Chevy Colorado....

[JESTER]

Okay, so whats your opinions on the Colorado???

My dad bought one, and is now out of work after surgery. He is talking about maybe letting it go back. As I am driving the Metro now, and probally going to blow it up, due to a oil leak. So I am thinking about taking the truck off his hands.

It is new, which I have never owned a new car, with a warranty. It is auto which is also nice, I am getting tired of shifting. But pop's doesnt buy anything but base model. Single cab, non power windows or door locks. At least it has a CD player. And the engine deffinetly has some get up and go.

And I really miss my truck. But it was an extended cab 4x4.

[MinisterofDOOM]

From what I've heard about the Colorado (I've not yet been able to drive one, but I have driven a Trailblazer...) it's a good truck, good size, and seems to be able to "be a truck."

The biggest downside I find, and one that usually knocks it ALL the way back to last place in comparisons, is that the I5 is a horribly rough engine. The I6 and I4 that it is derived from are both fantastic engines, but the 5 is too hard to balance, and it's apparently VERY noticable. That doesn't mean it's a bad engine, reliability wise, as it's proven itself in 6 and 4 cylindar guise, but it is poorly balanced.Your dad's is a base model, so I'd assume it's got the 4 and not the 5. You should not have any big problems with it.

The Colorado also comes across as having GM quality fit and finish--especially in the base models. It's one of those cars that you can see driving and instantly determine if it's base model or not by looking at the exterior--it's THAT base. Again, this does not knock reliability, it's just not as solid LOOKING as, say, a Frontier or a Taco. I had a sit inside one at the international auto expo a few months ago. It's characteristically low-grade plastic (not a complaint, just an observation) and the layout is quite good. Knobs where needed, no excessive buttons as was the GM trend in the early 90's. Fairly roomy--coming from a 6'3" tall guy. I'm sure you're aware of that, though, as it is your father's truck... It's certainly better than the nearly-30-year-old Ranger, and far better than the Honda RidgedCondom, but not on par with Nissan or Toyota. It'd be my third choice if buying a new pickup. First choice of the american brands (not including Dodge, as the Dakota's too much bigger to count in that class).

Also, note that if you are seriously looking into a colorado, but not stuck on your dad's truck, it's being released in Isuzu guise as well, and may be cheaper (though the Isuzu's pretty ugly).
Modified by MinisterofDOOM at 3:36 AM 5/27/2005

[Jesda]

I forgot Isuzu still existed until I saw this thread.

Are those two pickups wearing ski masks?

[driverdriver]

C&D, Motortrend and Consumer Reports gave it very low marks when compared to other pickups in its class. They all picked the Dakota.The new Hummer H2 is supposed to be a Colorado with four-doors and a hatch.

[MinisterofDOOM]

C&D, Motortrend and Consumer Reports gave it very low marks when compared to other pickups in its class. They all picked the Dakota.The new Hummer H2 is supposed to be a Colorado with four-doors and a hatch.

Of course they picked the dakota! It's a SIZE BIGGER. Does the Colorado come with a V8? NO! Does it have the same interior or bed dimensions? NO! Does it have the same wheelbase, or price tag? NO! That's why I specifically stated, I don't include the Dakota. The dakota is, for all intents and purposes, a half ton truck. It's not midsize anymore. Full size V8, full size towing capacity. You can't compare chevy, ford, nissan, toyota, or any other midsize pickups to the dakota. The dakota is NOT in the Colorado's class.

And it's the H3 that will be the colorado, yes. It actually is quite good looking. I don't really see the point...but it's still a good looking truck...SUV...thingy.

[driverdriver]

From the respective Dodge and Chevy websites:

Dakota(base model)3.7 V6 that produces 157 hp and 219lb-ft of torque

Colorado(base model)2.8 inline 4 produces 175 hp and 185lb-ft of torque

I would say they are fairly comparable. the magazines tested the base models. The magazines also sighted fit and finish issues (i.e. unexplained gaps) with the interior. I guess the Mexicans aren't getting paid enough to do a good job at the Chevy Colorado assembly plant in Mexico.

[metalsyth]

I like the Colorado, i took me alittle while to get used to the looks of it at first but it grew on me and If it is the I4 then it is a good deal because the I5 is a bad design IMO and has a few problems with the motor. While it may have a cheap look on the inside it is very roomy, (I am also 6' 3" and about 255lbs.) and I drove one with the I4 and it was peepy and pretty smooth riding. So i'll put it like this drive it and see what you think.

[JESTER]

Nah, Pop's has the I5. I have to say, I have only driven it twice, but I didnt notice any issues with the engine what so ever. Seemed pretty smooth to me. And it was fairly quick getting on the interstate. Faster than my Toyota V6.

I am not really wanting a Chevy. But I do miss my truck. It bennefits ll of us for me to buy his truck if he has to let it go back. I still live with my mother (until I get a house this year, sometime), She sales antiques and always needs a truck. I need a bigger vehicle than a Metro and miss my truck. So I dont know.

If pops doesnt have to sale it, I really want something in AWD and Turbo charged. I have been looking at the WRX, of course. But I saw one of the Baja Turbo's in black the other day that looked pretty sweet, too.

I dont know. I need to get my bill's paid off so I can get a house. I just need to stop thinking about vehicles.

[gabossie]

My buddy has a Colorado and I love the looks of it. I don't know what model it is, but it's much lower than the standard model and it looks NICE. No real complaints about the interior or anything, but I haven't spent that much time in it. The power seems to be alright, but I haven't driven it and I don't know what model it is.

[Red coupe]

All I have to say is that buying a new car is probably not the quistest route to getting a house.

[JESTER]

No, but driving a Geo Metro is a fairly quick way to get to back surgery for a fat boy like me.