2012 Chevrolet Colorado Overview

There are three body styles for the Colorado: regular cab, long-wheelbase extended cab and 4-door crew cab. Each of these is available in rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. There are three engines available: a 185-hp, 2.9L 4-cylinder, which is standard on all but the crew cab, a 242-hp, 3.7L 5-cylinder engine and a 300-hp 5.3L V8. These can then be coupled with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

There are three available suspensions as well--the standard Z85, the Z71 for off-roading and the sportier ZQ8. The upgraded suspensions require either a crew cab or extended cab; the base model is available with the base Z85 suspension only.

So there are choices to be made, depending on what kind of use the truck will get and where you want to spend your money. All Colorados start with power-assisted rack-and pinion steering, front and side curtain air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and GM's OnStar Safe and Sound system. A stereo with CD and MP3 playback is also standard.

From here, options are nearly endless. The Power and Convenience package includes power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A new-for-2012 "Street Pak" appearance package includes special wheels and exterior trim and a mesh grille creates a unique version of the Colorado.

All in all, the Colorado can be configured dozens of ways, from the inexpensive, fuel-sipping base model to the top-of-the-line, powerful, V8-powered off-road capable crew cab. In addition to engine, transmission, and suspension configurations, options make this truck as customizable as any light truck on the market.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Model Changes

Minor equipment changes occur for 2012. Power-adjustable mirrors and the 5.3L V8's availability on the LT trim are slightly different.

A new Street Pak Appearance Package includes 18-inch silver wheels, a mesh grille and special exterior trim.

Four-wheel drive Colorados get a new standard automatic locking differential on the LT and better trims.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Value

The base model Colorado comes at an entry-level price for a no-frills truck. Even at that level, it is equipped with a few luxuries such as air conditioning, two 12-volt power outlets, updated chrome trim for the interior and lots of safety features. Models equipped with the 300-hp 5.3L V8 pack plenty of power in a truck this size, and allow owners to haul and tow as if they're driving a full-size truck.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Strengths

Great power from available 5.3L V8 engine; standard stability control; nearly endless configuration options