Chevrolet Colorado

vilain

Just got my truck sprayed last week with Line-X. Thanks a whole lot for putting me on to this type of liner. It looks great and appears to be very durable. Thanks!

lostwrench

Ford counts any Ranger delivered to a dealer as "being sold". When the Ford Escort first came out in it's first year, Ford declared it as being the best selling car in the USA, because they considered each one delivered to dealerships nation wide as "being sold".--- Ranger transmissions are made in France. Colorado transmissions are made in Japan. Your chioce.

dmathews3

thats a no brainer, japan, as I can't think of any auto from france thats worth much. Renault (sp) comes to mind.

lostwrench

Back in the 1980's, I popped the hood of a friend's Peugeot and saw what looked like a 1938 sewing machine.

dmathews3

Makes you wonder how they make such good wine, as they don't make good cars.

shine

I posted this on another page but I am really desperate to find this out. I am an inch away from buying a Colorado or Canyon (so far best deal is on Canyon) I operate a drive in movie theatre and use my truck during the night. The daytime lights annoy my customers(I know cause I had a 2001 F250 with them on and caught holly heck). I was told by the factory in 2002 that the daytime lights could be disengaged by pushing in the dome light switch a number of times and light would be disengaged until you stopped the engine at which point they would be reactivated. I need to know if there is still such a way to do this and what is the process. If not is there a fuse which only controls the daytime running lights which could be removed and not affect anything else. I did this to my 2001 Ford and it worked. Your help would be appreciated

lostwrench

How about the old cure-all, fix-anything solution: Duct tape. Or, just take out the bulbs.

dmathews3

I'd sure hate to buy anything that you owned. Reminds me of the old back woods farmer. Fixed half-a--'d.
Anyway on the Colorado just turn the light switch counter clockwise and it shuts off the running lights until either you do it again or turn off and restart the truck.

ocmike3

My Canyon has the auto light sensor and a 4 position switch. While driving I have switched from the Auto position to parking lights or off and the daytime running lamps don't come on. I haven't done any fuses or other settings to defeat the DRLs.

ocmike3

That would be driving at dusk/night - which is what I believe is the complaint of your customers.

lostwrench

Saw an 05 Colorado today with the Sunburst Orange Metallic Paint. Wow!

anhedonic

To defeat the DRL function, just set the emergency brake before you start the vehicle (turn the key)-works on every other GM vehicle I've tried it with, so I am assuming it would work for the Colorado/Canyon as well...

lngtonge18

Setting the parking brake does not affect the daytime lights. They always come on when you start the car. Just turn the light switch counter-clockwise to the off position after starting the car to turn the daytime lights off.

xkss

GM needs to put the 275 hp 4.2 liter I-6 in the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado.

Note that BMW uses smooth I-6 engines.

nosirrahg

Anybody know if/when GM plans to come out with a hybrid Colorado/Canyon? I know they've got a Silverado coming out soon (if not already), but haven't heard any status on how the technology will trickle down to other models.

dirkwork

Don't hold your breath waiting for the truck to be adapted to a Hybrid. GM bet the farm nearly on fuel cells, and poo-poo'd Toyota's hybrid, now with fuel cells still years away, they are scrambling. Ford uses a license to Toyota technology, pretty sad to see mis-management. Our folks here can design anything but management has to be in place to guide the efforts.

DD

ocmike3

GM has put most of their Hybrid (gas + electric motors) technology into larger vehicles; best known being city buses. Its the larger vehicles that will see the most improvement in gas usage. One days gas savings for a bus will probably run a hybrid car for weeks.
GM's pickups are actually a "light" hybrid - not a true gas + electric motors.
My Canyon crew cab 4WD with I5 consistently runs 23-25mpg hwy; 18-19mpg in mixed. (This beats the mileage I got from my previous 2WD S-10 w/4 cyl. by 10%)

nermal1

I purchased a Z-71 LS Crew Cab December 2004. Have been driving my truck for just over 3-months. It has been fantastic. I drive about 52 miles a day to work and back. No problems, great in bad weather, smooth ride, could not be happier. By the way I live in Minnesota. My previous truck was a '93 Silverado, 350, 4x4 extended cab. Purchased it new and drove it for 13 wonderful years. No one builds trucks like Chevrolet. I've got no complaints, just wanted to pass on my good feelings.

nosirrahg

Thanks for the input on the mileage you're getting in the 5-cylinder...I've seen several folks here taling about the good mileage they were getting with 4-cylinder 4WDs, but it sounds like you're doing pretty well with the 5. I'm leaning towards the same setup as you, but probably at least 2-3 years down the road - if a hybrid were in the works around that time, that'd be even better; but at least it sounds like you're getting reasonable mileage currently.

vilain

IS IT JUST MY IMAGINATION OR IS THE MORNING START-UP NOT ALL THAT SMOOTH? I'VE HAD MY COLORADO ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, (IT'S AN 05), AND IT SEEMS AS IF THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING WRONG. ALMOST AS IF IT'S MISFIRING OR SOMETHING! ANYBODY ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM?

jeepfan3

I am a Jeep lover-have been for years but unfortunately they quit making them and it is time to make a change. The Liberty is too small and I don't really care for the Grand Cherokee, so I am on the verge of buying a 4 dr Crew Cab Colorado (Superior Blue with the black moldings) - should be picking it up this week. The bedcover and trailer hitch are being installed. I put a lot of miles on my vehicles and I also am always hauling flowers & all kinds of junk here & there so I think this crew cab truck will fit my needs and I love it - but - now after reading all these posts today, and the Edwards reviews as well, I am very concerned. I see a lot of people on here love their Colorados but I am hearing some definite problems. The vibration worries me - that, along with the window leaks - worries me. The window leaks appears to be fixable -QUESTION: about the GM tires - I wonder - I just bought new Goodrich tires for my Jeep about 6 weeks ago - wonder if I could swap them at the dealers even though we are trading the Jeep for the Colorado? Would they be better than the tires the Colorado comes with? I truly hope I am not making a mistake buying this truck. I had a lemon many Years ago - a Ford Explorer - a vehicle that I loved and that was comfortable and good looking but almost put me in the poor house because of all the repair work I got in to. I definitely don't want to go that route again. My Jeep has been trustworthy and reliable - Ya'll please reassure me - I love this little Blue Colorado and have been very excited about picking it up this coming week. Talk to me.

rgrossman

I've had my Colorado crew cab since the end of November (about 5600 miles so far) and so far its been a great little truck. I think you will be very happy with the choice. I made a similar decision to move from an SUV to a crew cab truck and have no regrets. The Colorado engine is very similar to the engine I had in my Olds Bravada (with 1 less cylinder of course) and the Bravada was very reliable and reasonably fuel efficient for a big SUV.

I am getting around 18.5 - 19 MPG around town and about 22-23 on highway so far. The truck has preformed great during a very snowy winter here in the Boston area.

I thankfully have not experienced any of the problems regarding vibrations and leaks that others have so maybe those issues have been resolved in more recent builds of the truck. The only quality issue I had was some loose molding on the top of my windshield that needed to be glued back in place. Good luck with your new truck. I think you will be pleased.

dmathews3

I have had no vibrations, or leaks and mine goes through an automatic car wash weekly. As to the tires the Generals aren't the greatest and if yours are the same size and that new I would have the dealer swap them out. Go for it as my Z71 crewcab is great.

lngtonge18

I only have 1200 miles on my 05 Colorado extended cab, but so far, its been perfect! No rattles, no leaks (I believe only early 04 models had this problem), no glaring defects, and excellent mileage (I'm averaging 22 mpg in the city with my 4 banger 5 speed). The General tires do suck so I would try to trade out the tires if possible. They squeal easily in turns, have limited grip, and poor traction. My passenger seat and shifter do shake noticeably at certain speeds but no sqeaks or rattles are heard so I'm not worried about it. Plus, the new 05 Tacoma has the same shifter vibration.

This is my first American car ever so that means my standards are pretty high. So far I've been very impressed. I love my Colorado!

My dealer experience has been good as well. They just sent me a tin full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies as a thank you. I also received a thank you card from my salesman. I've never received these sort of gifts from all the other dealers I've done business with.

jimsa1252

Pull the fuse marked DRL, should be in the door panel, worked on my S10, that go rid of them for good!

jawahi

Simply turn the light switch to the left after starting the vehicle to defeat the running lights. (as posted by others)
If your vehicle has vibrations at certain speeds, after 1000 miles you may take it to the dealer and they can check if the tires have a 'hard spot' as is not uncommon (Mine did!) The offending tire was replaced under warranty.
I love my Colorado, a 2005 Z-71 ext cab with the 5-speed, 4 cylinder, and almost no other options.

jawahi

Hey, I too am a Jeep lover but my 1999 Cherokee had been messed up by whoever owned it before me, didn't discover the problems till too late.
So (Disclaimer: I working at a Chevy dealer), I took what I thought might be my only chance to ever own a brand new vehicle and bought a Colorado extended cab.
One thing I highly recommend is the Z-71 package, mine is only 2 wheel drive but after driving the Cherokee with the up-country package I didn't want a 'car' feel.
I really like the sure footedness the Z-71 package adds.

ocmike3

I've had my 4WD Z71 Crew Cab Canyon (GMC) for over a year and getting close to 17k miles. I've had no leaks, no "tire" vibration or other problems to speak of. I have gotten used to the vibration felt through the steering column from the engine - my one real complaint to GM. I did replace the stock Generals with some Toyo tires on some sweet looking 16" Niche wheels I had run on my Sierra. I am happy with my choice and it has treated me well.

petem143

I've had my '04 Z71 Colorado for over a year. @5K on the clock and its STILL BULLETPROOF. It's been to the dealer once, and has been a great truck so far.
No squeaks, rattles or quality problems. I couldn't have been more pleased with this vehicle!

mibdrd

Has anyone used their Colorado to pull any small trailers such as a tent trailer. If so how did the truck do? I have been using my 1996 Explorer to pull me tent trailer and it does pretty well but getting old and tired. I have been looking for a new truck with good gas mileage and the Colorado is the only one out there.

ad5sx

Hello Ingtonge18,

I am considering a 4 cylinder/4wd/manual in an extended cab. Is your truck 2 or 4WD? What rear differential is in your truck? I test drove a 2WD 5 speed extended cab. It had 3.73 rear differential gearing and was really burdened from a dead stop but ok once under way. I think the 4.10 rear end might help although with a small lose of mpg. I appreciate your feedback and thanks for your posting.

AD5SX

lngtonge18

My truck is 2wd with the 3.73 rear end. It does feel a bit slow in 1st gear but after that, it gains speed surprisingly fast without having to rev it much. You can counteract the slow feeling by just giving it a bit more gas off the line. The 4.10 might be a better idea with the added weight of the 4wd, but the mileage with the 3.73 is impressive.

04colarodo

I recently purchased a "GM Certified" '04 Colorado, I assumed I was getting just that...then a week ago the weather became warm enough to put a new coat of wax on the truck. That is when I discovered the misspelling on the passengers door. My wife said she noticed it on another truck also, but she did not tell me since she saw it on my truck too. In her (and my) defense I would like to say she always enters on the passenger's side (where the misspelling is) and I always enter from the driver's side, so neither one of us noticed this for the first several months. I think it's kind of funny, and it makes a good conversation piece. I have sent an e-mail message into the salesperson who is on vacation. This is really the only complaint I have about the truck, although I do question their attention to detail when going thru the 100+ point inspection list to become "GM Certified"... yes this will also being discussed with the dealership. By the way does anyone else have a chevy "Colarodo"?!? You may want to run to the garage and check!

04colarodo

Ditto on the gas mileage! I drive 7 of the 10 mile commute on the highway and only get 17 mpg at best. I have a '04 extended cab 2WD with an auto I-5cyl Z71 package.

tdt3

Has anyone had problems with the 02 sensor. I have a 2005 with the L5 engine and less then 3000 miles. Three times within a two week period the Check Engine light came on. First time the shop reprogrammed the O2 sensor. Second time they replaced it. Third time they replaced a different O2 sensor (I was told that there are a total of 3 O2 sensors.

mitzij

Is your misspelling an emblem or a decal?
I just went out and walked the lot-they're all 'Colorado' all the way. I'll bet, if it's a decal, it's an aftermarket one-though it's funny the dealership didn't remove it before selling it to you.

04colarodo

The misspelling is an emblem. The name "COLARODO" is spelled out in individual letters. It appears the "GM Certified Vehicle" checklist should include a spell check.

lostwrench

I switched two letters on my Pontiac Le Mans, making it Pontiac Me Lans. No one noticed.

zrdrummer2

I would like to know if any research has been done on the approach and descent angle of the Chevy Colorado? I want to know how it performs off road and how it stacks up to the competition. I would also like to know more about the ZR2 pickup as well. I used to have a Chevy ZR2 ext. cab, now I own a colorado Ext cab Z71. Please let me know..

rgrossman

You may already have checked this but I do believe the check engine light will come on if your gas cap is not on tightly. The gas tank is pressurized and will cause the light to come on if the cap is not properly sealed. Apologies if I'm stating the obvious.

totaled

Does anyone have any confidence in the use of aluminum engine/head in Colorado? Any truth that the extended drain coolant is actually very corrosive if it overheats. A woman on a cell phone just totaled my import truck. I am considering the Colorado because I can get the options I want. Please, only guys with actual technical knowledge / experience reply.

coonhound

You sort of limited a response by your request.

Probably half the vehicles soled today are aluminum block and heads. The problem area has been with a cast iron block and aluminum heads with the different rate of expansion and contraction and the resultant blown head gasket.

The Dexcool coolant is not a problem when properly maintained. The problem is when the mixture is exposed to oxygen as with low coolant level and or defective radiator cap. There is some good information on the net put out by GM and Texaco. I have an Oldsmobile Intrigue with Aluminum block and heads and Dexcool with no problems and don't expect any problems.

lngtonge18

I bought 2 Yamaha scooters (one is the traditional 2 stroke 50 cc that maxes out at 40 mph and the other is a 125 cc 4 stroke capable of 60 mph. The faster one will be very useful for my job in these high gas price times) and a small metal 7'x4' trailer to tow them with. Total weight was around 700-800 pounds. My 4 banger 5 speed pulled it with ease, as it should. It did require revving it up higher but it cruised happily at 70 mph. I'm loving how useful this truck has become.

On a side note, has anyone checked out or even bought the tent specially made for the bed of the Colorado? It looks like a real neat idea and at $200, it's a good deal too. I'm considering getting it and the inflatable mattress so I can go on camping trips.

zrdrummer2

So, no one can help me with this? Is there a link to find out...

panther8

Check out Isuzu- Looks Like a Colorado- Different Grill Same truck :shades:

gman4dx266

My 2005 2WD WT (base) feels very stable on all terrain. It doesnt have that sloppy impala feel. The Z71 package on this truck, with THAT powertrain; you should be good either way you go. This truck gets great milage either way. Now if we were talking full size silverado and Z71 Pkg, then...well you know... :shades:

shine

I am currently looking at a 4x4 Colorado Crew Cab and I have 2 questions how much weight will the bed hold (for instance a 12hp Garden Tractor). Also what can reasonable expected mpg. I heard 17 till 20 but I have also heard some only getting 14. Any help appreciated

ocmike3

I recall reading an article in on of the Car mags last year where they did a 5/6 mid-size truck comparison. They rated on and off road capability, had data on approach and departure angles... but I can't remember which mag and didn't find the article in a web search...

ocmike3

I regularly haul 300-600lbs in the bed of my Canyon 4WD Crew. I carried 400# of cottage stone as weight this winter, mileage wasn't affected. I've had as much as 800# in it. A 12hp garden tractor should be no problem. I built two ramps (2"X8"X8') to make it easy to get my BBQ, mower/cycles.. into the back.
I regularly get 17-18 in my commute (75% hwy-25% street) and on road trips consistently get 22-24mpg running 65-75mph on the freeways. I found head winds to affect the Canyon's mileage the most.

jsuggs

I've noticed on my 2005 Colorado, that the engine temp gauge moves quickly after a mile or two of driving, and after reaching operating temperature, coolant gauge
stops just short of half-way. Are you guys seeing similiar readings?