Coming out of a model year that saw significant changes, including two new, more powerful engines, the 2008 Chevy Colorado lineup soldiers on with minimal changes and all of the versatility the customers have come to expect from this lineup of capable trucks.
Colorado is available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab configurations, as well as 2WD and 4WD. The base engine in all but 4WD crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm).* Available in all models - and standard in the 4WD crew cab - is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT that is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).*
Colorado 's various body styles and powertrain combinations are available in WT, LS and LT trims. LS models come with a color-keyed appearance for a sporty appearance.
Colorado can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors.
Notable optional equipment includes remote keyless entry; traction assist (2WD models); XM Satellite Radio; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; power, heated leather seating; high-back bucket seats; a rear sliding window; and power-operated outside rearview mirrors.
Colorado 's instrument panel has large, easy-to-read analog gauges, with switches and controls designed for easy operation with gloves. Crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward.
Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m). Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The crew cab box offers a standard lock.
Colorado 's tailgate opens fully to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening. That puts the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.
With its efficient packaging, Colorado looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. Colorado has a stiff frame that enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling. Colorado also delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; coil-over front suspension on 2WD models and torsion bar front suspension on 4WD models; and specifically tuned body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.
There are two suspension systems available on Colorado : the rugged Z85 suspension, which is standard on 2WD or 4WD models, and the Z71 off-road suspension, which is available on both 2WD and 4WD models.