The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious transmission and engine issues. At $16,500 to $25,475, it’s cheaper than other small trucks, but not worth the money when ownership costs are higher.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2016 is a bad year for the Chevy Colorado due to the expensive mechanical problems, giving it a lower overall rating. Owner reviews complain about frequent breakdowns, parts availability problems, and electrical issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are average for a small truck, the front seats are comfortable on long trips, there are also two bed lengths available.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are widespread engine problems along with transmission issues on the 2016 Colorado. Avoid models from 2015–2018 which all share the same issues. Models from 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance from the base 4-cylinder engine is weak, while the diesel & V6 engines offer good towing power for a compact truck.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2016 Colorado gets an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars in government crash tests. Standard safety technology includes a rearview camera. OnStar, forward collision & lane departure warning systems are optional.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is average at up to 23 MPG giving 483 miles of range from the 21 gallon tank. Gas costs are $26 cheaper than average at $277 per month.
- Value 6/10 – Although the Colorado is cheaper than other compact trucks, the high repair costs make it a bad long-term value on the used truck market.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Colorado?
- Consumer Reports says the Colorado is easier to live with than other full size trucks, but it has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Colorado at 4.1/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the low fuel economy.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Colorado a 4.4/5 enjoying the excellent tech features while owners don’t like the poor off-road capabilities.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Chevy Colorado include not shifting properly between gears, the engine stalling, as well as stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are worse than other compact trucks from 2016, leading to higher repair costs as well.
Not shifting properly between gears is a complaint mentioned by owners in the first 25,000 miles. The transmission control module computer has some issues which cause it to fail sooner than in other trucks. Replacing the transmission control module fixes the problem, although it costs around $1,100.
The engine stalling is another issue brought up by owners at roughly 30,000 miles. There are several reasons the engine stalls. One of the most common is an intake sensor failure, costing around $100 to replace. Other sources include injectors, or the throttle body, which each cost over $500 to change.
Stereo system issues also show up on some 2016 Colorado models at around 20,000 miles. The stereo system hardware fails, requiring replacement. A new stock stereo head unit costs around $700, while there are aftermarket options ranging from $200 to over $1,000.
There are 4 recalls, which is average compared to other compact trucks. The most serious recall only covers 895 trucks and is for the fuel pump weld, which can fracture, leading to a fuel leak. Chevy will replace the fuel pump on affected models. The other recalls cover air bags, which are common on all used trucks.
How Long Will the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Chevy Colorado will last around 150,000 miles, which is over 100,000 miles shorter than the top-rated Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than average based on data provided by Repair Pal, at $593 per year.
Since nearly all 2016 Chevy Colorado models on the market will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the rack and pinion for $1,400, door lock actuators costing $350, as well as the fuel canister, which costs $300.
My Colorado is almost four years old and I have changed the oil and wiper blades. The only problems I have had are nails in the tires--not the Colorado's fault.
This truck is very reliable, I have had no problems since I bought it. I bought truck as a demonstrator, it was already broke in good when I bought it.
I can't think of any problems. I so far have had great luck with mine except the dealer did find a leak in the oil seal already so they are going to fix that.
Other than the transmission downshifting on an incline should you even just tap the brake. I have been told that is normal and by design
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good with the optional MyLink touchscreen stereo system, while the entry-level stereo is basic. Safety technology is average, with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include OnStar communications, forward collision warning, as well as lane departure warning systems.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado a Good Value?
No, the 2016 Chevy Colorado is not a good value since there are more problems than other small trucks. Blue book prices range from $16,500 to $25,475, making it cheaper than a Nissan Frontier or Ford F-150. When new, the price range was $20,100 to $35,300. Depreciation is similar to other 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 for 2016, from the entry-level Base all the way up to the well-equipped Z71.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Seating
- Air Conditioning
- 4-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Rearview Camera
- 2-inch Color Screen
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
Work Truck is a small step up, adding:
- Cloth Seating
- Carpeting
- Floor Mats
- Folding Rear Seats In Extended Cab Model
LT is a popular choice which adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Cruise Control
- OnStar
- 8-Inch MyLink Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay
- USB Connectivity
Z71 is the flagship model which has:
- Dark 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth/Leather Seating
- Off-Road Suspension
- LED running Lights
- Locking Rear Differential
- Hill Descent Control
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 at up to 22 MPG. The towing capacity is up to 3,500 pounds.
- A step up is the stronger 3.6L V6, which generates 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 21 MPG. Towing is better, at up to 7,000 pounds. This is the fastest engine, going from 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds.
- There’s an optional efficient 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo diesel as well, which offers 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 23 MPG. The towing capacity is high at up to 7,700 pounds.
What Colors Does the Chevy Colorado Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Colorado?
The 2016 Chevy Colorado is a compact truck available as either a 4-door extended cab or larger 4-door crew cab. The extended cab offers seating for up to 4 people, while the crew cab has room for 5. Seating is comfortable in the front seats, while the back seats are very basic.
Passenger room is cramped in both cabin choices with limited rear legroom for taller passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Colorado Have?
There are two bed lengths available on the 2016 Chevy Colorado, including a 5-foot-1-inch short bed, as well as a 6-foot-2-inch long bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Colorado was introduced in 2015 and will be replaced by the third generation in 2023.
2015: Fully redesigned for the second generation after a 3 year hiatus.
2016: Optional diesel 4-cylinder engine, optional Apple CarPlay available.
2017: Updated V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, ZR2 model introduced with new suspension.
2018: Standard Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 4.2-inch screen replaced by 7-inch.
2019: New stereo system software, more USB ports, as well as a better rearview camera.
2020: Remote locking tailgate added.
2021: Revised front bumper, base model discontinued.
How Does the Chevy Colorado Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Colorado is significantly worse than other compact trucks on the market from 2016, since many serious problems have developed as they’ve aged.
The Chevy Silverado is a larger truck offered by Chevrolet, which starts at $10,000 more. Passenger room and towing capacity are both better in the Chevy Silverado, while the Chevy Colorado fits better in cities since it’s easier to park. We recommend the Chevy Silverado for most buyers since there are fewer problems reported by owners.
The Toyota Tacoma is another small truck which costs about $3,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Toyota Tacoma, however, the interior is more luxurious in the Chevy Colorado. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since they have lower ownership costs as well as higher reliability ratings.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Colorado?
It is a great vehicle if used for what it is designed for. If you want to haul very heavy loads or pull heavy trailers, then you should get a bigger truck. I do not pull trailers and haul light loads and the truck works great for me.
Great vehicle, best I have ever owned. I would recommend this vehicle to all of my family and friends.
Yes I really like mine if I had to buy another one I would. I can't think of anything else to say about it except it's been a great truck.
Overall yes. It does have a couple of quirks in particular the transmission. But it does have a very nice quiet ride with good cabin comfort
