Who makes Holden Colorado?
The Holden Colorado is a badge‑engineered pickup truck that was produced for Holden, the Australian arm of General Motors, and is based on the Isuzu D‑Max. In practical terms, the actual manufacturing was done by Isuzu Motors in Thailand, while Holden marketed and sold the vehicle in Australia. The model is no longer produced following Holden’s withdrawal from the Australian market in 2020.
To understand the question fully, it helps to look at how the Colorado came to be, who built it, and what happened to the nameplate in Australia. The Colorado illustrates how multinational automakers badge and market the same core vehicle across different regions.
Manufacturing origin and branding
Here are the main facts about the Colorado's manufacturing and branding:
- Base model and producer: The Colorado is a badge‑engineered version of the Isuzu D‑Max, built by Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Thailand.
- Branding and market: Holden (GM Australia) marketed and sold the vehicle in Australia under the Holden Colorado name.
- Assembly location: The vehicle was produced in Isuzu’s factory in Thailand for export to Australia; there was no local Australian assembly of this model.
- Production timeline: The Colorado line was introduced in the late 2000s as a Holden badge of the D‑Max, with several generations released over the ensuing years; the Holden brand and its models were retired in Australia in 2020.
These points show how a single engineering concept—the Isuzu D‑Max—was adapted for a different brand and market, yielding the Holden Colorado as the Australian variant.
Current status and broader context
As of today, the Holden brand is retired in Australia, and the Colorado nameplate is no longer in production under Holden. The underlying vehicle continues to exist in other markets as the Isuzu D‑Max, and a separate Chevrolet Colorado exists in North America with no direct relation to Holden’s Colorado.
Global context
Across the GM global network, the same basic pickup has appeared under different badges depending on the market. In practice, the Holden Colorado was the Australian badge for what Isuzu built as the D‑Max, while elsewhere the same platform appears as the Isuzu D‑Max or, in North America, the Chevrolet Colorado.
What buyers should know today
For Australians researching this vehicle today, the Colorado is not available new. Used Holden Colorado examples exist, but the model is effectively part of automotive history. If you’re interested in a similar vehicle today, you’d look at the Isuzu D‑Max (the direct current equivalent) or explore Chevrolet’s Colorado offerings in applicable markets.
Summary
The Holden Colorado was manufactured by Isuzu Motors in Thailand as a badge‑engineered version of the Isuzu D‑Max for Holden in Australia. Holden marketed the model under its brand, but the nameplate was retired with Holden’s exit from the Australian market in 2020. The underlying vehicle continues life under Isuzu in other regions, and the Chevrolet Colorado offers a separate, unrelated lineage in North America.
Is Holden just a Chevy?
Chevrolet and Holden are/were all part of General Motors. So some Holdens were based on Chevrolets (like the Cruze which was in essence actually a Daewoo based on an Opel/Vauxhall Astra) and some on Opels/Vauxhalls (like the Barina/Corsa). Take the Commodore/Opel Omega/Cadillac Citera for example.
What is a Holden Colorado called in America?
Available through model year 2022 in the United States and Canada, the second generation was also marketed as the Chevrolet S10, Holden Colorado, and HSV SportsCat.
Who makes the Holden Colorado engine?
GM Thailand
Only one engine is offered, the 2.8 L turbo diesel, built by GM Thailand.
What is the most common problem with the Holden Colorado?
Holden Colorado Transmission Shudder – Fix Guide
This is caused by a problem with the torque converter. This is the most common issue with the Holden colorado and many owners have reported this problem.
