Overview

A truck’s capability is inextricably linked to its horsepower and torque output – and the 2007 Chevy Colorado answers customers’ calls for more of both with new, larger and more powerful four- and five-cylinder engines. A new, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) replaces the previous 2.8L four-cylinder and delivers 185 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. A new, 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT replaces the previous 3.5L engine and is rated at 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new 2.9L engine produces approximately 6 percent more horses and about 3 percent more torque than the previous four-cylinder, while the new 3.7L engine offers a substantial 10 percent increase in horsepower and nearly 8 percent more torque than the previous five-cylinder engine. The 2.9L is standard in all models except 4WD Crew Cab and the 3.7L is available (standard on 4WD Crew Cab).

Additional changes for 2007 include:

More powerful 125-amp alternator replaces previous 100-amp unit

GM’s tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models

A new transmission input speed sensor helps improve shift quality

Three new exterior colors: Pace Blue, Imperial Blue Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic ( Superior Blue Metallic and Cherry Red Metallic are discontinued)

LS and LT exterior badging returns

New chrome-finish version of the popular 15-inch, five-spoke wheel

Chrome accents added to uplevel LS and LT interior trim, including door handles, air outlet control knobs, front door sill inserts, small speaker bezels, instrument cluster trim rings

New Ebony trim color available on LS and LT

Center stack and HVAC trim painted Nova Silver on LS and LT

Cloth added to door insert padding with LS and LT.

Colorado continues to offer one of the widest model ranges, including Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions; and two inline engines. Vehicles are offered in WT, LS and LT trims. The popular Colorado Xtreme combines performance with an attractive sport-truck appearance package.

A Sun and Sound package is available for LT models and includes an AM/FM with six-disc in-dash CD stereo and power sunroof. LT models also receive upgraded interior cloth material, as does the seatback of Crew Cab models. The Street Pack offers a great, color-keyed appearance to base, regular-length extended cab models.

Inside
Colorado can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors. Insta-Trac is standard on 4WD models.

Notable optional equipment includes remote keyless entry; traction assist (2WD models); XM Satellite Radio; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating; high-back bucket seats; a rear sliding window; and power operated outside rearview mirrors.

Colorado ’s instrument panel has large, easy-to-read analog gauges, with switches and controls designed for easy operation with gloves. Crew Cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended Cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward.

Regular and Extended Cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew Cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch. Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable.

Cargo and Suspension
Colorado ’s tailgate opens fully to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening. That puts the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot panels.

With its efficient packaging, Colorado looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. Colorado has a stiff frame that enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling. Colorado also delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; coil-over front suspension on 2WD models and torsion bar front suspension on 4WD models; and specifically tuned body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.

Three suspension choices let customers tailor Colorado to their specific needs: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models; the lower-riding ZQ8 sport suspension for 2WD models only; and the Z71 off-road suspension, now available in both 2WD and 4WD.

Power
New for 2007, Colorado offers larger, more powerful inline four- and five-cylinder engines. Standard on all models except 4WD Crew Cabs is a 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder engine, rated at 185 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque – increases of 10 horsepower and 5 lb.-ft. more than the previous four-cylinder. A new, 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder is standard on 4WD Crew Cabs and available on all other Colorado models; it is rated at 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque – increases of 22 horsepower and 17 lb.-ft. over the previous five-cylinder.

Both new engines are based on GM’s modular inline engine design, which also serves as the foundation for the 4.2L inline-six engine of the Chevy TrailBlazer. They feature dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and other features that contribute to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy. Balance shafts help ensure smooth operation of the engines, providing a higher level of refinement.

In addition to their larger displacement – delivered through larger, 3.76-inch bores – the 2.9L and 3.7L engines feature improved airflow in and out of the combustion chambers, which helps boost power. They also share additional upgrades and changes, compared to the previous Colorado engines:

Larger, 1.52-inch intake valves, vs. previous 1.45-inch intake valves

Larger, 1.32-inch exhaust valves, vs. previous 1.18-inch exhaust valves

Revised camshaft profile optimizes valve lift and duration in accordance with larger valves

Cylinder head airflow increased to match capabilities enabled by larger valves and revised camshaft

New, noise-reducing oiling system uses cylinder wall squirter system enabled by a hole in each connecting rod that delivers a precise oil stream onto the cylinder wall beneath the piston

New aluminum camshaft cover helps reduce noise

Tighter-clearance balance shaft bushings promote quieter operation