Is Chevy Colorado made by Isuzu?
No—the Chevrolet Colorado is manufactured by General Motors, not Isuzu. Isuzu did have a historical role in the broader GM midsize-truck program and supplied Duramax diesel engines for some Colorado generations, while the Isuzu D-Max remains a separate model sold in other markets.
Background: GM and Isuzu in the midsize-truck program
Isuzu's role in the development
The Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon counterpart were part of a GM strategy to field a capable midsize pickup. In the 2000s, GM collaborated with Isuzu on the underlying platform and engineering for GM’s midsize trucks. This relationship helped shape how the Colorado/Canyon shared components with Isuzu’s D-Max in other markets.
Below are key points that explain the relationship between the brands and the trucks they produce:
- The Colorado is a General Motors product built for Chevrolet (and the Canyon for GMC) by GM in its own North American facilities.
- Isuzu contributed to the broader midsize-truck program, providing engineering input and, at times, powertrain technology through the GM-Isuzu Duramax joint venture.
- The Isuzu D-Max is Isuzu’s own midsize pickup built and sold in many non-U.S. markets, sharing a platform with GM’s midsize trucks but not rebadged as a Chevrolet.
In summary, the Colorado itself is GM-built, with historical ties to Isuzu through collaboration and engine development rather than direct Isuzu manufacturing ownership.
Current production and market status
To understand today’s production, it helps to know who builds the Colorado in recent years and what engines it uses.
- The current Chevrolet Colorado is produced by General Motors in North American facilities; Isuzu is not the manufacturer.
- Engine options have included Duramax diesel engines developed under the GM-Isuzu joint venture in earlier generations, along with GM-supplied gasoline turbocharged engines in newer configurations.
- Production locations have historically included GM plants in North America, with the exact site varying by model year and market; the Colorado remains a GM product distinct from the Isuzu D-Max.
Thus, while Isuzu influenced elements of GM’s midsize-truck program and supplied diesel technology for some Colorado generations, the Chevrolet Colorado is produced by General Motors, not by Isuzu.
Bottom line
Bottom line: No, Isuzu does not manufacture the Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado is GM-built, and while there are historical ties to Isuzu through platform collaboration and Duramax diesel development, Isuzu does not produce the Colorado itself. The Isuzu D-Max remains a separate model sold in other markets, sharing some engineering lineage with GM’s midsize trucks.
Summary
The Chevrolet Colorado is a General Motors product developed and manufactured by GM for Chevrolet (and shared with GMC Canyon). Isuzu’s connection is historical and technical rather than ownership of the manufacturing process. The Isuzu D-Max is a separate vehicle in other markets, and some Colorado generations used Duramax diesel engines developed in partnership with Isuzu.
