Compact pickups have traditionally been long-lived platforms–that is, they soldiered along for years in the showroom without significant updates–but even by this standard, Chevrolet’s S-10 was long in the tooth. Around since the early 1990s, the little pickups suffered mightily in comparison to the competition, even to Ford’s Ranger, which is no spring chicken itself. Frankly, it was kind of embarrassing–even the cool Xtreme sport pickup seemed a bit old as soon as it hit the streets.

Chevy fans, take heart; the S-10 is no more, either in name or in spirit.  Meet the Colorado, the latest compact pickup from the Bowtie brand. Actually, to call the Colorado a “compact” is a bit of a misnomer, as increases in its interior packaging and cargo capacity make it the equal of the mid-size Dodge Dakota. While not technically a mid-size pickup (it’s still smaller on the outside than the Dakota) the Colorado’s interior volume and cargo capacity are comparable to those of the larger Dodge.  Chevy’s also installed a new inline five-cylinder engine that’s got more power and torque than even Nissan’s supercharged Frontier.

The Colorado is available as a regular, extended or crew cab, and with three different suspension choices.  Two- and four-wheel drive serve to further diversify the lineup, and previously unavailable combinations such as a two-wheel drive crew cab are now offered.  Our test truck was a short-bed, ZQ8 model, and we liked its mini-Silverado SS looks.  The Colorado’s face mimics that of the full-size pickups, with a sharply angled hood and broad Chevy bowtie crossbar.  On the ZQ8 the grille gets monochromatic treatment; on other Colorados it’s chrome.  Character lines run down the side, and the off-road Z71 suspension package adds big plastic fender flares.  The bed features an innovative two-position tailgate that can be locked at a fifty-five degree angle to load and haul 4×8 sheets of plywood without leaving the tailgate fully open.

Inside, the Colorado is straightforward, with an upright dash and a bit too much gray plastic for our taste.  It doesn’t emulate the Silverado as much as it could, which is both good and bad.  We found ourselves wishing for a more complete instrument panel, and for more supportive seats in our regular cab test truck.  Extended cab models have forward-facing jumpseats, replacing the side-mounted seats of previous years, and there are handy toolboxes under the rear seats as well.  The crew cab has room for three full-sized adults in back, thanks to the Colorado’s subtly enlarged body.  Additional comfort is provided by triple-sealing door moldings, which reduce wind and road noise significantly.  The available side-curtain airbags are a safety device that’s not often found on small pickup trucks.  Other cool options include XM satellite radio and GM’s OnStar emergency contact system.

Although the Colorado isn’t related to the TrailBlazer SUV, the new 3.5 liter five-cylinder engine is a kissing cousin to that truck’s inline six.  Chevy chose the five-cylinder for its improved efficiency and light weight.  Like the larger inline six, it’s got variable valve timing, dual overhead cams and internal emissions controls.  Considering its 220 horsepower, the 18/22 fuel economy is quite impressive indeed.  On a short drive, we found the five-cylinder to have the typical buzzy drone of a five, but apart from the noise pollution it’s decently powerful, especially on long upgrades.  A 2.8 liter four-cylinder is also available, with 175 horsepower.  A choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions is available; the manual is an all-new Aisin gearbox.  We liked the five-speed; it’s a strong, easy-shifting ‘box that’s equally at home hooked up to the four- or five- cylinder engine.  The Colorado can tow up to 4000 pounds; towing capacity is low-ish to avoid intruding on the full-size trucks’ end of the market.  The Colorado is geared very much toward personal use, rather than jobsite life.

Colorado buyers have a choice of three suspensions:  ZQ8, Z85 and Z71.  The Z85 is the base suspension, with standard ground clearance.  The high-riding Z71 is available in two- or four-wheel drive, and offers additional ground clearance and 4×4 styling cues.  Our ZQ8 test truck featured the lowered stance and rear-drive only of that model, and sport-truck fans will be delighted to learn that it’s a great-handling little pickup.  Bilstein shocks and a coil-sprung front end help.  A rear stabilizer bar is also included.  It’s got nimble handling (for a truck), and the regular cab’s short overall length lends itself well to twisty roads.  On loose pavement, the wide 235-series tires on 17″ wheels act just like sports-car tires, and the rear end gets a little skittish.  Fans of the departed S10 Xtreme will be very pleased with the ZQ8 package, however.  All Colorados ride an all-new ladder-type frame with fully boxed sections.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Colorados.  Traction control is also available; this option includes a locking rear differential.

Larger, more diverse, and vastly improved, the new Chevrolet Colorado puts the Bowtie brand’s small trucks on par with its excellent full-size trucks, at long last.  It goes on sale this November.  Prices start at $16,200 for a base, two-wheel drive regular cab model.  Top of the line, four-wheel drive crew cab models start at a bit over $23,000.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado ZQ8, which we tested.
Length:         192.8 in.
Width:            67.6 in.
Height:            64.8 in.
Wheelbase:        111.2 in.
Curb weight:        3500 lb. (est.)
Towing capacity:    4000 lb.
Payload:        1733 lb.
Base price:        $16,200
Engine:         3.5 liter DOHC inline five-cylinder
Drivetrain:         four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:         220 @ 5600
Torque:         225 @ 2800
Fuel capacity:        19.6 gal.
Est. mileage:         18/22 (est.)