Used Chevy Colorado Buying Guide

• If you’re wanting more configurations for the bed and cab, then stay away from anything after 2022.
• If you’re wanting an off-road pickup, then look for the ZR2 starting in 2017.
• The first generation came with different suspensions, each with their own perks.
• If you’ve kept on to your CD collection, the first generation will allow you to play them.
• In 2017, the Colorado came with added tech features for added quality of life.

The Chevy Colorado came into the American market in 2004 offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The truck was offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains with either standard, extended, or four-door crew-cab body styles.

The Colorado also saw a few different suspensions depending on the trim you get. The first suspension is the Z85 suspension that offered a comfortable ride quality. The next suspension is the Z71 Off-Road suspension that added a locking rear differential axle, and heavier-duty shock absorbers for improved performance off-road It also came with an increased ride height for better clearance. The last suspension was the ZQ8 Sport suspension, this came with a lower ride height than the standard Z85 suspension, and had a firmer suspension for improved handling.

When 2007 came around it got a facelift and new engine options. The additions didn’t stop there, the Colorado came with new colors as well as new wheels and tires.

Chevy wasn’t satisfied leaving the truck where it was, so in 2009 it was touched up again and came with yet another engine in the form of a 5.3L LH8 V8 that produced 300 horsepower.

Also in 2009, the Colorado saw the removal of the six-disc in-dash CD changer, leaving the single disc CD/MP3 player. If you had a CD/MP3 player on your truck it also came with SiriusXM capabilities.

While the next generation started in 2011, that was only in foreign markets. At home, the second-generation models started in 2015.

For the US market, this vehicle came out with a new front fascia that looked similar to the Silverado. This year also saw new engines join the family. One was the 2.5L Ecotec I4 and the other being the 3.6L LFX V6. This truck also featured three cab configurations: the extended cab with a 6.2-foot bed and an extended cab with both a 5.2 and a 6.2-foot bed.

The base Colorado started the lineup off with a chrome front grille and auxiliary audio input. This meant that the features only got better from there. Starting with the WT, it was much the same with the best features being a keyless entry and the larger 3.6L V6 gasoline engine.

The LT model from this generation came with remote start, a rearview backup camera system, and a premium Bose seven-speaker audio system.

In 2017, Chevy made the move to a standard seven-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. This featured Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless stereo audio streaming. It also had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Most models now came with a rear backup camera system, making it even safer to drive.

In 2017, the Colorado saw the addition of the ZR2, it shares a lot of similarities to the Z71, but the ZR2 is built for off-road fun. This trim came with new features aimed at making sure this trim is as best as it can be. Coming with a 2-inch lift, electronic front and rear locking differentials as well as skid plates to protect the components.

If you like manual transmissions, then 2019 was a sad year as Chevy removed it from the lineup.