We’ve done the heavy lifting, sifting through a mountain of data from NHTSA recalls, Consumer Reports, and real-world owner feedback.
The result? A straightforward breakdown of the Colorado’s performance over the years, giving you the inside scoop on what really matters when you’re picking your next midsize truck.
From the highs of the best models to the lows of the troublemakers, we’re leaving no stone unturned. So, let’s cut to the chase and get you the intel you need to make a decision you won’t regret.
Ready to uncover which Colorado years shine and which ones you should steer clear of?
Let’s hit the road!
Table of ContentsShow
Chevrolet Colorado Generations
The Chevrolet Colorado burst onto the scene in 2004, marking Chevy’s daring entry into the midsize truck arena. This first-gen Colorado wasn’t just another attractive face – it packed a punch with modern features that quickly won over truck lovers.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the Colorado’s journey through time:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (GMT355) | 2004-2012 |
| 2nd generation (RG) | 2015-2022 |
| 3rd generation | 2023-Present |
Breaking it down by generation isn’t just for display. These shifts can make or break your buying decision, so pay attention!
Chevrolet Colorado Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking these trucks, we don’t mess around. We’ve analyzed the numbers from every angle:
- What owners are saying (surveys don’t lie)
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings (because, let’s face it, that matters)
- Consumer Reports’ reliability scores
- How satisfied owners really are
- NHTSA’s recall, investigation, and complaint records
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Want to see how it all adds up? Check out this graph:
Now, let’s break it down into the favorable, the bad, and the ugly:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2009 2010 2011 | 2007 2008 | 2004 2005 2006 2012 |
| 2nd generation | 2019 2020 2021 | 2017 2018 2022 | 2015 2016 |
Remember, “Neutral” doesn’t mean boring. These years are the middle-of-the-road performers – not stellar, not terrible, just… there.
Watch out for those NHTSA recalls, though. The more complaints and recalls, the lower the reliability score. It’s simple math, folks.
Ready to dive deeper?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each generation.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Colorado 1st Generation (2004-2012)
The 1st Gen Colorado hit the streets in 2004, aiming to blend American truck muscle with city-slicker practicality. Did it succeed? Well, let’s find out.
The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2011
These years are when Chevy really hit its peak. What made them stand out?
- A beefy 5.3-liter V8 engine option, cranking out 300 horses. Towing just got a whole lot easier.
- Tech upgrades galore: slicker infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, and sound systems that could make your ears sing.
- Safety first: head curtain side airbags and stability control became standard. Because who doesn’t want extra peace of mind?
But hold your horses – even these gilded years weren’t perfect. The 2004-2009 models faced a recall for faulty brake lamp switches. Just goes to show, nobody’s perfect.
The Neutral Years: 2007, 2008
These years were all about finding balance. Chevy introduced new engines – a 2.9-liter four-cylinder and a 3.7-liter five-cylinder – aiming for that sweet spot between power and fuel efficiency.
Tech-wise, they weren’t slouches either. OnStar navigation? Check. Optional sunroof? You got it. But safety features were still playing catch-up, with just the basics like dual-front airbags and daytime running lights.
The Worst Years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012
Buckle up, because these years were a tumultuous ride. The 2004 model? A laundry list of issues:
- Electrical gremlins
- Power train tantrums
- Engine troubles that’d make any mechanic sweat
Two NHTSA recalls for brake lamps, airbag wiring going berserk, ABS with a mind of its own – the list goes on. And guess what? The 2005 and 2006 models inherited many of these troubles.
Then there’s 2012. It didn’t rack up recalls, but it sure didn’t win any praise contests either. Lukewarm ratings across the board sealed its fate as a year to skip.
Want the gory details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2004, 2005, and 2006 models.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Colorado 2nd Generation (2015-2022)
The 2nd Gen Colorado rolled out in 2015, ready to show the world what a modern midsize truck could do. But did it deliver?
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2021
These years? They’re the cream of the crop. Here’s why:
- Engine options galore: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, or a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel. Take your pick.
- Tech that doesn’t quit: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspots – you name it, they’ve got it.
- Safety stepped up its game with forward collision warning and lane departure alerts.
- Fewer recalls and complaints? That’s music to any buyer’s ears.
The Neutral Years: 2017, 2018, 2022
These years played it safe. They built on what worked, tweaked what didn’t, and threw in some new tricks:
- Cabin quality got a boost.
- The Teen Driver system let parents keep tabs on junior’s driving habits.
- 2022? It’s still finding its feet, but early signs are promising.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
Oof, talk about growing pains. The 2015 model? Power steering issues that could leave you white-knuckled at low speeds. It was bad enough to trigger a massive recall in 2021.
2016 wasn’t much better. Stabilitrak failures and mysterious shudders at low speeds had owners scratching their heads and mechanics working overtime.
Want the full scoop?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for 2015 and 2016 models.
Chevrolet Colorado 3rd Generation (2023-Present)
2023 marked a fresh era for the Colorado. Chevy went back to the drawing board, aiming to streamline and enhance their midsize offering. Did they nail it?
Let’s observe.
2023 Model Year
Chevy’s game plan? Focus and firepower. Here’s the lowdown:
- One body style: four-door crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Simple, but effective.
- One engine, three attitudes: a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder with varying outputs:
- WT and LT trims: 237 hp and 259 lb-ft
- Trail Boss and Z71: 310 hp and 391 lb-ft
- ZR2: 310 hp and a whopping 430 lb-ft
Towing capacity? Still a remarkable 7,700 pounds. Not too shabby for a “small” truck.
Look-wise, it’s beefed up and ready for action. Off-road enthusiasts, rejoice! Three trims – Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 – are built to get dirty. The ZR2 Desert Boss even throws in a roof light bar for good measure.
Inside, it’s all about tech. Digital dash? Check. Massive 11.3-inch touchscreen? You bet.
In a nutshell, the 2023 Colorado is Chevy’s answer to those wanting Silverado muscle in a more manageable package. It’s a bold move, but will it pay off? Only time will tell.
Chevrolet Colorado Average Resale Values
Want to know how well the Colorado maintains its value? This graph tells the tale:
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the Chevrolet Colorado laid bare. From the highs of 2009-2011 to the cutting-edge models of 2017 and beyond, you’ve got alternatives.
The million-dollar question:
Which Colorado year has your name on it? Is it the budget-friendly older model or the feature-packed recent release?
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Your perfect Colorado is out there – now go find it!
