Used 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Rather fine truck
Two weather strip issues are the only problems in first 36000 mi. Don't get heavy duty suspension unless your going to carry max weight or some cargo in bed all the time.
WE LIKE IT
We bought this used with 14,000 miles on it, its the 5 cyl and we really like it. No problems, good pickup with enough power. easy to handle and good in snow. Now have 52,000 miles and have had no problems mechanically at all. don't like the seats with headrests when back seat is in use. other than that fine.
- LT Crew CabMSRP: $4,75020 mi away
- LT Crew CabMSRP: $12,995202 mi away
- LS Regular CabMSRP: $5,900292 mi away
Wish for Better Mileage
I wanted a truck that can be used for hauling stuff for the farm, but I did not want a large truck, and the Colorado has great power with the 5cyl. The gas mileage around town is about 20, haven't taken any long rides to see what hwy is. Have not had any problems in winter driving, but I have to say that I really don't care for the clunk you get shifting into 4wd at times.
Check the details before you buy
Great looks, quiet ride. However, the front cupholders won't hold a 1 liter water bottle. The seats with base interior don't recline. Beware, there is no way to unlock the passenger door from the outside if you don't have the $500 power package because there is no lock cylinder on the passenger door! This is a serious safety and convenience issue, especially if you have children.
So Far So Good
I bought my truck new and have driven it for 20k miles. Fuel economy could be better but it's as good or better than any other small 4x4 pickup (24 highway and 21 in town). The truck has a cushy ride, functional interior and the engine performance is adequate. I haul lumber, firewood, dirt, stone etc. and it's holding up quite well. There was a cylinder head problem with the I4 and I5 in model years 04-06 which I understand has since been resolved. GM replaced the cylinder head on my truck at 7k miles. I've had no trouble with it since and GM agreed to extend the warranty on the head work after I complained. So far I'm satisfied with my Colorado and would certainly consider GM again.
Follow up to my 5/26/2007 review
Soon after I submitted my first review on this forum my Colorado developed a cylinder head/valve train issue. It's going back to the dealer for a cylinder head/valve replacement next week. Apparently this has developed into a common problem for the I4 and I5 motors. The notion of having my engine torn apart this early on hasn't done much for my owner experience and to make things worse GM won't extend my drive warranty. For GM to continue to have these kinds of quality problems is very frustrating to me. I'd prefer to support the American manufacturers but I'm not sure I can afford to nor even want to anymore.
4 years and going strong
I have now had the Colorado for 4 years and 26,000 miles. I have had no problems with this truck; my complaints are more related to design and engineering. This truck has a lot of little flaws that I believe could have been worked out by engineers with a little attention to details. For example: You can't put down the driver's sun visor without moving the rear view mirror. Then you need to adjust it back. Please! Also, when it's very cold (I'm in Colorado) the windows don't work properly or don't work at all until the interior warms up. Once again, what's all this testing I hear they do to vehicles. There's much more, but too little space.
Chevy
Many problems and issues with quality. I bought my truck 6/08 for the 4th of July sale at 0% interest. What a bad decision. I had the truck for about 5 months the valves in the engine bent so I had to drive a rental for 2 weeks. Payload is average but leaf springs are extremely weak. Anything more than 200 lbs and it will be sagging. The sheet metal is very thin and vibrates a lot. Especially the brake dust shield. Every time I brake, the floor boards vibrate and theres a rattle from the front of the truck. My truck is a 5 speed so when I push in the clutch to come to a stop the rpm drops to 500 and the whole truck vibrates. Need more room to list problems. Just buy a Tacoma!
'06 Chevrolet Colorado
After a month of driving the '06 Colorado, I found many poorly installed parts. Mud flaps all uneven. Bed alligned improperly so one side sticks out farther. The seats are flabby, made from cardboard I think. The plastic wheel moldings coming loose so I can see the double sided tape. The tailgate lock will not unlock. The driver's seat has wrinkles in it and is not tight in the seat after only a month of use. I am sure I will find more as time goes on. I like the vehicle, I just wish GM would take more pride in the quality of their work. Maybe your average person would not notice these things, I just expect a new vehicle to be perfect. I do like the 6 cup holders and tool boxes. All 4 doors open wide on the extended cab.
18 Months and 18000 miles
The truck has done its job. It not the most refined truck out there but it was inexpensive to buy. A previous review said the truck had problems with brakes locking up after a recall repair was performed at the dealership, and blamed GM for his problems. The same thing happened to me, got half way home and noticed the brakes were overheating. The tech that installed the new parts didn't properly adjust switches to accommodate brake pedal travel and they were dragging. It was an easy fix and the brakes are fine. He also complained about fuel economy. Well, if your brakes are dragging your fuel economy isn't going to be all that good. The check engine light in mine comes on regularly.
Bad truck
My Colorado now has 60,000 miles on it, The clutch is gone, the 4 wheel drive just quit working I have rusty water in my oil. The ignition has a mind of its own. The heater works when IT wants to work. Overall BAD TRUCK! too much money not enough truck.
Too many trips to the service dept.
The truck is great...when it is not in the shop for service. Little things that should NOT be problems on a truck this age - with this little mileage and that is this well-maintained - occur over and over again. And the "fix" doesn't always stay fixed. So we have had too many visits to service, and too many repeat issues. The service people are always very pleasant and willing to help. But my guess is that something about the products is sub-standard. It is very frustrating to have to take it in and do without it so often.
Don't Buy one of these!
This truck may look like a good vehicle, but don't let it decieve you. These trucks don't get any better gas mileage than a full sized Silverado. The engine knocks, the suspension squeaks, and the ride is wobbly at best! You've been warned!
OK Pickup
Bought new 24 months ago and so far so good. Roomy cab, comfortable ride, and fair fuel ecomomy. Has nice stereo and was reasonably priced. It's my 3rd new Chevy pickup and I think I liked my last S-10 a little better.
Around the west in a small truck
Overall a good little truck. Slightly under powered for the demands I put it through (doesn't like climbing the Rockies while fully loaded).
Poor excuse for a truck
I now have 6,600 miles on this truck. It has been in the shop 21 times in those few miles. The brakes are soft and when pressed down in a medium braking situation, the brakes go down below the gas pedal. It has made for some pretty hairy stops. As far as the gas mileage is concerned, it is really bad. I would not reccomend this truck to anyone. It looks like Chevy copied Nissan and then threw it together. The center arm rest is so cheap that I am afraid that it is going to fall off if I put my arm on it.
Don't buy a Colorado
I am a devoted Chevy supporter, but I wish I would have not purchased this GM product. I haven't had the truck 2 years and my transmission needs to be repaired (cost $2500). I can not begin to understand how the torque converter overheated causing the 2nd and 4th bands to lock up so it will not shift into gear (its an automatic). Since I have had the truck, it was not calibrated correctly to make a left hand u-turn, you have to back up and make 2 or 3 attempts to complete a left handed u-turn. I have had issues with the tailgate lock not unlocking. This is a poor product GM has come up with to replace the S-10. Gas mileage is horrible, I only get 18 mpg on the highway. Recall had to fix 2x.
COLORADO IS A GIANT OF PERFOR.ANCE
Love this truck. Have crew cab 5 cyl.with 205, 000 miles and runs like new. 4 wheel drive and transmission have no problems and excellent for all road condotions.
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Honest Truck
This truck is the honest to goodness daily driver. I have an '06 z71 4x4 automatic with factory locker rear diff. Replaced stock tires with 30x9.5x15 Wrangler silent armor tires. Off road trail fun is unbelievable. Truck in first gear engine idle will climb any hill muddy, rocky, or treachous breakover angle scenarios. Idle gives you enough power to do virtually anything reasonably so just keep on the brakes :) On street this truck is nimble and comfortable. Very svelte ride on or off road. No problems with hauling 1 ton trailer, its unnoticeable until 3 or 4 gear.
Love My Truck
I have owned 2 Colorados and love them both. Dependable, never a problem. I love the design. A class act all the way. I have all the bells and whistles and could not be happier. Thanks Chevrolet!
National Lampoon's Vacation
Do you remember National Lampoon's Vacation? My truck looks like the family truckster. I traded in my Durango to get better gas mileage and that's what I am getting. As of yet no issues. She actually scoots along better then you think for a 4 banger. Although I miss having an armrest or console to throw my cell change or anything else. She's a little sloppy when you round a corner. Other then that, I work 7 days a week and put 450 miles on every week. Plus, she looks nice being victory red and street package. I am still surprised with this truck. Keep in mind one of my techs has a 2004 with 165,000 miles already he drives everyday and all day. Except for oil changes never skipped a beat.
Solid
This is a solid truck. It might not be the fastest, strongest or most powerful truck, but for the price it's the best. I don't use it for hauling around tons of stuff. It's perfect for the everyday moving of beds, dressers, tables, and all the big light stuff around the house. It's great. I really like the feel of this vehicle. It's smooth and has enough power to get to the next level if needed.
Not a Silverado
I traded an '04 Silverado 2500HD for this Colorado. Although the trim /options package is a 3LT, it falls way short of the Siverado 3LT package with far fewer bells and whistles. The truck is fairly comfortable with a stiff chassis. The engine has plenty of power and pickup and at highway speed is pretty smooth. At idle there is some vibration. I have had a few problems with rattles inside the cab. When bringing it to the dealers attention the tech merely tied up the HVAC cables. This seemed to correct the rattles for a short while but they are back and worse at this writing. I haven't had the truck through a winter yet. We'll see!
Good Truck for the Money
This is a great truck. The 5 cylinder engine is silky smooth although the gas mileage could be better. The ride is firm but comfortable. Some extra lateral support in the seats would be good. I was amazed at how quiet it is inside-even at highway speeds. Outstanding leg room for driver and front seat passenger. Fit and finish is above average.
My experience so far has been good
I drive my trucks until they die and in 25 years owned a Toyota a Nissan and now this '06 Chevy Colorado. All are/have been 4x4's. I can't say how the Chevy will compare with the others over time but after owning it for 8 months and putting just over 6k miles on it I'm not disappointed. I've had no mechanical trouble so far, fuel economy has been in the low twenties, sometimes slightly better, the Chevy engine outperforms the others and I must be one of the only people who likes the plastic interior (this is a truck after all not a luxury automobile). I would have preferred bucket seats, an exterior door lock on the pasenger side and a ,stronger body but overall so far I'm satisfied.
From full size to compact
It drives great, handles good, no major problems to date. Drivers side strut was replaced at 17k miles. Loaded with dirt bike and gear, best mileage was 23 mpg. Usual mileage is 21-22 mpg, combined. It is smaller, lower to the ground, less equipped than my old Silverado (which I continue to miss). If you can live with a 4 cyl, this is a good little truck. It would be a great truck for a young person, who has yet to experience the grandeur of a loaded full size Silverado V8.
I like it...but.
Okay so it runs great and it looks good but the traction stinks! I had a toyota 4-runner before this and it had better traction than this. My ABS fault comes on constantly which worries me a bit and my airbag light comes on freaquently too. When I bought it the rear transmission seal was broke but was fixed and covered by warrenty. Other than that I love it. It's just too light. I drive from MCB Quantico to Silver Spring every day and back for work and it gets pretty good gas mileage. Oh and my middle console squeaks a lot. It's quite annoying.
Amazing truck
This truck has been great. A long awaited replacment of the S-10 (and I had 1). I have the Z-71 package and it does well off-road and I have put it through its paces.
Basic small truck, showing its age.
Good half-ton pickup truck, but after 100,000, began to throw codes. In one case, it decided to shut off the engine rather than enter "limp home mode", took three months and $700 in parts to restore normal operation and clear codes enough to pass NYS inspection. Rust proofing was not up to rural NY winter road salting, even with frequent washing. However, it has been a useful truck, just showing its age.
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Real rough ride
This is the extreme package lowered frame. Need a kidney belt between 60 and 72 MPH. Severice dept says it is because of the extended cab and the lowered suspension. It gives me motion sickness to drive more than 30 or so miles.