If you're in the market for a truck backed by a manual transmission, test-driving a Colorado or Canyon equipped with the MA-5 five-speed is a must. It's about the smoothest-shifting five-speed we've experienced. The synchros are super-effective, providing hitch-free speed shifts at redline and silky-smooth downshifts. Gear spacing is just about perfect on both the I-4 and the I-5 trucks. The factories are building more refined machines every year, and we submit the new Colorado/Canyon as Exhibit A.
The new '04 Colorado and Canyon pickups are absolute must test-drives if you're shopping for a midsize or compact pickup. Even if you're set on a fullsize, you owe it to yourself to check out this truck. Its generous interior space in Standard, Extended, and Crew Cab versions are sure to impress you as much as the new truck's style and performance.
| GMC CANYON PRICING:. |
| Model | SL | SLE |
| 2WD Reg. Cab Z85 | $16,530 | $17,485 |
| 2WD Reg. Cab Z71 | $18,235 | $19,420 |
| 2WD Ext. Cab Z85 | $18,875 | $20,585 |
| 2WD Ext. Cab Z71 | $20,580 | $22,050 |
| 2WD Crew Cab Z85 | N/A | $21,115 |
| 2WD Crew Cab Z71 | N/A | $24,750 |
| * All prices include a $635 destination charge |
| CHEVY COLORADO PRICING:. |
| Model | Base | LS |
| 2WD Reg. Cab Z85 | $16,200 | $17,040 |
| 2WD Reg. Cab Z71 | $17,810 | $19,045 |
| 2WD Reg. Cab ZQ8 | $17,545 | $18,915 |
| 2WD Ext. Cab Z85 | $18,545 | $20,140 |
| 2WD Ext. Cab Z71 | $20,155 | $21,675 |
| 2WD Ext. Cab ZQ8 | $19,890 | $21,545 |
| 2WD Crew Cab Z85 | N/A | $20,670 |
| 2WD Crew Cab Z71 | N/A | $24,300 |
| 2WD Crew Cab ZQ8 | N/A | $24,170 |
| * All prices include a $635 destination charge |
'04 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC CanyonVehicle Type: Midsize Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Extended Cab pickup
Construction: Body on hydro-formed frame
Engine: Vortec 2800 2.8L I-4: std. on Regular Cab, Crew Cab, Extended Cab / Vortec 3500 3.5L I-5: opt. on Regular Cab, Crew Cab, Extended Cab; std. on ZQ8 Crew Cab, Z71 Crew Cab: fuel-injected, aluminum block and head, DOHC, continuously variable exhaust valve timing, variable exhaust cam phasing, four valves per cylinder with "couple" design balance shafts
Horsepower: I-4: 175 @ 5,600 / I-5: 220 @ 5,600
Torque: I-4: 185 @ 2,800 / I-5: 225 @ 2,800
Fuel: 87 octane
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic/MA-5, five-speed manual
Front Suspension: Independent with coil springs for rear-drive, independent with torsion bars for 4WD and high stance, with stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Live axle with steel leaf springs; stabilizer bar with sport package
Wheel: 15x6-inch steel; opt. 15x6.5-inch aluminum;15x7-inch aluminum with Z71 Off-Road suspension; 17x8-inch aluminum with ZQ8 Sport suspension
Tire: 205/75R15 all-season, steel-belted radial tires (2WD); P225/70R15 all-season, steel-belted radial tires (on 2WD Crew Cab); P265/75R15 on/off-road steel-belted radial with Z71 Off-Road package; P235/50R17 low-profile radial with ZQ8 package. Fullsize spare on all models
Brakes: Power, front disc/rear drum, four-wheel antilock brakes: front: 11.2x1.6-inch ; rear: 11.6x2.5-inch
Wheelbase: Reg. Cab 2WD/4WD: 111.3 inches; Ext. Cab Crew Cab: 125.9 inches
Length/Width/Height (in.): Reg. Cab: 192.4/67.6/64.8; Ext. Cab/Crew Cab.: 207/67.6/64.8
Track (in.): 2WD: F: 57.5; R: 57.5
Turning Circle (curb-to-curb): 2WD short wheelbase: 37-ft; Z71 39-ft; long wheelbase: 41-ft; Z71 43-ft
Curb Weight: 2WD, base suspension, I-4 with manual: 3,351 lbs; 4WD Crew Cab, I-5 with automatic: 4,150 lbs
Tow Rating: 3.5L automatic: 4,000 lbs
Acceleration 0-60: Reg. Cab 2WD 3.5L automatic: 8.07 sec
Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time: 15.97 @ 84.5 mph