Do Colorados hold their value?

Generally, Colorados hold their value reasonably well for a midsize pickup, but they do not consistently top the class like the Toyota Tacoma. A well-maintained Colorado—especially a crew cab with 4x4 and higher trim—tends to command strong resale prices within its segment.

As buyers and sellers navigate the used-truck market through 2024 and 2025, depreciation for Colorados depends on year, mileage, condition, and configuration. This article analyzes resale trends, compares Colorados to rivals, and outlines practical steps to protect value in a shifting market.

Market context for midsize pickups

Midsize pickups remain popular for their balance of capability and practicality, but resale value varies by model and demand. The market is influenced by new-model introductions, incentives, supply-chain dynamics, and regional preferences. In this environment, a well-kept Colorado can compete strongly, especially when it comes to reliability perceptions and maintenance history.

Resale strength among the class

Here is how Colorados typically stack up against key rivals in terms of value retention and buyer interest:

• Toyota Tacoma: widely regarded as the benchmark for value retention with strong demand from used-truck buyers.


• Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier: solid resale performers, supported by modern powertrains and capable hardware.


• Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon: usually near the class average, with better results for well-optioned, low-mile examples.


• Honda Ridgeline: tends to depreciate more quickly than traditional body-on-frame midsize pickups, reflecting a more niche market.

Market realities mean that newer Colorados and those with practical configurations (like crew cab, 4x4) often fare better in resale than base, two-door, or heavily modified units. The Tacoma frequently leads in value, but Colorados can hold up well in markets with strong demand for versatile midsize trucks.

What affects Colorado's resale value

Depreciation for the Colorado is driven by a mix of durability signals, usage patterns, and how the vehicle has been cared for. Understanding these factors helps explain why some Colorados hold value better than others.

• Mileage: lower miles generally correlate with higher resale value.


• Maintenance history: complete service records and timely addressing of recalls boost buyer confidence.


• Accidents and title history: clean titles and no major collision history are important.


• Trims and configurations: higher trims, 4x4 capability, and crew cab layouts usually retain value better than base models.


• Original condition: keeping the vehicle close to stock and preserving factory components can help resale.


• Age and generation: newer model years typically depreciate less quickly, though incentives on new models can affect early resale.


• Regional factors: rust-prone climates or harsh road conditions can influence condition and price; proper undercoating and maintenance can mitigate this.


• Market supply/demand: shifts in used-truck inventories and the popularity of midsize pickups impact pricing.


• Vehicle history and ownership: one-owner vehicles with clear histories often command higher prices than multi-owner examples.

In practice, a Colorado that’s well maintained, has modest mileage, and remains close to stock tends to hold value more effectively than a high-mileage or heavily modified unit.

Tips to maximize value when buying or selling a Colorado

Whether you’re shopping for a Colorado or preparing one for sale, focusing on condition, documentation, and configuration helps align with what buyers value most in the used-truck market.

• Prioritize clean, well-documented maintenance and service history.


• Aim for lower mileage within the vehicle’s age range, if possible.


• Choose a model with practical configurations (crew cab, 4x4) and avoid heavy aftermarket modifications that may deter future buyers.


• Address recalls and service campaigns before selling; provide proof of completion.


• Keep the title clean and avoid accident history to maintain buyer confidence.

Following these guidelines can help maximize resale value and shorten the time a Colorado spends on the market.

Conclusion and outlook

Colorados generally offer solid value retention within the midsize pickup segment, especially when they are well maintained, lightly used, and configured for sought-after setups. While they may not consistently outrun leaders like the Toyota Tacoma, Colorados remain a prudent choice for buyers who want a capable, versatile truck with respectable resale prospects. As the market evolves with new-model incentives and shifting supply, prospective buyers and sellers should consult current depreciation data from trusted trackers to make informed decisions.

Summary: Colorados hold value reasonably well for their class, particularly when low miles, good maintenance, and desirable configurations are present. They face stiff competition from top-tier rivals, but with careful buying and selling practices, Colorados can deliver strong resale outcomes in today’s used-truck market.

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 23, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

• First Generation (2004-2006):
  • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
• Second Generation (2014-2019):
  • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
  • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
  • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
  • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
• Other years:
  • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category

• Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
• Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
• Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
• Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
• HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years. 

What truck retains its value the best?

The Toyota Tacoma is widely considered the truck that holds its value the best, especially the TRD Pro trim, due to its strong reputation for reliability and off-road capability. Other top contenders for retaining value include the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though the Tacoma consistently ranks at or near the top for both midsize and overall value retention.
 
Midsize trucks 

• Toyota Tacoma: Consistently ranked as a top performer in resale value due to its reliability and demand. 
• Toyota Tundra: Often cited for its strong resale value, with some sources placing it above the Tacoma in a full-size category. 

Full-size trucks 

• Ford F-150: Holds its value extremely well due to its popularity, widespread parts availability, and customer loyalty. 
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Strong demand in the used market for its performance, utility, and comfort helps it maintain value. 
• Toyota Tundra: Holds its value particularly well, especially in the full-size segment, with some reports showing it retaining over 70% of its value after five years. 

Factors that influence resale value

• Brand reputation: Brands with a long history of quality trucks, like Toyota and Ford, often have higher resale values. 
• Reliability: Vehicles known for their durability and low maintenance costs, such as the Tacoma, tend to hold their value better. 
• Demand: High demand in the used market for specific models or trims can significantly boost resale value. 

What is the #1 most depreciating car?

Cars That Hold Their Value Worst

• Jagur I-Pace: 72.2% Depreciation.
• BMW 7 Series: 67.1% Depreciation.
• Tesla Model S: 65.2% Depreciation.
• Infiniti QX80: 65.0% Depreciation.
• Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% Depreciation.
• BMW 5 Series: 64.7% Depreciation.
• Nissan Leaf: 64.1% Depreciation.
• Maserati Levante: 63.7% Depreciation.

Does Chevy Colorado have good resale value?

A 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has depreciated $7,720 or 25% in the last 2 years and has a current resale value of $22,582 and trade-in value of $19,758. The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among all 2023 Pickups.