This truck really is a street rod, and there aren't many of those in the compact-pickup world right now. The lower suspension and two rows of seats give you the cabin volume and ride height of a small car, yet you can use it to tow when it's time for work duty. If you crave carlike speed but only need to carry small loads around, the Colorado V-8 may be just what you're looking for. We just wish this package were less expensive.
| 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Crew Cab 3LT |
| Base price | $24,055 |
| Price as tested | $30,475 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door pickup |
| Engine | 5.3L/300-hp/320-lb-ft 16-valve OHV V-8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Curb weight (dist, f/r) | 4073 lb (56/44%) |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 in |
| Length x width x height | 207.1 x 67.6 x 65.2 in |
| Headroom, f/r | 39.3/38.3 in |
| Legroom, f/r | 44.0/34.8 in |
| Shoulder room, f/r | 57.1/57.2 in |
| Cargo volume | 37.0 cu ft (short bed) |
| Acceleration to mph |
| 0-30 | 2.3 sec |
| 0-40 | 3.5 |
| 0-50 | 5.1 |
| 0-60 | 6.9 |
| 0-70 | 9.0 |
| 0-80 | 11.4 |
| 0-90 | 15.0 |
| Quarter mile | 15.2 sec @ 90.6 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 126 ft |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.81 g (avg) |
| MT figure eight | 27.7 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 15/21 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 1.13 lb/mile |