• 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

• Used Chevrolet Colorado
• Repairs Chevrolet Colorado

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Chevrolet Colorado U.S. News Best Cars 6.4
Critics' Rating:	6.3
Performance:	6.8
Interior:	6.2
Safety:	N/A
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Low starting price
• Capable V8 engine

• Cheap interior materials
• Subpar engine performance
• Sparse standard features

Research Other Years

• 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2010 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2007 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a competent and utilitarian compact pickup truck, but test drivers say rivals outshines it in nearly every respect.

Though the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is certainly a decent truck, and its base trims are great for shoppers on a budget, critics find some serious flaws with it. They say its interior lags behind its rivals and its four- and five-cylinder engines don’t have enough power for most truck shoppers. Reviewers suggest that if you can afford to pay a little extra, a better choice would be to upgrade to a full-size Chevrolet Silverado because you’ll get a more capable and comfortable truck for your money, without much of a penalty in fuel economy compared with V8 Colorado models.

However, shoppers in the market for a basic, no-frills utility vehicle may find that the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado suits their needs. Though its interior plastics feel cheap and dated, test drivers say the truck’s features are simple and easy to use, making the Colorado a good choice if you want a basic truck that you won’t get upset when dirty. Plus, Car and Driver says that this truck has "legitimate off-road credentials” in Colorado models equipped with an off-road package.

Since the Ford Ranger and the Ram Dakota have both been discontinued after the 2011 model year, the Colorado and its GMC Canyon twin are the only names left in town if you want to buy a 2012 model year compact pickup from an American brand. Though the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier outshine the General Motors cousins on nearly every front, those looking for a U.S.-brand compact truck with optional V8 muscle should definitely put the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado on their shopping list.

Other Compact Trucks to Consider

Shoppers should keep in mind that Chevrolet has introduced a new global model of the Colorado that the automaker has confirmed will make its way to the U.S. for the 2013 model year, so if you don’t mind waiting, you’ll likely be rewarded with a more up-to-date pickup.

The Toyota Tacoma is ranked at the top of its class for its multitude of bed, cab and trim choices, although upper trims can get expensive quickly. Plus, reviewers say it’s more comfortable and modern inside than the Chevrolet Colorado, so it’s a great choice for buyers who will be using their truck for commuting and weekend Home Depot runs.

Details: Chevrolet Colorado

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado comes in WT (Work Truck) and LT trims, and sees a few big changes for the 2012 model year. An upgraded four-wheel drive system is now standard on 2LT and 3LT trims, and a manual transmission is no longer available on LT models. If you think the Colorado is the truck for you, check out this month’s Chevrolet Deals to see what specials are available on the Colorado.

See 2012 Chevrolet Colorado specs.

• "These identical corporate cousins (GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado) were also-rans in a comparison test, but they're capable and competent, offering a wide variety of body styles, load ratings, and powertrain choices (including a V-8). Practical and built for work, these trucks aren't exactly great for commuting.” -- Car and Driver
• "Chevrolet's Colorado and GMC's Canyon focus on casual pickup users, assuming heavy haulers will move up to the larger Silverado and Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks.” -- Consumer Guide

• "The 2012 Chevy Colorado still looks sharp, but inside and underneath it lags behind the competition in both passenger comfort and overall refinement. … And though the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a competent truck, its age has resulted in it being outclassed by its primary rivals in terms of utility, design, feature content and all-around desirability.” -- Edmunds