2005 CHEVROLET COLORADO EXTENDED CAB 4WD NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado?
After a short hiatus, Chevrolet brings its compact Xtreme sport truck back to market, this time clothed as a 2005 Chevy Colorado. Available in regular, extended, and crew cab models, the Colorado Xtreme squats low on a ZQ8 sports suspension and unique 18-inch alloy wheels wearing low-profile performance tires. Paint for the Colorado Xtreme is monochromatic in Red, Black, White or Yellow. Other goodies on this racy ride include ground effects and spoilers, fog lights, and a special grille. Inside, the Xtreme is decorated with special instrument cluster graphics and badges. Otherwise, the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado sees only minor changes. A power sunroof is available this year, the electronic traction control is now required with the automatic locking rear differential on 2WD models, Chevy makes revisions to select equipment packages, and a new color replaces an old one.

Advantages of the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado:

• Dedicated sport and off-road models
• Available side curtain airbags
• High horsepower engines

Objections to the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado:

• Towing capacity tops out at 4,000 pounds
• Truck buyers may balk at lack of V6 or V8 engine choices
• Rear drum brakes

Editor's Advice:
GM is going after a thicker slice of the compact truck pie with a bigger, stronger and better small pickup than it has ever fielded. Though maximum towing capacity is down and there are no V6 or V8 engines available, the Chevy Colorado competes nicely against older and less refined competitors. Ruggedly handsome, powered by refined and capable motors, deftly upsized for greater appeal and available in a wide variety of configurations, it's clear that the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado will make a compelling case for pickup consumers in coming years.