Road Test Review: 2009 Chevrolet Colorado V-8
Words and Photos by John Stewart
A lot of street truck enthusiasts know the formula. Take a compact truck, put in a V-8, lower and tighten up the suspension, then re-tune the steering and brakes. If you did all that, you’d end up with something like the 2009 Colorado ZQ8. As an added benefit, you’d have a truck that happens to carry and tow more than any Colorado until now. And it would be a blast to drive.
For 2009, Chevy has done exactly that, engineering a complete character transplant for the Colorado. By upping the ante in power and handling, the 2009 Colorado becomes an engaging sport truck, and potentially, a truck to consider if you like full-size power but don’t really need full-size space
From behind the wheel, the ZQ8 Colorado has the heft and ready torque of a full-size truck but one with a performance bent. One of the most compelling traits is how well it points and steers. The reason is a new ZQ8 sport suspension package, which combines 18x8-inch aluminum wheels with P235R18 Goodyear Eagle all-season radials. In addition, the suspension is stiffened by about 30 percent overall, and the truck is lowered 25 mm, about 1 inch. A front stabilizer bar is added to the coil sprung independent suspension, which functions to keep the front tires flat under hard cornering. Perhaps most noticeable is the way steering sensitivity has been revised.
The standard Colorado's power rack-and-pinion steering has a ratio of 17.4:1, in two-wheel drive and when equipped with either of the Colorado’s other engines. With the ZQ8 package, the ratio jumps to 14.5:1, making for a much quicker response and only 2.7 turns lock-to-lock. It’s a big difference in control; a difference you’ll feel every time you go around a corner.
Because of the revised steering and suspension, the ZQ8 Colorado is most at home on two-lane highways and mountain roads, where tight lanes and diminishing-radius turns demand precision and the ability to quickly transition from right to left. In this kind of setting, the Colorado invites sport driving. The truck has nice balance, side to side, and quite a bit more grip through the corners than we’re used to in an empty pickup. In fact, enough cornering power is on tap to make us wish for seats with more bolster support.
The brakes are still front disc/rear drum brakes, but they have more stopping power because of twin-pistons discs and, at least to our estimation, far better pedal feel. There is no squish at the top of the pedal, so it becomes possible to feather braking control going into corners without grabbing. Maximum stopping power is enough to bring the 4,013-pound Colorado to a quick and confident stop. The system now has four-channel ABS, so the truck stops straight, and electronic yaw control in case of panic stops with an uneven load in the back.
This particular Colorado even looks better — sleeker and trimmer — because of its lower stance and bigger wheels. There are other color-coordinated exterior trim pieces that come with the ZQ8 and a touch of chrome around the grille and on the door handles.
That said, it’s the 5.3-liter V-8 engine that transforms the Colorado and the way the engine, transmission, and axle gearing interact. (With the VQ8 suspension, the V-8 engine is standard.)
The eight-cylinder motor is built using an aluminum block and heads, with two-valves per cylinder, and is rated to produce 300 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 320 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Redline comes at 6,000 rpm. Transferring the Colorado engine’s torque to the ground is a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic. (The manual transmission, standard with the four-cylinder engine, is not available with the V-8. The automatic is standard with the five-cylinder engine and V-8 and available with the four-cylinder.) Behind the 5.3-liter V-8, the 4L60 behaves like a modern electronic transmission should. It’s tuned to be sensitive to throttle input, so it kicks down hard when you ask it, holds onto a gear when you need the revs and can still be quiet and smooth the rest of the time. It has only four speeds, with fourth being a 0.70:1 overdrive. During a week of testing, we consistently found ourselves in the right gear at the right time, which is about all we ask.
There are three rear axle ratios available, going as low as 4.10:1, but our test unit came with the tallest 3.42:1 axle ratio. With this ratio — which seems about ideal to us — 2,000 rpm translates to 67 mph on the highway, and 70 mph comes at about 2,200 rpm. That’s about the point when the engine gets its best mileage, and a stab at the throttle brings on a quick downshift and burst of speed. It feels and sounds right, and around town straight-line acceleration with the 3.42 rear ring and pinion still gets your attention. We hand-timed a bunch of 0-to-60 mph runs and found it easy to log times under eight seconds but not under seven seconds. We also found it takes a practiced foot on the throttle to launch without breaking the tires loose. (This test unit has a mechanical locking rear differential, a $295 option, but locker or not, the V-8 has enough to spin the rears off the line at full throttle.) Our best time was 7.67 seconds. We think the truck might be capable of a couple of tenths better with electronic timing equipment and a starting box with good grip.
We also made a run out to the K&N dyno facility in Riverside, Calif., to see what the torque curve looked like across the rev range. Essentially, it’s flat from 2,000 rpm to 4,500 rpm, with a slight peak at about 4,000 rpm. With the transmission in second gear, max rear wheel torque was measured at 244 pounds-feet. Rear wheel horsepower builds steadily until about 5,300 rpm, where it peaks at 224 hp (both measured at the rear wheels, instead of the crank which is used for the Colorado's advertised 300 hp/320 pounds-feet ratings). The engine continues to pull with only a slight drop until 6,000 rpm, when it bumps into the rev limiter.
Those numbers might be a little different with a lower gear set in the rear axle, but the test confirmed what our butt had been telling us. The Colorado’s power comes on steadily and builds almost all the way to the 6,000 rpm red line.
Not coincidentally, the Colorado’s underhood layout looks identical to the V-8 powered Hummer H3T. We found it interesting that the techs at K&N were able to get 6 more hp and another 10 pounds-feet of torque from the 5.3-liter V-8 just by substituting the stock filter for one they had already developed for the H3T.
There are, of course, tradeoffs inherent with V-8 power and a sport suspension. Mileage becomes a secondary priority, though the penalty might not be all that severe. Even with all the hard driving and time on the dyno, we averaged 17.56 mpg overall, in a mix of highway, around-town and test driving. The EPA estimate is 15/21 mpg city/highway for the 2WD/V-8 combo, and about 17 mpg overall, which seems entirely realistic. In fact, one of the most satisfying ways to operate the V-8 Colorado is in low-rpm, around-town prowl mode, where the tach stays below 1,800 rpm. Driven that way — moving out at part throttle and listening to a quiet growl from the exhaust as the transmission makes gentle shifts — we think the Colorado would regularly exceed the EPA’s estimate. The five-cylinder 2WD drive train is rated at 17/23 mpg, and the four-cylinder gets 18/24 mpg. If mileage really is your first priority, you should get one of those.
The other obvious tradeoff is in ride quality. The lower suspension, bigger wheels and lower-profile tires make for a choppier ride on the highway, especially when the bed is empty. The shorter-travel setup seems to amplify lumps and cracks, and the Colorado is a fairly short-wheelbase vehicle that’s going to have ride challenges to begin with. It’s readily noticeable on the concrete freeway slabs we have in Southern California, which constitute a suspension test for even the most sophisticated luxury car. At those higher highway speeds, steering feels a little twitchy on center, reacting to slight inputs more quickly than the average pickup’s relaxed wallow. The Goodyears (wear rating 98) tend to track the road’s texture more aggressively, and send more road noise into the cab. The increase in NVH is something we noticed right away, but we’d have to consider it a fair trade for the handling gains. We’d say the same about the steering, which is so perfect on winding mountain roads that we’ll gladly forgive the need for a little more attention on the interstate.
By adding the V-8, payload and towing capacities increase significantly. Max towing capacity increases from 2,400 pounds (or 4,000 pounds with the five-cylinder and automatic) to 6,000 pounds, and GVWR increases to 5,500 pounds The ZQ8 package that makes the 5.3-liter standard is only available in Crew Cab and Extended Cab configurations.
The Crew Cab confers legitimate five-passenger capability, although the middle seat is slightly encumbered by the cupholders. Still, there is enough legroom, hip room and shoulder room for three passengers in the rear, especially if they are smaller people. Our test unit had optional leather front buckets, so we could only carry five, but a six-passenger seating configuration is available.
The rest of the interior is nothing special, with generous use of plastic and simple arrangements of controls for the audio and HVAC systems. After a week in the truck, we decided the cockpit, although sparse, had everything we really needed.
Because of the larger cabs, the V-8 Colorado has a smaller bed — our Crew Cab test unit has a bed length of 5 feet, 1 inch. That’s not really a substitute for a full-size truck, and it's a full foot shorter than the regular cab Colorado. However, the bed has fairly tall sides, which facilitates two-tier loading, and the tailgate can be set at a 55 degree angle, putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells. So it’s possible to carry standard 4x8 sheets, just not as many of them in one trip.
In the end, it will be sport truck enthusiasts who appreciate the ZQ8 Colorado the most. It’s a classic American street machine, with entertaining performance, excellent dynamic handling and ready power on demand. It combines a sport character with enough comfort and convenience to be a young family’s only car, and enough capability to be functional as a pickup.
The 2009 Colorado starts at $23,330, with the 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine, which also includes an extensive list of standard safety equipment and interior features. The ZQ8 Sport package and 3LT Trim added $3,935 to the price, but included the engine, 18-inch wheels, all-season tires and a number of other amenities. Heated leather seats with power adjusters added another $1,495, and a power sunroof goes for $695. In the end, with the rear locker and destination charge, the sticker price moved up to $30,475. Considering that these days, it’s a buyer’s market and the sticker is just a starting point at most dealerships, we’d say it could be had for less. If it were us, we’d skip the heated seats and the sunroof, and get out the door somewhere close to $26k. After that, we’d just drive it.
Comments
Bravo!
All they need to do is drop this v8 into a 4x4.
SWEEEET!!!!!!!
this is why GM is going under, they spend all their money on pointless things. Mid-size trucks should not have V8's.
You can get it in 4x4 - I have one!
Only 224 to the wheels?
my 2.9l 4 cyl with a intake, exhaust, and a mild tune from pci tuners made 178hp to the wheels.....and the 5.3 with all the worthless options made only 46 more?! GM needs to spend more money on there cheap econmic cars, not v8 mid size........................
Looks like they copied the wheels off of my Dodge Ram SRT-10,Viper wheels on a Chevy,though they copied the P.T cruiser,Viper-new Vette looks like a Viper why not copy Chrysler's wheels...
The V8 was originally intended for the H3 which is on the same platform. Putting it in the Colorado helps to spread out the cost.
They've been using those wheels since 2005 on Xtreme Colorados. Ill give you the PT Cruiser, they did use the same designer for the HHR. The Vette however is an evolution of previous corvettes and last I checked the corvette came first.
Nice truck, but still about 10k too much. I also believe that the Canyon/Colorado could use new front fascia and a wider stance along with more muscular wheel wells, but not as comical as the H3.
do you really need to have a V8 in a midsize truck...they should only put V8 on full size trucks not midsize.....
I dont understand the complaining "do you really need to have a V8 in a midsize truck". Its very simple if you dont like the idea of a midsize truck with a V8 dont buy one...
I for one think this is a good move for Chevy, it has made me consider the Colorado for my next vehicle.
Me likey! I'll bet that thing is FUN to drive. Lots of torque to set you back in the seat too. Throw a dual exhaust on there and you have a monster! They keep improving the efficiency of the v8, they'll have to get rid of the smaller engines. ;)
wait...so with a V8, this thing can only tow up to 6000lbs? that's crap, considering the V6 in the nissan frontier and toyota tacoma can pull 6500lbs.
"I dont understand the complaining 'do you really need to have a V8 in a midsize truck. Its very simple if you dont like the idea of a midsize truck with a V8 dont buy one..."
I've got no problem with the V8, but I'm sick of waiting for a Chevy Colorado XFE. Or at least to have towing and hauling capacities on par with its bigger, more fuel-efficient competition.
So Chevy's got a V8 in this thing now. But in four-cylinder trim, it only tows 2400 lbs? That's utter BS. I can get a Tacoma, Ranger, Frontier, or Equator that can tow 3500 and still get better mileage than this truck.
The reason the V8 is stupid is because it doesn't fix the Colorado's principal problems. I try so hard to be nice to the domestics, but if you want a four-cylinder engine or something that actually gets good fuel economy, stuff like the Colorado is miserable.
220 at the wheels and almost 8 seconds to 60 - for the lowered, street tired 2WD ZQ8 no less - is seriously disappointing.
That's charitably no better - if anything, a bit worse - than a V6 Frontier or Tacoma.
As far as more economical models, the Frontier/Equator is a larger, more expensive, much heavier truck with worst in class mileage. The 4 cylinder Ranger has a 1600 lb tow rating with the stick. There's plenty wrong with the Colorado but the 2.9 is really pretty good.
I commend Chevy for this model but too much emphasis has been put on the engine and other areas overlooked.
I drive a Tacoma X-Runner and the X-Runner is built as a sport truck with numbers that trump this Colorado. 0-60 in 7.67, now the X-Runner beats that with a 4.0L V-6 because it has a 6-speed manual tranny with times around 7 flat.
Now the article mentions suspension upgrades but does not go into specifics except a front sway-bar with no size. The X-Runner comes with a 1.18" front bar and a .98" rear bar plus the patented X-brace and Bilstein shocks.
The X-Runner can corner about from .90 to .96 of lateral grip, the highest ever of any production truck and I doubt the Colorado comes close without a rear sway-bar nor some type of X-bracing underneath.
I didn't see any wheelbase numbers but the Colorado comes in at over 4,000 lbs. while the X-Runner is about 3805 lbs. 18x8's with 255/45 are standard on the X-Runner while the Colorado runs a smaller 235 something.
Pickuptruck.com, I think a head to head test between the X-Runner and this Colorado is in store! The Colorado should win the pulling/payload and maybe braking but the X-Runner should easily out muscle and out-handle this Colorado on a track both parking lot or road course.
A test would prove this and put to rest any myth that a small sport truck needs a V-8 to be competitive. The X-Runner has already proven a V-8 is not needed.
But it's still ugly.
I need something that can pull my boat or hunting trailer, around 2,000lbs, not sure why they do not drop in the new 3.0 direct injection V6 they are putting in the Equinox. Better gas mileage and same HP as the 5 cylinder. They need to re-design the interior. No behind or under the back seat storage, where am I to put my tow hitch, tow strap, 4-way, spare gloves and ropes. With a 5 foot bed I hardly have room for tree stands and other stuff, so permant storage there is out of the question. It is a Mid-size truck should not even have a V8 in it.
Your right the Colorado is still ugly.
I really like this v8 truck. i owm mutiple cars, bikes, and trucks. One is a Southern Comfort Conv. Silverado. - i'm either going to buy this in the spring or the G8 with a bed when it comes out. To the fags that think the v8 is too much- piss off -n git the f out of my way- 1% old school- times have changed -we have not.
I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO KEEP MY 1990 S-10 DURANGO ANOTHER YEAR,,HOPEFULLY GM WILL START TO IMPORT OR BUILD DOMESTIC A TRUCK BASED ON THE OPEL PLATFORM,
THE TRUCK I AM SPEAKING ABOUT IS THE OPEL CORSA UTILITY, THIS TRUCK IS AVAILABLE WITH 3 ENGINES, A 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L.
THE 1.8 L IS AVAIL. IN A SPORT TRIM, FUEL ECONOMY IS A WHOPPING 65 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY AND 42 MPG CITY.
NOW I KNOW THAT THE 2009 COLORADO IS NICE WITH THE V-8, BUT NOT EVERYONE NEEDS A VEHICLE SUCH AS THAT.
IF GM WANTS TO GET MARKET SHARE BACK FROM THE JAPANESE, THEN IT SHOULD MAKE THE CORSA SPORT UTILITY AVAIL. HERE IN THE STATES.
The 2.9 i have in the colorado i drive is week.
Its ok with a stick tho......
I use it for work truck but i would never buy this truck
sorry GM
The lowered stance, body-side mouldings, and gorgeous wheels all work to make the Colorado look great. I'm thrilled to see the addition of the V8 engine...it adds character, image, and "attitude" that the truck previously lacked.
It's nice to see that GM's at least TRYING to make the Colorado relevant, but a lot more work is still needed. For one thing, it's disappointing that even with the modern V8, it's still only putting 224 HP to the ground, given that same engine in in the Silverado. Also, this thing's styling looked old the year it came out ( 2004), and now it just looks completely dated. They need to at least add a new front end and interior or something, because this thing came from GM's bad days, when everything was grey plastic.
What I think would be really neat is if they added the direct injection V6 from the CTS. (The drivetrain would need to be modified to not lose so much power, but it needs that modification anyway.)
THIS TRUCK KICKS ASS. YES ITS A LITTLE COSTLY THATS WHY YOU BUY IT ON SALE. WHY WASTE YOUR TIME PUTTING POWER MODS ON A 4 CYLINDER. BY THE WAY THIS TRUCK KICKS THE COMPETITIONS ASS IF YOU DONT KNOW THAT ALREADY. HAS MORE POWER AND BETTER HANDLING. THE TRUCK WOULD DO BETTER WITH A MANUAL. BUT YOU COULD JUST PUT A SHIFT KIT IN IT. BY THE WAY IF YOUR LOOKING FOR MPG YOU DONT LOOK AT A DAMN TRUCK IN THE FIRST DAMN PLACE. IT DOES NEED WIDER TIRES BUT I PLAN ON DOING THAT WHEN I GET ONE. PLUS A MAGNAFLOW EXHAUST AND COLD AIR INTAKE. THE ONLY REASON IT HAS SLOW 0 TO 60 IS BECAUSE IT HAS TO MUCH POWER AND DOESNT HOOK UP. THIS TRUCK IS A SPORT TRUCK NOT A DAMN TOW TRUCK THATS WHY YOU GET A 3500 HD DUALLY
28-30 grand for the truck,that going into fullsize territory price wise.I have the 4 cylinder and bought it b/c it was cheap, it`s a nice truck with 4x4,but if i had 30 grand I`d rather buy a fullsize or a dakota.
DUDE U GUYS WHO THINK THE TRUCK IS UGLY YOU ARE ALL MORONS THE TRUCK LOOKS THE BEST OUT OF ANY MIDSIZE. I DONT GET WHY EVERY1 COMPLAINS THAT IT DOESNT NEED A V8 IT DOES IT NEEDS BIGGER. I WISH MY 04 COLLY HAD A V8 BUT WAIT I WILL JUST DO AN LS7 SWAP AND PWN THE SHET OUT OF ANY VEHICLE ON THE STREET WITH A 4X4 THEN
Pretty cool concept. I think that v8's in midsize trucks are sick...
Couldn't agree more with the above comment. If I was going to spend 28K on a 4wd truck, I would buy the silverado for darn near the same price with all the big rebates going on the silverado now. Stupid idea for GM. Better concentrate on more fuel efficient 4 and 6 cylinder vehicles GM if you want to make it past June 1st, 2009. By the way, the 5 cylinder Colorado when I had a chance to test drive it was a joke, plain and simple - loud and underpowered compared to the old 4.3L V6 - big mistake!
The engines GM used in this truck previously were embarrassments that made the truck belong in a child's toy collection. Kudos to GM for finally fixing a mistake they made a few years ago.
Now if they would only offer the V8 in a regular cab...
GM needs to quit messing around and produce a nice V6 for their mid-size truck lineup! I mean scrap the dull inline 4 & 5 series. Toyota is doing just fine with a good 3.0 V6 in their Tacoma. I have a 4.3 Vortec in my 98 Somona and really happy with it. Now, why did GM get rid of such a fine engine? Considering a Tacoma with a preppy V6 for my next truck though. GM just might be losing another customer. V8 in a mid-size.....jeeez! We want perfomance and mileage!
amen dexter that was the best comment here
FUGLY and poor build quality. No thanks.
If you look at everything in context it all makes sense, at least form my point of view. I would look at the V8 version to be more of a replacement to the Xtreme, which made no sense. It was the same truck as the S-10/colorado, but with a few aesthetic modifications. Now you have much more "potential" to convert the V8 Colorado into a fun little sport truck.
As for the other models, they are perfect for work vehicles and getting dirty. The interior is basic, the drive train appear solid (with the new 2.9 and 3.7; not the earlier models), and the styling looks rugged. To me this seems like the perfect combination for a truck you can get dirty and not worry about. Also, there's more lower end tourque on these 2 inline engines than the competitors, so for normal truck application they are better.
You can get luxuries added, but they seem over priced and not worth it. In addition, if you want a powerful truck for towing with more space then get a full sized truck. It seems all you people want a truck that has 400 hp, gets 30+ miles to the gallon, and feels like a mercedes. I'm sorry, but that isn't feasible for the price.
If you want better performance, buy this lovely truck and get it tuned. I have the 3.7 tuned and my rev limit is 7000rpm, I hunt Tacomas and F150s for fun. When my warranty goes out, I might shop for an lS2 swap.
i love these trucks, its every american hot rodders dream daily driver, a little truck, a v8, and looks great, seats 5/6, and still gets 17mpg? hell thats an awesome truck, my blazer gets 17 but doesnt have the balls and isnt half as fun as a v8 colorado, hell 300hp and 17mpg, in a 4000-5000lb truck is great, considering the 4cyl. is rated at less than 200hp stock, and the 5cyl. is rated at less than 250hp, if you ask me or any other american hot rodder what they think about a v8 colorado they'd say they want one, i know i do
oh and nobody really NEEDS a v8 in a smaller truck, but why not? you cna haul more for the size, tow more, and its alo funner, its like dropping a v8 in a vega
i would prefer the 2.0 turbo and 6 spd manual gm uses in other applications. mileage and performance, a combo you get in small turbo charged engines, a 4 speed automatic is outdated and inefficient
I'm considering this vehicle because it will just barely fit in my garage, which a full size truck will not. Max is about 208 inches. I want to buy American, want something mid size, and both appreciate and am used to the sound of a nice V8.
Now if GM would put a smaller version of the Silverado dash in the Colorado/Canyon, they might be beating buyers off with a stick. I pull a boat and am looking for torque, not HP. If Toyota would put their smaller V8 in the Tacoma, I would sure look hard at that too. And the first company that brings out a small diesel p/u like the rest of world is used to, they'll need two sticks to beat off the buyers. DA
All I was looking for was a small truck with a fast 0 to 60 time straight from the factory. The 7.7 second time mentioned is a real dissapointment. I think my 4.0 L Ford Ranger with automatic transmission and locking rear end at $21,000 might be as quick, but I really do not know. Guess I will stop considering the Chevy.
whoever said they should not put a V8 in a mid-size truck? You probably drive a prius. I have one of these trucks by the way.
Please Chevrolet make the V8 more efficient and powerful i think if we want a V8 in a midsize that costs 25K we want more power torque and efficiency. Or atleast make a superchargered or Turbochargered SS version
Respectfully,
Just a corcerned fan
I just bought one after agonizing over every possible statistic across the entire spectrum of small pickups. The rebates were plentiful and I only spent $23K on a 2LT V8 with extra's. After two thousand miles (and an SLP cat-back exhaust and K&N airfilter) I am very happy with my choice. I'm getting 18.5 mpg around town and up to 23 mpg on the highway and it's an absolute hoot to drive. It's also easy to do routine maintenance and the warranty is quite good.
Im an AMERICAN!!! Im goin to buy one of these trucks here soon...And all u nay-sayers can go to HELL!!! The concept is awesome...the power is great...and the hell with fuel economy...but an average of 17 to 18 aint bad..what ever happened to the fun daily driver??? This sounds like a good candidate that can also be a functional truck, passenger hauler, recreational hauler, fun track machine with mods, etc...And yeah...Im old school...If ur worried about economy, ozone, and what not??? This is a good thing... It might get people out of their old school camming v8 s10's and in to something more efficient and pratical...So there!!!
These trucks are monsters with the very intrusive torque management turned off.
Re-tunes yield impressive gains by themselves.
The LS based powerplant has the same head castings as the LS6..Not the valves, just the casting.
Bottom line..This truck has serious potentional in modified form.
No one complains when toyota puts a V8 in their mid size truck but if GM does it ......Get a grip people this country is slowly being pryed from the Americans hands and all you want to do is put down one of the auto industries biggest employers of American workers.....Just keep sendin your money to Japan so they can buy up more of America
What they need is a real spot tuck. V8 REGULAR CAB MANUAL! I have a 2006 reg cab manual, but I had to get the 4 banger and mod it. BUT I just found out the 2.0 turbo in the solstice uses the 5 speed from the Colorado! It's time for a new project.
I own a '04 crew cab Z71 4x4 with the i5. I have had the truck for almost 3 yrs now and love it. It gets good fuel mileage and rides good. I have tied to a new dodge 2500 4x4 stuck in the mud and pulled it out with ease. I also tied to ford f250 4x4 pulling a 28ft fifthwheel camper that was stuck and pulled it out also. So for all of you that think this truck is a GM waste then go get your truck stuck and call me I'll pull you out with my waste of time. I WILL own another one and want the v8. I do construction work for a living and travel all over the country in all weather conditions and have no trouble in the snow and ice. If you dont want a good truck with v8 that fits in tight spaces an rides good then buy what you want but for those of us that love our colorados dont talk bad about our trucks cause we may be the ones that have to come get your toyo or nissan when reach the end of the road and can't get back without help!
I just bought a canyon ext cab with the 5.3. The performance is great. I have the 3.42 gears. MPG is 20-21 highway driving with a light load. I pulls my boat great ! My boat weighs in at 3200 lbs.
Interior is comfortable if you get the leather seats. Handling is good for what I need.
Glad I bought this truck !
I personally believe that looks are simply opinion, so I don't like to discuss the appearance of a certain car in a positive or negative manner. I think most people can agree that the Colorado is meant to look rugged and tough, and mimics the Silverado with the massive wheels and tires etc...
I have a Colorado 2011 V-8 with small mods and it will kick ass on any truck made. I can pull 2500 lbs and get 20 miles to the gallon. On the week ends I can drive it to the drag strip and run 98 mph in the quarter, what more can you ask for.
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