2008 Chevrolet Colorado [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 37 Colorado reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Colorado - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 6 out of 7 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Colorado, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado has a good-looking exterior and reassuring crash test scores, but its performance is less-than-competitive, plus it lacks overwhelming interior comfort or overall refinement.
As the Detroit News sums up, "In terms of its rugged exterior design theme, the perfectly named Colorado hits just the right note, but the sparse cabin leaves much room for improvement." The Colorado's fans focus on its exterior, which looks like "the most pugnacious, in-your-face, muscle-bound little dude in your high school class," according to the Washington Post. In a five-way competition held by Car and Driver, the Colorado placed last behind the Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline. Car and Driver concludes, "In the end, what really stung us was how little innovative thinking went into the Colorado." As consumers who need a truck turn away from full-size models in favor of more fuel-efficient compact pickups, its clear that reviewers think there are better options than the Colorado.
The 2008 Colorado is available as a regular cab model, an extended cab, or as a crew cab. The regular and extended cab models come in three trim levels -- base, LS, and LT -- while the crew cab model is offered only with the LT trim package. If you're looking to purchase a pickup, consider the Toyota Tacoma. If you prefer an American model, check out the Dodge Dakota.
- Reviewing the Colorado, Canyon and Isuzu i-Series, Car and Driver says "these trucks trail the competition in every way." -- Car and Driver
- "Far and away the best-looking contender in the mid-size truck segment. But its chintzy cabin and lack of a V6 engine greatly reduce its appeal." -- Detroit News
- "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." -- New Car Test Drive
Colorado Performance - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado's performance score is good but not outstanding among its class. Reviews reveal it's an able but unremarkable performer with passable power and unsurprising dynamics. "The Chevrolet Colorado is a pickup truck that rides and handles like a pickup truck," reports the Washington Post. "There is no attempt here to pretend to be anything else." Our full Performance Review gives the complete run-down on the Colorado's engines and suspension system. continue
Colorado Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The Colorado's exterior earns it high praise. A reviewer for the Detroit News says, "I love the exterior styling, especially that bold Chevy family face," calling it "a nice, tough look that seems appropriate for this vehicle." Check out the Chevy Colorado's Photo Gallery to see what reviewers are writing about, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read additional praise. continue
Colorado Interior - 5.9 (Mediocre)
The Colorado unaccommodating cabin results in a low interior score compared to the rest of its class. The chief complaints are dismal materials and moderate seat comfort. Check out our Chevy Colorado Photo Gallery to contrast the space offered between the front and rear rows, or go to our full Interior Review to learn more about the Colorado's cabin storage options. continue
Colorado Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Chevrolet Colorado has safety features similar to those of its competitors, and performs well in government crash tests. Our full Safety Review gives details on the Colorado's test ratings, as well as the passive and active safety equipment provided standard. continue
Colorado Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Colorado comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Our full Reliability Review provides more information on the Colorado's predicted reliability. continue
