What Is It?
2004 Chevrolet Colorado
What's Special About It?
The Colorado is bigger, more powerful and considerably more stylish than the S-10 pickup it replaces. It will offer a choice of two all-new engines derived from the 4.2-liter straight six found in the TrailBlazer sport-utility. The base engine will be a 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder that generates 175 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. A larger 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder churns out a healthy 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are all aluminum and feature advanced technology like dual-overhead camshafts and four valves-per-cylinder for maximum power and efficiency. Transmission choices will consist of either a four-speed automatic or a heavy-duty five-speed manual, depending on the application. The suspension is a traditional independent front/live axle rear design with four-wheel-drive models getting torsion bars up front while two-wheel-drive models stick with coil springs. Rack and pinion steering should assure precise handling and feel while the standard ABS brakes will bring it all safely to a halt.
With three cab configurations (regular, extended and crew), three alternate suspension setups (standard, sport, off-road) and both two- and four-wheel drive, the Colorado will offer a total of nine distinct models. Regular cab models feature basic 60/40-split bench seats in cloth or vinyl with buckets optional. The extended cab model will come standard with four doors while the crew cab will offer four full-size doors and a 60/40-split bench seat capable of seating three adults according to GM. In terms of segment firsts, the Colorado will be the first to offer roof rail-mounted side airbags, a locking rear differential, traction control and XM Satellite Radio.
Why Should You Care?
If you're looking for a pickup but you don't need one of those full-size monsters that guzzle gas and fill entire garages on their own, the Colorado is a midsize offering that might fill the bill. With its more moderate size, efficient four- and five-cylinder engines and multiple cab configurations it's a truck you can live with on a daily basis without feeling like you're single-handedly enlarging the hole in the ozone layer. — Ed Hellwig
2004 Chevrolet Colorado
What's Special About It?
The Colorado is bigger, more powerful and considerably more stylish than the S-10 pickup it replaces. It will offer a choice of two all-new engines derived from the 4.2-liter straight six found in the TrailBlazer sport-utility. The base engine will be a 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder that generates 175 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. A larger 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder churns out a healthy 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are all aluminum and feature advanced technology like dual-overhead camshafts and four valves-per-cylinder for maximum power and efficiency. Transmission choices will consist of either a four-speed automatic or a heavy-duty five-speed manual, depending on the application. The suspension is a traditional independent front/live axle rear design with four-wheel-drive models getting torsion bars up front while two-wheel-drive models stick with coil springs. Rack and pinion steering should assure precise handling and feel while the standard ABS brakes will bring it all safely to a halt.
With three cab configurations (regular, extended and crew), three alternate suspension setups (standard, sport, off-road) and both two- and four-wheel drive, the Colorado will offer a total of nine distinct models. Regular cab models feature basic 60/40-split bench seats in cloth or vinyl with buckets optional. The extended cab model will come standard with four doors while the crew cab will offer four full-size doors and a 60/40-split bench seat capable of seating three adults according to GM. In terms of segment firsts, the Colorado will be the first to offer roof rail-mounted side airbags, a locking rear differential, traction control and XM Satellite Radio.
Why Should You Care?
If you're looking for a pickup but you don't need one of those full-size monsters that guzzle gas and fill entire garages on their own, the Colorado is a midsize offering that might fill the bill. With its more moderate size, efficient four- and five-cylinder engines and multiple cab configurations it's a truck you can live with on a daily basis without feeling like you're single-handedly enlarging the hole in the ozone layer. — Ed Hellwig
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