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2009 Chevrolet Colorado Quality Review

March 7, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

rental-car interior
Car and Driver

stints longer than two hours will have you speed-dialing your chiropractor
Automobile Magazine

less wind and road noise than most competitors
ConsumerGuide

The use of cheap plastic and inferior switchgear on the interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado cripples the truck’s overall rating.

“In its latest comparison test appearance,” says Car and Driver, “the Colorado finished last out of five trucks and was flayed for its rental-car interior, unrefined engine, and upright rear backrest.” Edmunds is also unimpressed with the Colorado, grousing, "seating comfort and cabin materials still leave much to be desired" with the 2009 Colorado. Chevrolet loses marks for giving "the impression of being cheap," with Edmunds noting, "sub par materials, an abundance of hard plastic and mediocre seat comfort."

“Unfortunately, the front bucket upgrade (a 60/40 split bench is standard) brings seats that feel convex instead of concave,” says Automobile Magazine, adding, “Driving stints longer than two hours will have you speed-dialing your chiropractor for relief.” ConsumerGuide is generally happy with the front part of the Chevrolet Colorado cab's interior, pointing out "lots of legroom and headroom" and seats that are "adequately comfortable for long drives." Kelley Blue Book concurs, declaring the "seats offer firm bottoms and good lumbar support" and that "the cloth fabric is both durable and comfortable."

The Colorado’s rear seats are faulted for being hard, undersized, and uncomfortably upright. Getting to them is also a challenge, as "entry and exit is difficult through small door openings." Like legroom, "storage is limited," though "better on the Extended and Crew Cab" Chevy Colorado models, attests ConsumerGuide, also saying that "adults lack legroom," though the "Crew Cabs are more spacious" on the Colorado. TheCarConnection.com finds adequate space in the Crew Cab’s backseats for two adults, although cushions are a bit flat.

Build quality is well received despite the below-par materials, with Kelley Blue Book reporting that "even over washboard roads, the Colorado exhibited no sign of dash-rattling or squeaks." Edmunds comments that the Colorado remains "relatively quiet around town," with "wind noise around the doors picking up at highway speeds."

Cargo-bed-carrying capacity is limited, as the six-foot bed won't hold a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and the four-door Colorados have it even worse with only a 5-foot, 1-inch bed.

Conclusion

The bargain-basement interior and limited load capacity hinder the competitiveness of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:rental-car interiorCar and Driverstints longer than two hours will have you speed-dialing your chiropractorAutomobile Magazineless wind and road noise than most competitorsConsumerGuide The use of cheap plastic and inferior switchgear on the interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado cripples the truck’s overall rating. “In its latest comparison test appearance,” says Car and Driver, “the Colorado finished last out of five trucks and was flayed for its rental-car interior, unrefined engine, and upright rear backrest.” Edmunds is also unimpressed with the Colorado, grousing, "seating comfort and cabin materials still leave much to be desired" with the 2009 Colorado. Chevrolet loses marks for giving "the impression of being cheap," with Edmunds noting, "sub par materials, an abundance of hard plastic and mediocre seat comfort." “Unfortunately, the front bucket upgrade (a 60/40 split bench is standard) brings seats that feel convex instead of concave,” says Automobile Magazine, adding, “Driving stints longer than two hours will have you speed-dialing your chiropractor for relief.” ConsumerGuide is generally happy with the front part of the Chevrolet Colorado cab's interior, pointing out "lots of legroom and headroom" and seats that are "adequately comfortable for long drives." Kelley Blue Book concurs, declaring the "seats offer firm bottoms and good lumbar support" and that "the cloth fabric is both durable and comfortable." The Colorado’s rear seats are faulted for being hard, undersized, and uncomfortably upright. Getting to them is also a challenge, as "entry and exit is difficult through small door openings." Like legroom, "storage is limited," though "better on the Extended and Crew Cab" Chevy Colorado models, attests ConsumerGuide, also saying that "adults lack legroom," though the "Crew Cabs are more spacious" on the Colorado. TheCarConnection.com finds adequate space in the Crew Cab’s backseats for two adults, although cushions are a bit flat. Build quality is well received despite the below-par materials, with Kelley Blue Book reporting that "even over washboard roads, the Colorado exhibited no sign of dash-rattling or squeaks." Edmunds comments that the Colorado remains "relatively quiet around town," with "wind noise around the doors picking up at highway speeds." Cargo-bed-carrying capacity is limited, as the six-foot bed won't hold a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and the four-door Colorados have it even worse with only a 5-foot, 1-inch bed. ConclusionThe bargain-basement interior and limited load capacity hinder the competitiveness of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "an attractive alternative" Automedia: “looks and feels more like a spacious, well-appointed full-size pickup” Cars.com: "aerodynamic, angular and athletic" Aside from some exterior trim revisions, the exterior styling ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The base four-cylinder version of the Ford Ranger is still the most agreeable basic small pickup; crash-test results are quite good, and because of its advanced age it can be had at bargain prices. The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are both offered with either fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines or optional V-6s. With the V-6, the Frontier is one of the most enjoyable, versatile mid-size pickups available, and it's surprisingly capable for towing or off-roading. For the V-8 Colorado, the Dodge Dakota is the only real competitor. The Dakota is substantially larger and offers a variety of engine configurations, including a powerful V-8, although it’s a bit less maneuverable than the Colorado. The GMC Canyon is essentially the same vehicle, sharing platforms, components, and all else except for trim and badging with the Colorado.

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See the Chevrolet Colorado in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. fb_670586833 avatar by David C #2, Posted: 6/17/2009

    Great!

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