The Chevy Colorado Through the Generations

This year, Chevy introduced an all-new generation of the midsize Colorado, which has many drivers shaking with excitement. Although this is the latest installment of the legendary Colorado nameplate, many drivers are now seeking to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, which is why they choose to shop used. You may be searching for “used Chevy trucks near me,” and if you want to enjoy the best selection around, you’ll want to partner with North Park Chevrolet. Now that a new generation is out there, there will be more used models to shop from on used lots across the country, making it easy to find the Colorado that works for your particular needs and budget. When it comes to Chevy Colorado generations and details, let us help you find exactly what you’re looking for to make your drive better, whether it’s a near-new second-gen model or one of the originals.

First Generation (2004-2012): New Kid in Town

The Chevy Colorado first hit the scene for the 2004 model year, serving as a replacement for Chevy’s S-10 model. Adding a more contemporary appeal to the midsize truck segment, the Colorado was quickly embraced by those who desired the capabilities of a truck yet wanted a model that was easy to drive and efficient. Under its sculpted hood, your choice of a 2.8L four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 3.5L five-cylinder awaited, adding plenty of excitement and strength to the ride. With a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, the first-gen Colorado was perfectly capable of handling its fair share of tough work on the job site. First-generation Colorado models could also be enjoyed with rugged off-road capabilities through its Z71 model, featuring more durable design elements, a powerful engine, and enhanced finesse on dangerous terrain.

For those who are searching for a truck with a manual transmission, the first-generation arsenal has just what you’re looking for, with its five-speed manual waiting to add intense control and efficiency to your drive. You’ll also find plenty of cab configurations and bed sizes to accommodate who and what you’re hauling. Its four-wheel drive models showcase a two-speed transfer case with the shift-on-the-fly capability to help you transition into four-wheel drive effortlessly right from the controls on your dash. The first-generation Colorado showcases a more practical and simplistic interior cabin experience, with cloth upholstery in base models and leather upgrades in top-tier trims, as well as durable vinyl floor mats and an all-around no-nonsense approach to the daily drive.

Of course, as the years progressed for the first-generation Colorado models, the design became more modern. For instance, 2007 models showcase various upgrades, including a revamped grille, new tires, and a selection of vibrant paint colors. All in all, first-gen Colorados have everything you need in your ride for very reasonable prices. With the level of reliability you can expect from Chevrolet, despite these models being older, they’re able to offer you unmatched dependability and a safe ride that won’t let you down.

Second Generation (2015-2022): Back on the Scene

Chevy took a break from Colorado production following the 2012 model year; however, it didn’t take long for the Colorado to make a major comeback in 2015, launching its second generation. Not only was the Colorado more stylish and modern than before, but it also offered more to its drivers. From multiple trim levels to more capable engines, second-gen Colorados didn’t disappoint. Armed with your choice of a 2.5L EcoTec four-cylinder or a 3.6L V6, the Colorado quickly became a go-to truck for those needing to complete more tasks on the job site and beyond. Opting for its V6 granted more power to the ride, with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, enhancing its towing capabilities, allowing it to take on up to 7,000 lbs without issue.

At the time, the Colorado offered the segment’s best horsepower and fuel economy, getting up to 27 MPG on the highway. These models are where you’re going to see more advanced tech making its way into the arsenal, so if you want to take advantage of more innovation, second-generation models may be right for you. From an eight-inch touchscreen to Wi-Fi capabilities, second-gen Colorados contain many of the features we desire today, and you’ll be able to enjoy these for much lower prices. These models are also slightly larger than the previous generation, with a longer, wider build. This allows the Colorado to not only accommodate more gear and materials on board but also showcase a smoother, more controlled ride.

This is also where you’re going to see more off-road capabilities emerging in ZR2 models, so if this is a priority, you’re going to be able to harness these abilities for far less than buying new. In 2016, Chevy debuted its Duramax diesel engine in this midsize favorite, so if efficiency and performance are high atop your wish list, you may want to pay careful attention to this particular model year for the best prices. Of course, some of the latest advancements can be found in near-new models, like those from 2022, which feature smartphone integration, a powerful selection of engines, immense off-road prowess, and high-end style in top-tier models. You’ll also find a versatile lineup of trims, ranging from remarkable adventurers to dedicated workmates and everything in between. Cutting-edge safety tech and camera angles can also be enjoyed.

If you want more than first-generation Colorado models can provide, especially when it comes to tech, style, and capabilities, we highly recommend taking a closer look at the Colorado’s second generation. The second generation spans many years, with exciting and convenient tech and features making their way into this celebrated midsize truck. Whether you have your sights set on a 2022 model or a Colorado from the beginning of this era, you’re sure to be impressed by the performance, durability, and options you have with this outstanding truck.

Why Choose the Colorado?

The Colorado has long been recognized as a truck that can do it all. It can effortlessly shift from the pavement to the trails without hesitation. It can take on heavy loads while also getting great gas mileage, even while stuck in traffic. It’s easy to drive yet capable and offers everything that drivers are looking for in their everyday vehicle. When you choose the Colorado for your journey, regardless of the generation, you’ll be in for one of the best rides the industry has to offer, and the proof lies in all of the models you see coasting past you on city streets, interstates, and beyond.

So, if you are interested in a Colorado, it’s obvious that you have choices and plenty of them. Whether you want to enjoy excellent capabilities for low prices in first-generation models or you wish to upgrade and enjoy advanced tech and more in second-generation Colorados, the choice is yours. We seek to make the buying process easy here at North Park Chevrolet, and when you’re searching for a used truck, whether for work or for play, we have an exceptional inventory and an all-star team leading the way. Stop by and explore our lot to find the used Colorado model that suits your needs and fits into your budget with ease, and when you want to ensure you’re taking advantage of the best rates and a stellar selection, it’s guaranteed with us. There’s no better midsize truck than the Colorado, especially when you want to harness impeccable capabilities, top-level performance, and reliability that can only come from the respected Chevy brand.

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