooth ride. The rear end doesn't bounce around on washboard dirt roads the way it does on older trucks. It's the front end that feels firmer. 

The Colorado accelerates decently in traffic and the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic shifts smoothly enough. But goose it on loose gravel or dirt, and the traction control system shuts down the power and the Colorado bogs. That's not important except when trying to merge into fast-moving traffic from a pebbly roadside. The traction control override button, located high on the dash, can be used in such a situation, but obviously you'll need to think that through in advance. In snow, however, the traction control should help in taming. 

Summary

Chevrolet Colorado offers the increased roominess of the newest generation of mid-size pickup trucks. Anyone looking for a smaller truck that's not cramped on the inside, but is still capable of handling a respectable load or pulling a lightweight trailer, should find the Colorado a good choice. Load three dirt bikes on a trailer, and assorted gear in the bed, and three bikers and a couple of hangers-on can head to the track. Or take the kids to soccer practice and bring home a dozen bags of mulch. The Colorado handles it all with aplomb. 

New Car Test Drive correspondent John Matras filed the original report from rural Pennsylvania; Mitch McCullough reported from Southern California. 

Model Lineup

Chevrolet Colorado Z85 LS Regular Cab 2WD ($15,330); Z85 LS Extended Cab 2WD ($17,705); Z71 1LT Extened Cab 4WD ($24,150); Z85 1LT Crew Cab 4WD ($24,920); ZQ8 Sport 3LT Extended Cab 2WD ($24,980); Z71 2LT Crew Cab 4WD ($27,415). 

Assembled In

Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Options As Tested

OnStar ($695) includes 1 yr Safe & Sound subscription; XM Satellite Radio ($325) includes first 3 months' subscription; traction control ($295); side-curtain airbags ($395); vinyl floor mats ($45).