Chevrolet Colorado Fan Blog

The Chevrolet Colorado was produced as a result of the popularity of smaller trucks imported from foreign companies such as Toyota and Nissan.

While the popularity of these vehicles was the last thing Chevrolet expected, they had to quickly conform to the growing trend of small trucks to stay dominant in the marketplace.

Because of the quick decisions made to counter this unexpected growth in popularity, a whole new line of pickup trucks was born.

Chevrolet Colorado

First Generation Chevrolet Colorado (1972 – 1980)

Chevrolet’s first step in producing a smaller truck was looking at their partial ownership in Isuzu Motors. They simply took Isuzu models imported from Japan and put Chevrolet badges on them with their crowning name LUV, standing for Light Utility Vehicle.

This became rather successful and around the same time Ford did the same thing with their Mazda branch. The trucks were nothing special and were in fact almost identical to one another. Standard engineering features include unequal A-arms at the front of the suspension and leaf springs in the back. The 14 inch tires were steered by a recirculating ball system, powered by a SOHC 1.8 Liter rated at 75 HP and 88 Lb-Ft Torque. The only transmission available was a four speed manual. In 1974 a new trim known as the Mikado was available, which included striped interior and a 3 spoke steering wheel. Throughout the generation a three speed automatic was optional, a more powerful engine, and various slight exterior changes.

Second Generation LUV (1981 – 1982)

The second generation LUV was extremely bland and generic looking, featuring the same slow engine as before. Because of the unappealing exterior and small engine, with not much new to offer, Chevrolet pulled back on advertising and only offered the vehicle with no changes until 1982, one year later.

First Generation S-10 (1982 – 1993)

Because Chevrolet was now producing their little trucks right at home in the USA, they left the LUV behind and began calling the truck the S-10. Interestingly enough, Ford made the same move at almost the same time with the Ford Ranger.

The biggest change with the S-10 was the introduction of another engine option to the vehicle. An optional 6 cylinder engine that made 110 horsepower was now available instead of the 2.0 liter 82 horsepower engine. Everything else pretty much remained the same. In 1983 4×4 and, deisel models and extended cabs were added to the lineup.

The 4 cylinder diesel making 62 horsepower did not sell well at all and its obvious why. Many changes such as a hydraulic clutch, sport suspension and improved trip odometer and a 2.5 liter OHV four cylinder in the 4×4 model known as the “Iron Duke”. 1986 introduced electronic fuel injection in a 2.8 liter V6. Engine upgrades and other features were added here and there, keeping sales high for the S-10 until the rise of a new generation.

Second Generation S-10 (1994 – 2004)

The 2nd Gen of Chevrolet Colorado was offered in two different cabs, extended and regular, this generation was created based on what the customers had to say. The exterior was completely redesigned, however the mechanics remained almost identical to the way they were in the last generation. There was now a ZR2 4×4 model equiped with oversized tires and a stock lift, but most impressively, it offered a Vortec 4.3 liter V6 with an impressive 195 horsepower and 260 torque, more than other other truck in its class. The other available engines include a stock 118 hp V6 and a 4.3 Votec making 165 hp. Eventually offered was the “Xtreme” appearance package, which included new fresh wheels, paint, ground effects and foglamps. The S-10 sold very well up to its final year in 2004.

Colorado (2004 – Current)

The new Chevy Colorado was completely redesigned from the S-10, with the exception of the ladder frame used in all previous models. Larger than the S-10 in every way, the truck now handles much quieter and better, with optional packages such as the ZQ8 for 4×2 trucks and the Z71 package for 4×4 vehicles. The engine consists of a Vortec 2800, and all aluminum DOHC engine that makes 175 horsepower, or an optional Vortec 3500 that makes 220 horsepower. The interior is where this truck is lacking, using a lot of plastic and bland designes, with not much improvement from previous generation models. A five cyliner engine was later offered, as well as an all new Xtreme package.

2010 Chevy Colorado

2010 Chevrolet Colorado is a handsome light-duty SUV. The 2010 Colorado is designed with head curtain airbags much like previous sunroof feature. The acceptable options in this SUV are easy handling on- and off-road, various engine choices, and comparatively, the vehicle is cheaper than its competitors.

Chevrolet Colorado 2011

Chevrolet Colorado 2011 edition is much like its 2010 model with limited changes like strong V8 engine, variety of configurations.
Though 2011 model lags due to its aged design, features such as antilock brakes, traction control system, stability control and side curtain airbags adds worth to the vehicle.