Opinions on Chevy Colorados?

Mans (horkn) knowledge base and skill set is amazing. So what does Horkn recommend in a real mid size? Serious question

 

Hmmm. If new, I'd probably go with the v6 Tacoma. I like the ranger, but there's no v6. If they drop the 2.7 Ecoboost into the ranger, then that would be my choice. The 5.0 v8 actually will fit in a new ranger, as there's some nutcases plopping that mill in the ranger now, so the 2.7 Ecoboost should fit. There's a potent turbo diesel in rangers overseas. Raptor Ranger. Not available here though.

The diesel canyon looks great, and is a compelling option, depending on a whether you need more mpg, or need to tow a smaller trailer, a lot.

A few months ago, I looked at all the mid sized new options, and ended up getting a loaded used full sized truck.

 

The utility I work for uses a lot of Colorados...they're wicked cheap feeling, but they're obviously bare bone fleet trucks so not the best example I'm sure. We have a 4Runner and LOVE it. Based solely on that I'd go with Tacoma of the two.

Honestly though 1/2 ton trucks can be had for same prices as those midsized so I don't see why not get a 1/2 ton unless you specifically need the smaller size (city parking etc)

 

A difference of 30k miles and $1000 is splitting hairs. I'd buy the toyota every time over a GM.

 

@Blasr88 I agree, the price difference between a small truck and a 1/2 ton is not as much difference as it should be. Way more truck in a 1/2 ton for not much more $$$. The small pickups I’ve ridden in don’t drive nearly as nice as s 1/2 ton and MPG is not as good as it should be in a compact pickup. Plus you’ll get way more in resale on a 1/2 ton than a compact even if used and abused.

I like the idea of a compact truck, but just can’t figure out why the price is so close to a 1/2 ton!!

 

Same exact thing here. Few years back was looking for a mid sized, with the absurd costs they wanted for a mid-size a bit more and got a certified pre-owned full size with 7k miles.

Colorado was one I was looking at, crazy $$ and someone mentioned they didn't care for the isuzu engine not sure if that was 1st or 2nd gen. Full disclosure I know next to nothing about engines.....

 

Was it a diesel?

 

No

 

Well for the second generation of Colorado's, the ecotec 4 cylinder and the 3.6 v6 are gm designs. The Duramax diesel in the Colorado is perhaps the only " Isuzu" engine offered in a Colorado. GM bought the "Duramax " name and line from Isuzu, who made the Duramax engines originally.

If it was the first gen Colorado, gm made the 4 and 5 cylinders. However, the first gen Colorado was a joint effort between Isuzu and GM. Isuzu even sold an Isuzu branded Colorado, but it still had the gm drivetrain. Isuzu sold the same chassis and a truck in other world markets, but with non US drivetrains. Those first gen Colorado's are tough to pin down, so there's plenty of ways that people could be confused.

 

I am less of a skeptic, I think they all want their cars to last well, and they generally do a good job at it.

Some better than others ...

 

Neighbor bought a Colorado with the diesel. Doesn't hate it, but you can tell he feels like he paid way too much for it for what it can do. They aren't that much smaller than a half ton, but can't do nearly what a half ton can do in payload and towing in terms of scale.

 

And exactly why they don't cost that much less either...cost to manufacture is about the same.

 

I will have to look into a 1/2 ton. The only reason for Mid Size is maybe it will be small enough for my wife to drive. Don't really think so. Maybe a little lower to the ground.
I have 2500HD now and having bad knees and hip, it gets to be a struggle sometimes to get up in the thing. A 1/2 ton without a lift suspension would probably be great.
My granddaughter's husband has a Tundra and loves it. My sister had a Tacoma and loved it.

Horkn :
Can I assume the Izsuza/Duramax engine is a true ground up deisel. I had an 80's Olds with a diesel and understand that it was basically 350 cui gas engine with the top end modified for diesel

Thanks for all the responses. It is what I needed. I am not much of a gearhead and could be buying the worse POS ever made.
I respect the FHC knowledge and will be back when I get things neared down.

I will have to wait and see if I owe the GVT a pile of money when I get my taxes done before I can make a final decision.

 

Yes and no. For GM, yes it was a ground up motor. For Isuzu, they have been making some of the best diesels on the planet for a long time...albeit not in a V8 configuration. You could say it was a ground-up motor for them, but they surely leaned heavily on their extensive background in diesel.

It's not a "bubba'd" Chevy 427.

 

Oh my!

GM absolutely ruined the diesel market with their totally worthless attempt at diesels in the 80's!
Sadly it was all about money rather than building a decent car. Gm owned Detroit Diesel but made oldsmobile develop their own engines on a shoestring budget.
It took 30 years for the US to get over those underpowered, smoke belching diesel disasters...

 

Yes, none of the Duramax diesels were that crap that you had to endure with that 350 converted to diesel by gm. Of the 5 houses on my parents old house's cul de sac, one had a 350 olds diesel wagon, and one had a 3.8 v6 diesel midsized gm wagon. It too was a gas converted to a diesel by gm. Every one of those was a disaster.

These Duramax engines are built ground up, from Isuzu's great knowledge in diesel engines.

 

Hahaha...My Dad had an 81ish Cadillac Seville Elegante with a piece of crap Diesel engine, Car was ugly as sin to boot. This is not it, but it is its twin.




Now my Gramps had a Caddy Eldorado with the V8-6-4 Engine...Yet another piece of crap engine from the same era. I think they both got money from class action suits if my memory is working this morning.

 

Well now it all makes sense, why you bought a Ford.

 

I saw one of those this week in Springdale.