The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is far from being the best compact or mid-size pickup released in 2004. But it’s worth the sticker price at around four grand, it’s low-maintenance, it’s built to last, and it’ll get the job done, as long as that job is light-duty.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – A capable, charming, but ultimately mediocre little work truck.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – All seven of these points are for the bed options, which will pack just about anything you want to carry. The interior is a tight fit even in the Extended Cab.
- Reliability 8/10 – The 2004 Colorado will still be putting in work on farms across America long after its competitors have been scrapped for parts.
- Safety 7/10 – Onboard tech is out of date, but adequate for 2004, including anti-lock brakes as a standard feature.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The base engine averages 20/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway, which is pretty good for a twenty year old pickup.
- Value 8/10 – This is where the 2004 Colorado really shines. It might not be as powerful as a Dodge Dakota or as roomy as a Ford Ranger, but it runs quite a bit cheaper than either of its leading competitors.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
Consumer Reports found the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado to be dated in its first year out the gate. Admitting that the compact truck “seemed promising” in 2003, they note that it’s since been outclassed in every way by its competitors. But, they did like the handling.
Kelley Blue Book users give the truck a lukewarm 85% recommendation, commending the smooth running powertrain, easy maintenance, and longevity, with most drivers putting over 150,000 miles on the odometer. Uncomfortable seating and meager towing capacity tempered the enthusiasm.
Edmunds found the Colorado to be versatile, strong, and safe, with anti-lock brakes offered as a standard feature. They didn’t like the low towing capacity or the lack of a V8 engine option.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Have?
Premature rust is likely to be the biggest problem you face when driving a 2004 Colorado. There are 60 structure complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reporting major corrosion at under 200,000 miles. This can affect everything from suspension to steering and braking.
Electrical issues make up 87 complaints in total, with issues ranging from fidgety radio controls to flickering interior lights. The biggest concern here is ignition failure, thanks to problems with the PASSLock security module locking owners out of starting their own trucks.
Powertrain and engine problems have been scarce, numbering just 40 complaints in total. But you’ll want to be on the lookout for snapped shift cables resulting from the above-mentioned rust issues.
In total, the 2004 Colorado has just 3 recalls and 355 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Those numbers are pretty low for a twenty year old pickup.
How Long Will the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Last?
A Chevy Colorado can last 300,000 miles or more with excellent maintenance. But, since you can’t vouch for the previous owner’s driving habits, expect a minimum longevity of 200,000 miles, and a median of 250,000 before the expensive repairs start to add up.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of $599 for Colorado owners, with the most expensive common repairs for a 2004 model being new cylinder heads starting at $3,525. Of course, at that price you may as well just replace the whole truck.
My vehicle is really reliable it starts up right away even on cold mornings and has never left me stranded anywhere
It has security issues remote keyless issues the seal is so tight that if you are locked out you could not get in
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is adequate for a work truck from 2004. The entry level model comes packed with two speakers and an AM/FM stereo, while the higher trim levels feature CD players and six speakers.
Safety technology is, likewise, good enough when you consider that this is a twenty year old pickup. You’ve got anti-lock brakes, full airbags, and optional traction control. Nothing too cutting-edge, but everything you expect from a 2004 model.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Value?
The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is priced fairly, with the truck typically listing at around $3,922 for an entry level model with a Regular Cab. Given the truck’s low maintenance needs, decent fuel economy, and expected longevity, that’s not a bad price.
It’s a question of what, specifically, you’re after in a used pickup. As a daily-driver, the Colorado doesn’t really have much room for the family. As a work truck, the lack of a V8 engine limits the Colorado’s capabilities. But, it’s built to last and can handle basic hauling duties with ease.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is offered in two basic trims, being the self-explanatory Base model, and the upgraded LS.
With the entry-level Base you’re getting:
- Manual air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- AM/FM stereo with two speakers
The high-end LS model adds:
- CD player
- 2 extra speakers
- Premium cloth seating
If you add the Power Convenience package, you get:
- Power windows and door locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Programmable mirrors
What Engines Come In the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
- The base engine in the 2004 Colorado is a 2.8L inline-four, delivering 175 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. This is configured in rear wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Expect to average around 20/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and tow up to 2,100 pounds, depending on your options.
- Next up is a 3.5L five-cylinder engine delivering 220 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. Configured in rear/four wheel drive, and, just like the 2.8L, it’s paired to a 4-speed automatic. Expect to average 15/21 miles to the gallon with this one, and tow up to 4,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado isn’t very comfortable. The ride is a bit stiff, the seats aren’t super cushy, the cabin is a little tight, and many drivers report premature rust corroding the shocks and struts.
It’s a work truck, first and foremost. If you’re planning on long road trips or if you’re going to be carting the kids around, the Colorado isn’t a great choice.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Have?
The 2004 Colorado is available with a short bed at 61 inches long, or a long bed at 73 inches. Both beds measure 18.5 inches deep and 57 inches wide. with a payload capacity of up to 1,733 pounds. Basically, if it’ll fit in a full-size truck it’ll fit in a Colorado, but you can’t quite carry a full ton of cargo.
Inside the cabin is another story. Beyond the glove box there’s not many spaces to hold your carry-on luggage. Expect to stack your phone, lunch, notebooks and so on in the passenger seat more often than not.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado was the inaugural first edition for the nameplate, launching the 1st Generation, running from 2004 to 2012.
2004: The Colorado launched alongside its twin, the GMC Canyon, with a pair of 2.8L and 3.5L engines, and Regular and Extended cabs.
2005: 2005 saw the debut of the Isuzu i-Series in North America, meaning you had three identical trucks with three different names on the road.
2006: Chevy made no major changes to the Colorado in 2006, other than reconfiguring some of the trims and package options.
2007: 2007 saw the Colorado receiving a facelift and a couple new engines, being a 2.9L i4 and a 3.7L i5.
How Does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Compare to the Competition?
The GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado, and Isuzu i-Series are all the exact same truck. So, we can skip comparing those and jump right to the 2004 Ford Ranger, which which tends to list at around $500 to $1,000 more, but is considerably more comfortable, and is available with a 207 horsepower V6 engine.
A Dodge Dakota tends to price in about the same range as the Ranger, but it’s a bit more powerful than either of these trucks at the entry level, starting out at 210 horsepower in a Base model. Being a mid-size, it’s a little less fuel-efficient, but a lot roomier.
You’ve got plenty of options for smaller pickup trucks released in 2004, and most of them are more comfortable, roomier, and more powerful than a 2004 Colorado. But, the Colorado may be the most affordable of the bunch if you just want a stripped-down, no-frills work truck.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
I bought it used for a very good price I took it for a drive and it ran real good so I bought it and so far it has been a good vehicle
It's ok but there are issues. A door look only on the Drivers door. Spare Tire under the Truck. Lack of room