2005 COLORADO: THE NEW STANDARD FOR MIDSIZE TRUCKS

Colorado raised the stakes in the midsize pickup truck segment for 2004 with its bold new design, spacious interior, a choice of powerful, fuel-efficient engines, and the largest choice of models and configurations in the segment to suit just about any personal or professional vehicle need.

For 2005, Colorado once again offers one of the widest model ranges, including Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions; and two inline engines.

Colorado’s bold exterior design evokes the ruggedness of the Chevy Silverado full-size truck, yet it fits perfectly with the midsize-truck buyer’s need for economy and nimbleness.

Superior Blue Metallic is offered as a new exterior color for 2005.

Power and efficiency

Colorado comes with a choice of two inline, fuel-efficient engines. Standard on all models (except Crew Cab Z71 off-road and ZQ8 sport suspension models) is a Vortec 2800 2.8L four-cylinder engine, which delivers best-in-class horsepower and torque. Rated at 175 horsepower (130 kw) and 185 lb.-ft. of torque (251 Nm), this engine is more powerful than many competitive V-6 offerings. A Vortec 3500 3.5L five-cylinder engine with 220 hp (164 kw) and 225 lb.-ft. (305 Nm) of torque is standard on the Crew Cab Z71 and ZQ8 models, and available on all other models. The 3.5L inline five-cylinder offers customers the power of a V-6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder.

Based on the durable Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder that powers the Chevy TrailBlazer, both of these new engines have dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and other features that contribute to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy.

With its efficient packaging, Colorado looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. Built on an all-new midsize truck architecture, Colorado’s stance is about 3 inches (8 cm) wider than its S-10 predecessor, while utilizing a ladder frame that is more than 250 percent stronger. This stiffer frame enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling.

Colorado delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; coil-over front suspension on 2WD models and torsion bar front suspension on 4WD models; and specifically tuned body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.

Three suspension choices let customers tailor Colorado to their specific needs: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models; the lower-riding ZQ8 sport suspension for 2WD models only; and the Z71 off-road suspension, now available in both 2WD and 4WD.

Spacious interior, unique cargo features

Colorado can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. All cabs are about 4 inches (10.2 cm) longer than the S-10, for class-leading legroom and more storage space.

Colorado’s instrument panel has large, easy-to-read analog gauges, with switches and controls designed for easy operation with gloves. Crew Cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended Cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward rather than sideways as in other midsize pickups.

Regular and Extended Cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew Cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m). Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable.

A unique, industry-leading feature is Colorado’s tailgate that, in addition to opening almost 90 degrees, can be set at a 55-degree opening. That puts the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.

Safety a top consideration

Colorado has standard dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger deactivation switch. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

Colorado was the first in its class to offer head curtain air bags for enhanced side-impact protection. The optional head curtain side air bags act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and rear-seat outboard passengers.

Pretensioners at the outboard front-seat positions deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. Pretensioners also help reduce the amount of occupant movement in the event of a crash to help reduce the risk of injury.

The front outboard seating positions in all Colorados, and the rear outboard positions of Crew Cabs, have adjustable safety belt upper guide loops for improved fit and comfort. A three-point safety belt is standard for the center-rear seat in all Crew Cabs.

Additional safety and security items include daytime running lights; a first-in-class driver information center with oil life monitor; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; PASSLock II vehicle theft protection; first-in-class lockout protection (standard with power door locks); child security locks (standard on Crew Cab rear doors); and battery rundown protection.

GM’s OnStar safety and security package is optional and the only available system in its class. OnStar-equipped Colorados feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Standard features include rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning and folding outside mirrors. Insta-Trac is standard on 4WD models.

Notable optional equipment includes remote keyless entry; traction assist (2WD models); XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only); fog lamps; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating; high-back bucket seats; a rear sliding window; and power operated outside rearview mirrors.

Colorado Xtreme

The Xtreme goes even further in combining the rugged good looks, powerful engines, a performance ZQ8 suspension and the capable overall package of Colorado with sports car-like handling and contemporary sport truck styling. Colorado Xtreme is available on two-wheel-drive versions of Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab models.

The Colorado Extreme stands out with a ZQ8 lowered suspension and special exterior enhancements. Suspension (spring & knuckle) modifications and tire/wheel assemblies lower the vehicle 1.6 inches (40.6 mm) compared to Colorado ’s standard 2WD suspension, and they are complemented with gas-charged monotube shocks at all corners. The ZQ8 suspension also includes front and rear stabilizer bars to increase the vehicle’s handling capability.

The Colorado Xtreme stays glued to the pavement with 18-inch alloy wheels and low-profile performance tires. The ZQ8 suspension, which was benchmarked against the racetrack performance of several rear-wheel-drive performance cars, was tuned specifically for the Colorado Xtreme’s 18-inch wheels-and-tires combination.

A unique body-color front fascia with foglamps, rear fascia and rocker extension moldings, as well as a rear spoiler on the tailgate, new front grille and special badging visually identify the Colorado Xtreme. The monochromatic appearance is bold and in step with contemporary sport truck trends. Four colors are available: Victory Red, Black, White and Yellow. A power-operated sunroof also is available.

The Colorado Xtreme comes with LS trim, but also includes special instrument cluster graphics and interior badging.

Custom accessories selection

Like other Chevy trucks, Colorado can be individually customized with a wide range of factory-warranted accessories designed specifically by Chevrolet and offered through GM’s Service and Parts Operations (SPO). Accessories include bed rail protectors, a swing-out bed extender, hard or soft tonneau covers, assist steps and splash guards.