2011 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is among the few remaining true compact pick-ups in the market. As it features in this segment for another year, it spots just minimal changes from the previous models and its future presence hanging loose if the Gm moves to close the Louisiana factory which assembles the model.

Closely related in features with the GMC Canyon, the Colorado is a dated pick-up design similar to the Ford Ranger. These trucks are characteristic of limited options in terms of style and safety features as compared to newer types of mid-size trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.

The Colorado is available in three different body styles: a regular cab, an extended cab identifiable by tiny rear-hinged doors and the crew cab which features 4-fullsize hinged doors at the front. It may pass for an attractive truck but it lacks the excitement you would expect from real full-sized. The interiors are disappointing dominated by hard plastic and only consisting of standard flat bench seats except for a few versions that feature a bucket seat.

The Colorado runs on either of the following engines: A base engine 2.9 liter, 4-cylinder with 185 horsepower that is not very exciting to ride. The next is a 3.7 liter, 5-cylinder with 242-hp which was meant to be an upgrade but failed miserably. The third engine is what saves the Colorado, the V-8; 300-hp introduced recently can accelerate the Colorado to 60 mph in 0-7 seconds and increases its towing power to a capacity of 6000pounds. A full-time 4-wheel drive is achievable with the rear-drive Colorado while the automatic transmissions feature more than the standard version 5-speed manual.

The common Colorado has an abbreviated cargo bed measuring five 5 ft 1-inch long. The Crew Cab has a slightly lengthier bed at 6 ft long but it is still small for basic utility. The rear seats in the 4-door Crew Cab are very uncomfortable thanks to the backrest which is almost vertical.

The Colorado features a standard stability control and anti-lock braking system but still lags behind in crash test ratings at 4-star on the federal government rating with the exception of the Crew Cab which a 5-star rating when averaged with the rear and lackluster side test scores by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Colorado has standard equipment consisting of air conditioner, cruise controls, a tilt steering wheel and folding mirrors. The following features can be optioned: XM Satellite Radio, traction control, fog lamps, a sun roof, leather seats, a sliding window at the rear and a 6-CD changer. The 2011 model has an OnStar and reshaped headrests as standard. The 2011 model also features new headrests for the front seats and an Aqua Blue Metallic exterior.