What is the oldest Chevy Colorado?

The oldest Chevrolet Colorado is the 2004 model year—the first-generation Colorado that introduced Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup to the market.

This article traces the origins of that inaugural Colorado, what defined the early truck, and how the model line evolved into later generations, including its return to the market in 2015.

Origins and debut

The Chevrolet Colorado was introduced to replace the aging S-10 as Chevrolet’s entry in the growing mid-size pickup segment. Debuting for the 2004 model year, the Colorado was designed to offer improved handling, modern styling, and options aimed at both work and everyday driving. It shared development with its GMC Canyon sibling and rode on GM’s GMT355 platform, marking a clear shift from the older S-10 chassis.

Design goals and market positioning

Automakers positioned the Colorado to appeal to buyers seeking a capable everyday pickup with the flexibility of two body styles—regular cab and extended cab—alongside more refined interior appointments than its predecessor. The goal was to blend practicality with a more contemporary driving experience, expanding GM’s footprint in the mid-size segment.

Milestones of the first generation (2004–2012)

To capture the arc of the oldest Colorado, it helps to highlight the key milestones of the first generation, which ran from the 2004 model year through 2012.

• 2004 model year launch, introducing the Colorado as a successor to the S-10 in Chevrolet’s lineup.


• Availability in multiple cab configurations, including regular cab and extended cab (X-cab) to balance passenger comfort with cargo space.


• Shared platform development with the GMC Canyon, underpinning a pair of closely related trucks from GM’s global midsize pickup family.


• Production continued through the early 2010s, with the first generation ending in 2012 as GM reevaluated its mid-size truck strategy.

These milestones illustrate how the earliest Colorado established the model’s identity: a practical, user-friendly mid-size pickup designed to replace a dated platform while offering modern features and flexible configurations.

Legacy and the return of the Colorado

After a production run that spanned nearly a decade, GM retired the first-generation Colorado in favor of new designs and updated markets. The nameplate made a comeback with a second generation for the 2015 model year, reflecting renewed interest in mid-size pickups and GM’s commitment to offering a more refined, capable truck in this segment. The 2004 Colorado thus stands as the origin point—the oldest Chevrolet Colorado still recognized by enthusiasts and historians as the entry point of the model line.

Summary

The oldest Chevy Colorado is the 2004 model year, the first-generation truck that introduced Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup to a new era of design and capability. Debuting as a replacement for the S-10, the 2004 Colorado established the baseline for the line, offering regular and extended cab configurations and sharing a platform with the GMC Canyon. Its production run ended in 2012, paving the way for a 2015 revival that would bring a new generation to market. Today, the 2004 Colorado is remembered as the origin of a modern mid-size pickup lineage that continues to influence Chevrolet’s truck strategy.

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 year is Chevy Colorado best?

The best Chevy Colorado depends on your needs, but for a modern and reliable option, the 2023 or newer models are strong contenders due to a complete redesign, improved powertrains, and updated features. For off-roading, the 2017 ZR2 is a great choice for its specialized suspension, while the 2019 and 2020 models are praised for balancing features like towing capacity, technology, and reliability.
 
Best for modern features and redesign 

• 2023 and newer: These are part of the third generation, which features a complete redesign with a more upscale interior, updated styling, and new powertrains. The 2024 model won "Truck of the Year" from Edmunds and the Hispanic Motor Press. 

Best for off-roading 

• 2017 and newer ZR2: The ZR2 trim debuted in 2017 and is the peak off-road option for the Colorado, with a wider track, a suspension lift, and special Multimatic DSSV dampers. 

Best for a balance of features and reliability 

• 2019 and 2020: These models are praised for a good balance of features and reliability.
  • The 2019 model is noted for having addressed some earlier transmission issues and offering features like heated mirrors.
  • The 2020 model offers good storage and technology options, including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Best for older, more affordable models 

• 2007-2012: These first-generation models are considered robust workhorses once initial issues were sorted out. 
• 2015-2016: These models are also considered fine and can be a more affordable option in the used market, especially if you're looking for features from the second generation redesign but at a lower price point. 

How to choose

• For the most modern technology: Go with a 2023 or newer model. 
• For serious off-roading: Look for a 2017 or newer ZR2 model. 
• For a good balance of features and reliability from a previous generation: Consider 2019 or 2020 models. 
• For budget-friendly options: Explore the 2015-2016 or 2007-2012 model years. 

How many generations of Chevy Colorado are there?

Chevy took the Colorado to the next level with its third-generation release in 2023. Now boasting a single-engine option with three power levels, a modern interior redesign, and enhanced off-road capability, the 2023+ Chevy Colorado is smarter, stronger, and more versatile than ever.

What year did Colorado change body style?

The Chevy Colorado changed body styles in 2015 with a full redesign for its second generation, moving to a larger, midsize truck platform. There was a previous mid-cycle refresh for the first generation in 2009.
 

• 2009: The first-generation model received a mid-cycle refresh, which included a revised front-end and new engine options. 
• 2015: A significant redesign occurred for the second generation, which launched as a larger, midsize truck. This new design had styling cues from the larger Silverado and was produced until the 2022 model year. 
• 2024: The current, third-generation Colorado was introduced with a new platform and updated styling for the 2024 model year, which is expected to be in production for several years.