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The Colorado is the
smallest vehicle in this group. It is the narrowest, one of the shortest in
length, the shortest in height, the lightest, and comes with a 5-cylinder
engine rather than a V6 or V8. While this benefits fuel economy and
maneuverability, the Colorado is a flawed vehicle overall. The seats are too
low, the interior is poorly constructed, the 5-cylinder engine lacks power and
limits payload and towing capacities, and there is little rear seat space.
2007 brought an upgraded 5-cylinder engine that provides little discernable
improvement in acceleration and did not improve the Colorado’s towing capacity
past the lowest in this group; the 2006 model’s additional discounts make it
the better choice between them while it remains available. Were it not for the
lack of power and cheap interior feel, the Colorado’s gas mileage, low price,
and pleasant ride and handling would make it a solid entry in this class, but
as it is it is only a choice for those looking for the least expensive
serviceable vehicle, and only the 2006 is even that. There are better choices.
The standard-suspension
Colorado has a smooth, composed, and comfortable ride. Its compact dimensions
make it maneuverable and fairly agile as well, but although the steering is
acceptably responsive, it lacks feedback. As noted, neither the 2006’s
3.5-liter I5 nor the 2007’s 3.7-liter can deliver respectable acceleration,
but even when strained they at least never sounds as harsh as the Dodge
Dakota’s V6. Wind and road noise are adequately suppressed. The 2006 Colorado
delivers the best gas mileage of this group by a slight margin; the 2007
slightly less.
Inside, the Colorado’s
front seats are roomy and fairly well-shaped, but thinly-padded and too low.
The low, hard, and flat rear seat lacks leg and foot space. The rear seat
folds for in-cab cargo space, but there isn’t as much room back there as in
most of the others here. The Colorado has a reasonably long (though narrow)
bed, and the well-designed tailgate can be secured at multiple angles for
extra support. The
dash design hails from the time before small pickup trucks were expected to
have nice interiors, and falls short of its competitors in materials quality
and panel fit. The ergonomics are sound, at least. Drivers sit too low for
optimum visibility, but should be acceptably comfortable. Entry/exit is easy
enough to the front, but small rear doors and a lack of space complicate
rear-seat access.
The 2006 Colorado
reviewed here has the benefits of end-of-the-year discounts, and came in at
$24,643. The 2007 did not, so though it was almost identically equipped it
cost $27,086. Neither offer traction or stability control, torso-protecting
side airbags, or power-adjustable seats, but include the GM-exclusive OnStar
driver assistance system, a useful convenience and safety feature.
The
Colorado is not nearly as bad as some reviewers suggest. Its ride/handling
compromise is good for a pickup, as is its gas mileage, and with discounts, it
is a decent value. But without the level of interior space and quality,
capability, and power, it does not compete well overall with mainstream
competitors. The fact that the new attempted remedy was so unsuccessful does
not suggest that there will be significant improvements any time in the near
future, either. Consider the 2006 Colorado only as a budget alternative to its
traditional competitors, or as a roomier pickup than a like-priced extended
cab rival, and until inevitable discounts bring down its price tag, don’t
consider the 2007 Colorado at all.
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