2010 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
- Used Chevrolet Colorado
Based on analysis of 52 Colorado reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Colorado - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 7 out of 8 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Colorado, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
While the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado should be on your radar, many reviewers think you'll end up taking home something else.
The Chevy Colorado is a compact pickup truck that has some things going for it, but reviewers still say it isn't good enough to close the deal. Edmunds says, "The 2010 Chevy Colorado is a handsome light-duty pickup that looks good on paper. But on the road or trail, where passenger comfort and refinement really count, it doesn't quite measure up."
The compact truck class has typically appealed to consumers who need light towing, hauling and off-road capabilities for weekend projects and recreation. Most are also looking for a truck they can comfortably commute in as well. The Colorado's competitors have been making the segment more attractive for those buyers. Their interiors are more car-like and comfortable, and their performance has become less rugged. However, most reviewers say that when it comes to car-like refinement, the Colorado has a ways to go.
The Colorado gets some praise for its V8 engine and tight ZQ8 suspension. However, other reviewers question the place of a V8 Colorado in Chevy's lineup, given that a fully-loaded V8 Colorado doesn't have the capabilities of the larger Chevrolet Silverado, but can quickly come close to the bigger truck in price. Others complain that the Colorado's styling is dated, and that the interior simply isn't as comfortable as competitors'. Chevrolet may have heard the complaints -- there are rumors that the Colorado, and its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon, may be on the chopping block in 2011.
For a more livable compact pickup, consider the Toyota Tacoma. Reviewers say it has a nicer interior and is easier to live with on a daily basis than the Colorado. The Tacoma also starts at almost $2,000 less than the Colorado. If you prefer an American model, check out the Dodge Dakota, which has the best towing capacity in the class -- but starts about $5,000 more than the Colorado. If you think the Colorado is the truck for you, check out our Chevrolet Deals to see what specials and incentives are available on the Colorado.
The Colorado received a new V8 engine in 2009. For 2010, little has changed on the Colorado, though Chevrolet did make side-curtain airbags standard.
- "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 compact and midsize pickup truck market . . . could see renewed interest in the next few years by consumers who might not need the capacity or bulk of a full-size truck, but still need a vehicle with a bed -preferably one that doesn't cost a fortune to fill up. While in any other year the addition of a V-8 for the Colorado would be good news, the new engine's release is a case unfortunate timing in light of current market issues." -- Motor Trend
- "The Colorado has always been a favorite among cross-shopping consumers because of its extensive lineup and numerous options." -- Cars.com
- "While I believe there's lots of room for small trucks in the market, I have a tough time understanding why a consumer would spend this much money on a truck with fewer capabilities than its full-size brother and few real advantages other than it's easier to put in the garage. (The I-4 Colorado makes sense, and the I-5 does as well, but the V-8 version is just a Silverado in lesser sheet metal.)" -- Detroit News
Colorado Performance - 7.5 (Good)
Most reviews say that most trims of the 2010 Colorado decent performers, but several argue that the competition is better. Kelley Blue Book says, "As gasoline prices continue on their rollercoaster trend, the compact pickup is beginning to look mighty attractive. Though it can't tow or haul like a full-size Silverado, the [2010] Chevrolet Colorado makes an attractive alternative for those whose truck use tends to be more recreational than occupational." Read More
Colorado Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Colorado's exterior mostly earns praise. 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." However, others say the styling is a bit dated. Read More
Colorado Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado has a relatively truck-like interior, while competitors have moved on to more car-like, comfortable spaces. Still, reviewers say that while the interior is somewhat Spartan, it offers everything a truck buyer should need. Read More
Colorado Safety - NA
The Chevrolet Colorado has safety features similar to those of its competitors, and performs well in government crash tests. Read More
Colorado Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 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 2010 Colorado comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More
