Vehicle Overview
The Colorado is available in three trim levels. Z85 is for normal operation, the Z71 is tuned for offroad use and the ZQ8 is designed for sports-car-like handling.
New for 2009
The 300-hp V-8 is the big news for performance enthusiasts and those with more demanding utility needs. drivers will have more pulling and passing power. GM did boost the gross vehicle weight rating by 200 pounds on models equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8, but the extra engine weight negates any additional payload capacity. The real benefit of the V-8 to performance enthusiasts will come when the ZQ8 suspension returns later in the year. The ZQ8 was the cornerstone of the old Xtreme package. The ZQ8 lowers the truck about an inch and comes with revised steering and suspension tuning, performance tires, and unique 18-inch wheels to provide more aggressive handling. Also for 2009, Chevy beefed up the brake system and now includes stability control and XM Satellite Radio on all models.
Exterior
When the Colorado debuted in 2004, it carried over the front-end styling from that generation's Chevy Silverado (GMT800), including the familiar power bar grille and angular "bat wing" headlamps. The Colorado has a little more muscle in its silhouette than some other compact trucks, which is great in four-wheel-drive and/or Z71 trims. The latest changes include additional body-colored moldings, bezels and surrounds to add a more sporty appearance to some trim levels.
- Bold wheel flares on Z71 models
- Z71 suspension offers higher stance than previous models
- Four new wheel designs help differentiate models
- Sport appearance now standard on all Z85 models
Interior
The Colorado's interior features an effective gauge layout and easy-to-reach audio and climate controls. There are some nice chrome accents to spice up the atmosphere, but this is mostly a utility-friendly cab with adequate storage and reasonably spacious surroundings for a compact pickup. The seats are plenty wide and comfortable, and the crew cab offers decent headroom and legroom for people of most heights. The second row of the extended cab is for children only.
- Available leather seating in crew cab LT
- Available moonroof in crew cab, extended cab
- Available sliding rear window
Under the Hood
- 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter inline-four-cylinder with aluminum block and cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder that makes 190 pounds-feet of torque
- 242-hp, 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder with aluminum block and cylinder head and dual overhead camshafts that makes 242 pounds-feet of torque
- 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder head and two valves per cylinder that makes 320 pounds-feet of torque
- Five-speed manual (standard on four-cylinder models)
- Four-speed automatic (standard on inline-five-cylinder and V-8, optional on four-cylinder models)
Safety
GM continues to beef up the safety features for its compact truck. Stability and traction control are now standard. GM's electronic stability system uses electronic brake controls to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in certain situations.
- Latch child-seat anchors
- Crash sensor sends GPS signal
- Front-seat pretensioners
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