What years are Gen 1 Colorado?
The Gen 1 Colorado refers to Chevrolet’s first-generation Colorado pickup, produced alongside its GMC Canyon twin. In most markets, this generation spans model years 2004 through 2012, with a second generation launching for the 2015 model year. This article outlines the time frame and its context within GM’s mid-size pickup lineup.
Gen 1 Colorado at a glance
For North America, the Gen 1 Colorado was introduced as a 2004 model year and remained in production through the 2012 model year. The GMC Canyon shared the same Gen 1 platform and ran a parallel production window. GM did not offer a Colorado for the 2013 and 2014 model years in the U.S., opting to reset the lineup before returning with a new generation.
The twin: GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon was the badge-engineered counterpart to the Colorado. Both trucks were built on the same Gen 1 platform and followed the same production span, reinforcing GM’s mid-size pickup strategy during that era.
Context and transition to Gen 2
After about a decade in production, GM ended Gen 1 production in the U.S. market and introduced the second generation of both Colorado and Canyon for the 2015 model year. The Gen 2 brought updated styling, new platforms, and revised powertrains, signaling a clear evolution from the Gen 1 design language.
Summary
Gen 1 Colorado encompasses model years 2004 through 2012. The second generation arrived for the 2015 model year, with the GMC Canyon sharing the same initial-generation timeline and platform. Together, these generations chart the evolution of GM’s mid-size pickup strategy in the North American market.
What year Chevy Colorado should I stay away from?
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 is the best first generation Colorado year?
The 2007 to 2012 models are generally robust workhorses and the best of the first-gen years.
What are the generations of Colorado?
The History of the Chevy Colorado: A Midsize Truck with Big...
- The First Generation (2004-2012): A New Era for Chevy's Midsize Trucks.
- The Second Generation (2015-2022): A Comeback with More Power.
- The Third Generation (2023-Present): The Most Advanced Colorado Yet.
What is a 2nd gen Colorado?
Towing Capacity: Power Meets Efficiency
The second-gen Chevy Colorado took towing capacity to new heights compared to its predecessor. While the first-gen maxed out at 6,000 lbs with a V8 engine, the 2015 model offered a 7,000 lbs towing capacity with a more fuel-efficient V6, delivering an impressive 21 MPG.
