2010 Chevrolet Colorado Bottom Line Review

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the latest 2010 Chevrolet Colorado in order to give you an expert opinion. And to help you make the most of reputable review sources on the Web, TheCarConnection.com has brought some of the most useful information together here.

Likes
Varying body styles
Powerful V-8
Good fuel economy with the four-cylinder

Dislikes
Too much plastic in the interior
Poor fuel economy with five-cylinder and V-8 models
Four- and five-cylinder engines feel rough
Substandard steering

The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado continues to be offered with a wide variety of engines, including four- and five-cylinder mills, plus a range-topping V-8 engine producing 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Colorado achieves a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and a sub-seven-second 0-60 acceleration time.

Reviewers generally find that the base 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine and the optional 242-hp, 3.7-liter five in the 2010 Colorado are not up to the mark, and the latter is especially disappointing as a step-up engine. It's rough and noisy, and it doesn't have the refined performance that some of the Colorado's rivals offer. On the other hand, the V-8 engine gives the Colorado a completely different character, and the reviewers at TheCarConnection.com recommend it for drivers in need of towing ability. The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is also available in either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Matching the variety of powertrain options are several different body styles for the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado. These include a regular Cab, Extended Cab (with short reverse-opening doors), and Crew Cab (with four regular forward-swinging doors). Crew cabs come with a five-foot cargo box, while other Colorados feature a six-foot bed. For those who need rear space, the six-foot "long" bed won't carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and four-door Colorados have only a five-foot, one-inch bed anyway. On four-door versions, the rear seat stands uncomfortably upright and is just roomy enough for two adults. However, the four-door crew-cab version can seat up to six passengers.

The interior for all Colorados is nowhere close to impressive, with cheap, hard plastic as the theme. It must be noted, however, that inside the ZQ8-equipped models, unique seats unavailable in other Colorado models are rather nice.

All 2010 Chevrolet Colorado models receive StabiliTrak electronic stability control, as well as a new braking system, first introduced last year, which features better braking feel and improved stopping power. The four-door Chevrolet Colorado receives a mix of crash-test scores, with straight four-star ratings from the federal government (except for some higher five-star ratings on the Crew Cab), matched with lackluster side and rear test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard equipment is decent with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and folding exterior mirrors all included. Options include traction control, XM Satellite Radio, fog lamps, leather seats, a sunroof, a six-CD changer, and a sliding rear window. OnStar is offered but without a navigation feature—which would enhance the desirability of this work truck. A new ZQ8 sport suspension package for the Extended and Crew Cab models features revised suspension tuning that's 30 percent stiffer and a ride height that's one inch lower than previous years. Eighteen-inch, split six-spoke aluminum wheels, and low-profile performance tires are also part of the package that pairs with the V-8 engine option.

The Bottom Line: The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is impressive with the V-8 engine and offers a good alternative to people who don't really need a big truck.

Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado, also consider:

- Dodge Dakota
- Ford Ranger
- GMC Canyon
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma

Reason Why:
With good crash-test results and bargain prices, the base four-cylinder version of the Ford Ranger is still the most agreeable basic small pickup. The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are both offered with fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and powerful V-6s, and both score well in independent crash testing. The Frontier is one of the most enjoyable, versatile mid-size pickups available in the V-6 variant, and it's surprisingly capable for towing and off-roading. The Dodge Dakota is the only real competitor for the V-8 Colorado; it's substantially larger and offers a variety of engine configurations, including a powerful V-8. Note, however, that it doesn't handle as well as the Colorado, which itself is not a shining star in this department. The GMC Canyon is essentially the same vehicle, sharing platforms, components, and all else except for trim and badging with the Colorado.

Buying Tip
It's best to avoid piling on the options; otherwise, the price of the Colorado can easily pass the $20,000 mark. Work trucks and models without the options are the best value because full-size pickups are only moderately more expensive.

All of our reviews come from experts at TheCarConnection.com.