The History of the Chevy Colorado

“Bigger is better.” This was the prevailing wisdom behind many vehicles designed for the working world and the rough-and-tumble experience of off-roading. That is, until the early 1980s, pickup trucks built on a smaller scale began to find their way to American shores. To say this changed the paradigm of how trucks were built would undoubtedly be an understatement. Overnight, the domestic brands had to find a way to compete. Following the energy crisis of the 1970s, many consumers were in demand for smaller vehicles that could offer conservative fuel consumption and still handle the expectations that many had come to have with their vehicles, particularly pickup trucks.

This change would eventually lead to the top of today’s discussion, the Chevy Colorado. Originally known as the Chevy S-10, a compact pickup that was in production from 1981 until 2004, when the Chevy Colorado made its debut. Since then, it has succeeded as a worthy successor to the S-10, but it is one of the best vehicles in its class. While you’ll find plenty of used Chevy trucks for sale at Parkway Chevrolet, the Colorado stands out as a unique offering. Today, we’re turning back the hands of time and looking at how the various generations and innovations led the Chevy Colorado to bona-fide superstardom.

2004-2010: The Early Days

The Chevy Colorado was launched in the 2004 model year alongside its sibling, the GMC Canyon. As they’ve done for several years, GM emphasized variety, offering multiple configurations and powertrains. Cab configurations included a two-door cab or a four-door extended or crew cab. Regarding powertrains, two offerings allowed customers to choose the precise level of performance that would be agreeable to their needs. The choices were a 2.8L four-cylinder with 175 hp or a more potent 3.5L five-cylinder engine with 220 hp that came with the off-road-ready Z71 trim. Two transmissions were also available, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Some of the first notable changes during this generation occurred in 2007. The old five-cylinder engine was upgraded to a 3.7L, which improved performance by offering 242 hp. The four-cylinder engine was also upgraded to a new 2.9L. New changes included a facelift and a special Xtreme edition, which offered a body kit modification for those who wanted a truck with an elevated sense of style. Owning to the versatility that Chevy has consistently demonstrated in its designs, three new suspensions were now available. The Z85 was designed for smooth handling and an easy commute, while the Z71 suspension was formulated explicitly for off-roading. The ZQ8 sport suspension offered a lowered ride height to give city drivers that unique aesthetic many strive for.

As the Chevy Colorado began the final stages of its first generation, many changes would be implemented that would certainly carry on for many years that followed. 2009 would see integration with OnStar connected services and Bluetooth capability, both of which are still prominent features today. This year would also see the Colorado have the chance to take performance to new heights, as a 5.3L V8 with 300 hp would join the lineup. As the first generation drew to a close by 2011, over 600,000 units had been sold in the United States, proving that the Successor S-10 was off to an impeccable start.

2015-2022: The Colorado Makes a Comeback

While Chevy had unveiled a prototype for an all-new version of the Colorado in 2011, it would go on a three-year hiatus. Drivers loyal to the bow-tie brand waited patiently for the vehicle to return, which would pay off as the truck began its second generation for the 2015 model year. Once again, the Colorado was given a fresh coat of paint with an exterior redesign that allowed the truck to have more in common with its larger sibling, the Chevy Silverado 1500. Two new powertrains were added: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and a 3.6L V6. One of the most remarkable changes with the Colorado would occur the following year in 2016, when it was gifted a 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine. This is remarkable, as it was the first diesel engine introduced to a truck in its class.

The 2018 model year proved to be one where the Chevy Colorado proved its worthiness as a top-tier class offering. Boating a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, the Chevy Colorado outperformed every vehicle in its class in this area and still folds this record to the present day. Three powertrains could be utilized for a variety of uses. The standard four-cylinder paired with a manual transmission was ideally suited for daily driving. The one engine that was undoubtedly a standout offering for the model year was the 2.8L Duramax, which was able to produce 369 lb-ft of torque. For those interested in performance above all else, the V6, now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered drivers 308 hp.

The 2017 Chevy Colorado would prove its stripes in the off-roading world as the ZR2 trim debuted. Competing against the likes of the Ford Raptor, its skid plates and elevated ground clearance would allow travelers to go as far as they wanted off the beaten path.

2023-Present: The Leader of the Midsize Truck Pack

After almost two decades since the Chevy Colorado rolled off the assembly lines and into the hearts of truck lovers everywhere, it rolled into what would be its third generation. Not only would the interior be redesigned, but a new 11.3-inch infotainment screen would be standard across all trims, significantly elevating the style and aesthetic that many other pickup trucks gravitate towards. Chevy took the initiative to streamline production, making one engine and transmission standard across the board, parting ways with its V6 and diesel-fueled offerings.

This newly designed Colorado would come equipped with a turbocharged 2.7L engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was offered in three variations depending on the trim you choose. The standard turbocharged engine produced 237 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, and could tow cargo up to 3,500 lbs. The Turbo Plus version of this engine supplied 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and boosted its towing power to an impressive 7,700 lbs. Finally, the Turbo High Output provided a similar 310 hp, along with an astounding 430 lb-ft of torque and the familiar 7,700 lbs of towing power.

Come in Today and Experience the Evolution

The Chevy Colorado has had a history that’s been one of innovation, excellence, and proving to the world that trucks on a smaller scale can be just as effective and efficient as their larger counterparts. While its full-size counterparts dominated the market for decades, the Colorado helped usher in the midsize truck, and proved that it had a place in this often size-obsessed corner of the automotive world. Luckily, you don’t need a time machine to witness this evolution and take advantage of it first-hand. Here at Parkway Chevrolet, you’ll find a wealth of new and used versions of the Colorado and models that encompass the full scope of the Chevy fleet. Visit us and see all of the advantages the Chevy Colorado can offer you.