Best Car Reviews - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 2WD

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Introduction

The 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 2WD is a four-door rear-wheel-drive pickup aimed at buyers who need everyday hauling ability without stepping up to a full-size truck. Replacing the older Chevrolet S-10 generation, it brought a more modern chassis, a roomier crew-cab layout and an unusual 3.5-litre inline-five engine. Its appeal lies in combining a usable rear seat and short pickup bed with manageable exterior dimensions and regular-gasoline power.

Design and Exterior Features

The Colorado has a squared-off, practical pickup shape with a four-door crew cab, a 126-inch wheelbase and a short bed measuring about 61 inches long. Its upright grille, broad wheel arches and high beltline give it a sturdier appearance than the S-10 it replaced. The Crew Cab offers easier passenger access than the previous compact-truck formula, while the 2WD layout keeps the truck lower and simpler than an off-road-oriented 4WD model.

Four-door Crew Cab body with a short Fleetside cargo bed.
Rear step bumper and cargo tie-down points for everyday load carrying.
Available alloy wheels, fog lamps, sliding rear window and bed accessories.
Available ZQ8 sport suspension lowered the 2WD truck for a more road-focused stance.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is functional rather than luxurious, with straightforward controls and durable truck-oriented materials. Front occupants benefit from good headroom and a commanding driving position, while the crew cab adds a real rear seating area for family or work crews. Equipment and trim depend heavily on the LT package, so condition and original options matter more than the model name alone on used examples. Rear-seat space is useful for shorter journeys, though it is not as generous as in a full-size pickup.

Four-door access makes loading passengers and child seats easier than in an extended cab.
Available cloth or leather-appointed seating, with heated front seats on selected packages.
Available power windows, locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control.
Front storage, cupholders and a center console support daily utility.

Performance and Handling

This Colorado uses a 3.5-litre Vortec inline-five gasoline engine rated at 220 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The engine gives the truck more pulling strength than the base four-cylinder, and Chevrolet rated the Crew Cab for up to 4,000 lb of trailer weight when properly equipped. Original EPA estimates for the 2WD inline-five automatic Crew Cab were 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, equivalent to about 12.4 and 9.8 L/100 km; the supplied 15.7 L/100 km consumption figure is a realistic ownership reference for mixed use, load, driving style and vehicle condition. The ride is controlled on smooth roads but can feel firm and bouncy over broken pavement, as expected from a leaf-spring pickup.

3.5-litre DOHC inline-five with 220 hp and 225 lb-ft.
Rear-wheel drive and four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Up to 4,000 lb towing capacity when correctly equipped.
Independent front suspension and solid rear axle balance truck durability with everyday road manners.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the 2006 model year, so this truck does not offer modern smartphone integration, touchscreen navigation or contemporary driver-assistance systems. Depending on trim and options, buyers could get an AM/FM CD/MP3 stereo, available in-dash six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar service. These features were useful for the era, but a modern owner may want an aftermarket Bluetooth or USB solution.

Available CD/MP3 audio system and six-disc CD changer.
Available XM Satellite Radio, subject to service compatibility.
Available OnStar communication service on equipped trucks.
Clear conventional gauges, tachometer and low-fuel warning.

Safety Features

Standard equipment included four-wheel ABS with front disc and rear drum brakes, dual-stage front airbags, daytime running lamps and LATCH child-seat anchors. Side-curtain airbags were optional rather than standard in 2006, so buyers should confirm the equipment on an individual truck. IIHS ratings applicable to the 2004-2012 Crew Cab include Acceptable in the moderate-overlap frontal test, Poor in the original side test and Marginal ratings for roof strength and head restraints/seats. This makes condition, working restraints, tire quality and recall completion especially important for a used purchase.

Standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Standard dual-stage front airbags and daytime running lamps.
Optional roof-rail side-curtain airbags on 2006 models.
LATCH anchors and PASSLock theft-deterrent system.

Pricing and Variants

The 2006 Colorado Crew Cab 2WD LT had an original base MSRP of $21,330 before destination and options. The range included Work Truck, LS and LT models, with LT equipment divided into 1LT, 2LT and 3LT packages; the Crew Cab was also available with 4WD. At the time, the Colorado competed with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota. Today, used value depends far more on rust, maintenance records, engine health and whether important recalls have been completed than on original trim level.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong inline-five torque for a compact-era crew-cab pickup.
Four full doors add useful passenger access and versatility.
Manageable size makes it easier to park than a full-size truck.
Up to 4,000 lb of towing capacity when properly equipped.
Simple, familiar controls and widely available service support.

Cons

Fuel use can be high for a 2WD midsize pickup, especially in city driving.
Four-speed automatic is dated by modern standards.
Rear-seat room and comfort are limited for taller adults.
Interior materials and refinement are modest.
Crash-test results and optional side airbags lag behind newer pickups.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Repair-cost data for the Colorado line estimates an average annual repair cost of about $599, but a 2006 truck’s actual cost can vary greatly with mileage, rust, prior repairs and local labour rates. Common owner-reported concerns for this model year and generation include failed blower-motor resistors that leave the fan operating only at selected speeds, worn valve seats or related engine misfires, intermittent starting or electrical faults, brake-light-switch concerns covered by recall activity, and timing-related check-engine-light complaints. A pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for stored codes, a cold-start test, verification of all blower speeds, a brake-light check and a VIN-specific recall search.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.3/10. Design: 6.5/10; comfort: 6.0/10; performance: 6.8/10; technology: 4.5/10; safety: 5.0/10. The Colorado remains a useful old-school pickup, but its age, safety results and known maintenance risks require a condition-first buying decision.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly values the truck’s compact size, practical crew cab and capable inline-five engine, while criticism tends to focus on age-related repairs, interior refinement and fuel use. Experiences vary sharply because surviving examples now differ widely in mileage and maintenance history.

Owners often appreciate the easy-to-manage size and useful cargo bed.
The inline-five is generally viewed as more responsive than the base four-cylinder.
Many drivers find the truck suitable for light towing, home projects and daily commuting.
Reports commonly mention blower-speed, electrical and engine-misfire troubleshooting on neglected examples.
Buyers frequently stress the value of checking maintenance records, rust and completed recalls before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2006 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 2WD
2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 2WD
2006 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 2WD
2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 2WD
2006 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 2WD

Summary

The 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 2WD suits buyers who want an affordable older pickup for light towing, occasional cargo work and everyday passenger flexibility. Its 220-hp inline-five, four-door cab and 4,000-lb maximum towing rating make it more capable than a basic compact truck, but it is best bought only after a careful mechanical inspection. A well-maintained example can offer honest utility and character, while a poorly maintained one can quickly lose its value advantage through repairs.