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How long can a Colorado last?

Coloradans tend to live into the high 70s to around 80 years on average, and the state itself has existed since 1876 with no planned end date. The question can be read in several ways—about human longevity, the enduring status of the state, or its historical timeline—and this article explores those interpretations in turn.


Longevity of Coloradans


What drives lifespan in Colorado?


Coloradans have one of the higher life expectancies in the United States, with averages hovering around eighty years at birth in recent years. Lifespan is influenced by a range of factors that can vary by community and individual circumstances.


Key factors commonly associated with longer life expectancy in Colorado include:



  • High levels of outdoor activity and physical fitness

  • Broad access to healthcare and preventive services in many areas

  • Environmental factors such as air quality and scenic surroundings that encourage healthy living

  • Socioeconomic and demographic differences that affect health outcomes

  • Public health initiatives and community resources that support healthy aging


Overall, these elements contribute to Coloradans’ relatively strong longevity compared with national averages, while recognizing that lifespans vary across individuals and communities.


Political permanence of the State of Colorado


Is there an end date for Colorado as a state?


As a political entity, Colorado has no expiration date. Colorado entered the United States as the 38th state on August 1, 1876, and there is no sunset clause or predetermined end to its status. Changes to statehood would require substantial federal-level legal actions and broad political consensus.


The lack of an end date for statehood reflects the U.S. constitutional framework in which states are permanent features of the union, subject to legal processes for amendments or reorganizations but not scheduled expirations.


Several factors frame this durable status:



  • There is no constitutional expiration for U.S. states; statehood persists as long as the union does

  • Secession or drastic changes to the federal structure would require extraordinary legal steps

  • Practical governance evolves through policy updates, elections, and reforms rather than time-bound expiry


In practical terms, Colorado’s status as a state is designed to endure across generations, with continuity built into the federal system.


Timeline: Colorado’s existence since statehood


Milestones since 1876


Colorado’s official existence as a state began in 1876, and over the decades it has grown and evolved within the United States. The following milestones illustrate the continuity of its status and development:



  1. 1876 — Colorado is admitted to statehood as the 38th state on August 1.

  2. Late 19th to 20th centuries — rapid population growth and economic diversification, particularly in urban areas along the Front Range.

  3. Late 20th to early 21st centuries — continued demographic shifts, policy development, and modernization of infrastructure and governance.

  4. Today — Colorado remains a stable state within the United States, shaping policy on issues from energy to environment and beyond.


These entries show that while policies and demographics change, Colorado’s status as a U.S. state has endured for well over a century and is projected to continue.


Summary


The phrase “How long can a Colorado last” can refer to life expectancy, political continuity, or the historical timeline of the state. In practical terms, Coloradans live in the broad range of the high 70s to around 80 years on average, while the state’s political existence is designed to be enduring without a predetermined end date. Historically, Colorado has existed as a state since 1876 and continues to function as a stable part of the United States. Taken together, the answer varies by interpretation but points to a long, ongoing presence both for its people and its government.

How reliable are Chevy Colorado's?


The Chevy Colorado's reliability is generally considered good, especially for more recent model years (2019-2022), which have received "Great" ratings from organizations like J.D. Power. While some model years have had issues like transmission problems in 2015-2016 and 2018, newer models typically score well, with some owner reviews reporting few issues in models with high mileage. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability of the Chevrolet Colorado: 1mConsumer ReportsYouTube · Apr 24, 2024
Reliability scores and ratings

  • J.D. Power: Recent models often receive scores around 80/100, which is considered "Great". The 2021 model, for instance, scored 87/100 and ranked first among midsize trucks. 
  • RepairPal: Gives the Colorado an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 4th out of 7 midsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is slightly lower than average for all vehicles, and owners need unscheduled repairs less than once a year. 
  • iSeeCars: Gives the Colorado an 8 out of 10 reliability rating, ranking it 5th out of 7 midsize trucks, with a predicted average lifespan of 162,738 miles. 

Factors to consider
  • Model year: Reliability can vary significantly by model year. For example, 2015, 2016, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems. The 2022 and 2023 model years are still dealing with some open recalls. 
  • Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for longevity. The Chevy Colorado can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper care, and some owners report reaching over 300,000 miles. 
  • Common issues: Some owners have reported issues with electrical systems, computer screens, and taillights on specific models. 
  • Owner satisfaction: Recent models have strong owner satisfaction and fewer major issues, often getting good reviews for comfort, interior, and performance. 

This video discusses common problems with the Chevrolet Colorado: 54sFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 9, 2024



Is 200k miles on a Chevy bad?


If you take good care of your Chevy Silverado, you can expect it to last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles—and that's just the baseline. With diligent maintenance and responsible driving, some owners have pushed their trucks well beyond 400,000 miles, proving just how durable these trucks really are.



How many miles can a Chevy Colorado last?


A Chevy Colorado can last for 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, and some owners have reported reaching well over 300,000 miles. Factors like driving habits, routine maintenance, and climate significantly influence its longevity. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is the most crucial factor for extending the vehicle's lifespan.
 
Factors that impact longevity

  • Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes and fluid replacements, is the most important factor. Neglecting maintenance can significantly shorten the truck's life.
  • Driving habits: Smooth driving and moderate towing will extend the life of the engine, transmission, and suspension, while aggressive driving or heavy off-road use puts more strain on the vehicle.
  • Climate: Harsh climates, especially those with road salt, can accelerate wear and tear, particularly on the frame and body. Regular washing and undercoating can help mitigate this.
  • Engine type: Diesel engines are known for their resilience, and the Colorado's Duramax diesel engine is built with longevity in mind.
  • Model year improvements: Newer models have introduced refinements that address potential issues, such as transmission problems in earlier years. 

Owner experiences
  • Some owners report reaching over 200,000 miles with only routine maintenance, such as a 2015 Z71 with 190,000 miles and a 2016 with 221,000 miles. 
  • Other owners have reported even higher mileage, with some vehicles lasting between 246,000 and 404,000 miles. 
  • Conversely, some users report significant issues with certain model years, such as a 2018 model that required extensive repairs. 



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. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.