The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado lasts around 200,000 miles with serious transmission and oil pump issues. At $17,675 to $32,475, it’s too expensive for a truck with problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the Chevy Colorado, expensive transmission problems give it a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about high ownership costs, a firm suspension, along with stereo system issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are similar to other small trucks, the seats are reasonably comfortable, there are two bed lengths available as well.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are widespread transmission issues on the 2017 Colorado. Buyers should avoid models from 2015–2018, while the 2019–2022 models are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the engines, with a very high towing capacity with the diesel motor at up to 7,700 pounds.
- Safety 6/10 – The Colorado gets an overall rating of 4 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety equipment includes a rear view camera. Optional upgrades include forward collision & lane departure warning systems.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 25 MPG giving up to 525 miles of range from the 21 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average at $237 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2017 Colorado is still expensive for a small truck even with all the issues, making it a bad long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Colorado?
- Consumer Reports says the Chevy Colorado offers good fuel efficiency, although owner satisfaction scores are very low.
- Edmunds rates the Colorado at 3.5/5, praising the responsive steering for a truck, but doesn’t like the poor off-road capabilities.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Colorado a 4.4/5 enjoying the towing capacity with the diesel engine, but owners don’t like the relatively small cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Chevy Colorado include transmission failures, oil pump issues, as well as worn-out A/C compressors. Overall, these problems are more severe than other small trucks, leading to higher repair costs as well.
Transmission failures are the most widespread complaint from owners in the first 60,000 miles. The transmission starts to shudder and slip while shifting between gears as the Colorado gets older. When this happens there are two potential problems including a failed torque converter or transmission failure. Replacing the torque converter costs around $1,500 while a new transmission is about $4,000.
Oil pump issues have also been reported in the Chevy Colorado, at about 35,000 miles. The oil pressure gets too high in the lines, causing them to burst. Replacing the lines costs around $200, while a new oil pump is roughly $550.
Worn-out A/C compressors have also shown up on some Colorado models in the first 65,000 miles. A worn out A/C compressor will result in a non-cooling situation. Replacing the compressor is a time-consuming process, which costs around $1,500 depending on local labor rates.
There’s only one recall on the 2017 Chevy Colorado, which is better than some other small trucks. The recall covers a fuel pump flange, which can leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Fortunately, this is not a widespread recall, as it only covers 895 models. Chevrolet will replace both the fuel lines and pump for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Chevy Colorado lasts around 200,000 miles, which is over 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other small trucks, according to Repair Pal, at $583 per year.
As the 2017 Colorado reaches 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the water pump for $900, A/C temperature sensor costing $400, as well as the window regulator which costs $300.
Very reliable. I have no problems. I love my vehicle. I would buy 10 if I had the money. And I am going to keep it running.
Haven't had a single problem. Get the oil changed regularly keep and eye on fluid levels and address issues as they arise.
It has been very reliable, no issues or problems. The gas mileage is decent for a vehicle of its size.
Mostly reliable. I have had one low tire, which I was alerted to immediately. I did have the battery die on me and needed to get a jump and subsequently a new battery. I was a little surprised at the life of the battery - it was not as long as it should have been.
The only real issue to date was not being able to remove the key from the ignition. Based on dealer comments it may be a common problem.
It is quite reliable, not the best but I have been using it since 3 years and it’s not too bad so no problems
It's been very reliable so far, with no major complaints or issues. It's also very safe, as I was involved in an accident and wasn't hurt.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average for a small truck offering a standard 4.2-inch display with an optional 8-inch touchscreen available. Safety technology is also similar to other trucks with a standard rear view camera. There are optional forward collision warning as well as lane departure warning systems available.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Chevy Colorado is a bad value since there are some expensive mechanical problems. Blue book prices range from $17,700 to $32,650, making it cheaper than a Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier. When new, the price range was $20,000 to $41,625. Depreciation is similar to other small trucks, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Colorado?
There are four models of the Chevy Colorado offered in 2017, from the Base model all the way up to well-equipped ZR2.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- Six-Speed Manual Transmission
- Power Windows
- Vinyl Upholstery
- 4-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
- 2-Inch Display
LT is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Leather Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
Z71 adds more features such as:
- Darkened 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth & Leather Upholstery
- Hill Descent Control
- Locking Rear Differential
- 7-Speaker Bose Stereo System
ZR2 is the flagship model which has:
- Improved Off-Road Suspension
- Fender Flares
- Premium Interior Trim
- Forward Collision & Lane Departure Warning
What Engines Come In the Chevy Colorado?
- The base engine is a weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 200 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 22 MPG. There is a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission available. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
- A step up is the stronger 3.6L V6, which produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 20 MPG. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine has a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds.
- There’s also an efficient 2.8L turbo-diesel which makes 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 25 MPG. There’s a six-speed automatic transmission used with the diesel engine. The towing capacity is higher, at up to 7,700 pounds.
What Colors Does the Chevy Colorado Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Colorado?
The 2017 Chevy Colorado is a reasonably comfortable compact truck, offering seating for up to 5 people depending on the configuration. It’s available as either a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. The seats are nice, offering good support.
Passenger room is great in the front seats, while the rear seats are very cramped for taller adults, even in the largest 4-door crew cab model.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Colorado Have?
There are two bed lengths offered on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado including a 5 foot shot bed, and a 6 foot standard bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Colorado came out in 2015, and is going to be replaced by the third generation in 2023.
2015: Fully redesigned for the second generation after being out of production for 3 years.
2016: 4-cylinder diesel engine and Apple CarPlay are both available as options.
2017: New ZR2 model with upgraded suspension, revised V6 engine, and a new 8-speed transmission.
2018: 4.2-inch stereo screen replaced by 7-inch, standard Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
2019: Improved rear view camera, updated stereo system, and more USB ports.
2020: Remote locking tailgate added.
2021: Base model discontinued, new front bumper style.
How Does the Chevy Colorado Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado scored well when it was new, although mechanical problems have lowered its position as they have aged, making it a truck buyers should avoid.
The Toyota Tacoma is another small pickup truck which costs about $4,000 more. Off-road performance is much better in the Toyota Tacoma, while the Chevy Colorado has a nicer interior. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since they have lower ownership costs and much better reliability ratings.
The GMC Canyon is another truck from GM which costs about $200 more. Both trucks are built on the same platform, however, the interior materials are more upscale in the GMC Canyon. We recommend avoiding both trucks for 2017 since they have the same transmission problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Colorado?
Yes, I love my vehicle. It drives and runs great. I get great gas mileage. I would definitely keep it clean and running good.
Yes, have always been truck guy and like the Colorado more than any of the other trucks that I have had. Have owned both Chevys and dodges.
Yes it is nimble, fun to drive and comfortable. The crew cab is roomy enough for people riding in the back seat or for a week's worth of groceries.
Yes it is an excellent vehicle. It drives smooth, and gets great mileage! It is comfortable and roomy,
Yes for my purposes it is fine. I purchased this primarily because rangers were not being made at the time.
It’s good, but it’s not my first choice. So I would have preferred a Honda or Toyota. It was a gifted car, so I am using it
Yes, it definitely is a good vehicle. It has very good acceleration and power, and a very smooth ride for a pickup.