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Do You Love it or Hate it?
8 Comments | 50% of 2 people found this useful
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K Olsen on September 30, 2008 | Has worked on a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
When Chevrolet came out with the Colorado in 2004 everyone stopped to see this new truck. Some liked it's shorter bed and bigger cab, while others hated it. No one who has gotten in one though can say that it isn't comfortable, or that the unique colors aren't cool. Everything else though is either love it or hate it, it seems.
This truck drives stiff, it will jump or slip on bumpy roads, though it does handle bad weather, snow or rain, quite well. The gas mileage is low for newer vehicles ranging 20-23 MPG, much less when towing. The Colorado lacks pep, it just doesn't seem to have it in it to pick up the pace, and the transmission strains when you try. On the other hand it can easily tow 3500 lbs, more according to Chevy.
The upkeep on this truck is painfully expensive. Back yard guys may love that it gives the space to work under the hood, but when it costs over $200 just in parts no one is happy when they see the bill. If you get oil change and tune up at a shop you are easily looking at $250-$300 a pop every 3-4 months.
Oil changes are not the only thing you'll be dishing out the cash for. The 2004 Colorado alone has just under 200 service bulletins out on it. All for what seem to be chronic problems. What I have seen the most has been by far the engine and it's cooling system. Noises, rough idle, misfires and more plague this truck. The electrical systems all seem to be cheap and lights, chimes and warnings go off or get stuck on, or only work under certain circumstances. Also every time we get one in there seems always to be the "oh by the way" question asking if we can stop the doors from holding water until they are opened.
The interior set up is nice, clean and simple. The air and heat work great and it is comfortable to take even long rides in. The color choices are cool and unique, which with the fact that so far they have held up very well to wear and tear make for a very nice plus.
This truck has only been around for a few years and obviously needs some of it's kinks still worked out. I give it a 3 for now. Once the kinks are worked out and the price of parts is brought down it has the very good possibility of a 5.
2004 Chevrolet Colorado
- Overall
- Value
- Comfort
- Performance
- Styling
- Reliability
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Anonymous on August 28, 2009
It isnt that expensive for up keep. Costs me about $35 every few months for oil change. The only real expensive thing I have encountered was a new battery. Mine takes a special kind of battery that cost me about $180. Other than that it drives smooth, not stiff. I like the truck and I haven't had any problems in 5 years....knock on wood
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denver on August 31, 2009
At first I thought chevy had made the perfect four door truck for my needs. But over time things began to break suddenly. The ridiculous price for a battery was first. ($180). Window motor($160), seat release lever busted, another power window requires a bump on the door to get it moving. The pre catalytic converter broke in half at seam. Chevy parts house told me that they don't sell them because they won't break. Had to repair the one i had which uncovered the cause of the break. The catalytic converter had to be replaced($480) Gas mileage has dropped and needs tuneup. Not a mechanic but have always did minor tune up on all my cars. I know that they are plugs under all that plastic somewhere but will probably end up paying someone else. The five trucks in it's class were studied and reported. chevy was a distant last. I like the usefullness of the colorado personally, but if all this happened before 100000 miles, i am scared of what may be next.
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denver on August 31, 2009
At first I thought chevy had made the perfect four door truck for my needs. But over time things began to break suddenly. The ridiculous price for a battery was first. ($180). Window motor($160), seat release lever busted, another power window requires a bump on the door to get it moving. The pre catalytic converter broke in half at seam. Chevy parts house told me that they don't sell them because they won't break. Had to repair the one i had which uncovered the cause of the break. The catalytic converter had to be replaced($480) Gas mileage has dropped and needs tuneup. Not a mechanic but have always did minor tune up on all my cars. I know that they are plugs under all that plastic somewhere but will probably end up paying someone else. The five trucks in it's class were studied and reported. chevy was a distant last. I like the usefullness of the colorado personally, but if all this happened before 100000 miles, i am scared of what may be next.
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Coach 2 days ago
I am very pleased with my 2004 Colorado xtra cab with ZQ8 sport package, 5 spd with 3.5L 5 cly engine. Three warranty repairs ( a leaking windshield, brake lamp switch replacement, catalytic converter replacement) are the only repairs needed in 5 years. With regular oil changes, air filter replacement, wiper blades, & new tires at 40,000 miles and that's been it. Best truck I've owned.