DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Colorado
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Ls, Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Ls
- Engines
- 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 192.1–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–4,001 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2006 standard pickup truck (16.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Colorado is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.8L 4-cyl and 3.5L 5-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 207 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,752 lb (Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 26% better than the 2006 standard pickup truck average of 16.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Colorado — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Colorado →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 63.8 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,752 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 207.1 in | 68.5 in | 68.1 in | 126 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 4,001 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 2WD /Ls | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 63.4 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,607 lb | 57/43 |
| Ext Cab S/Box 4X4 /Ls | 207.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 126 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,803 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 2WD /Ls | 192.1 in | 67.7 in | 65 in | 111 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,459 lb | 57/43 |
| Reg Cab S/Box 4X4 /Ls | 192.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 111 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,715 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +26% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +26% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +23% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +16% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 18 | +16% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +16% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +10% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +10% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 17 | +10% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD | 3.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Colorado (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Ford F-150 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Tacoma | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 GMC Canyon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Child Seat · Nov 18, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V575000 · 192,676 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
- Risk
- BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2006 Chevrolet Colorado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Colorado buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 111,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Colorado years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Colorado | 21 | 213 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2025 Colorado | 20 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2024 Colorado | 22 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 125 |
| 2023 Colorado | 22 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 137 |
| 2022 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2021 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 87 |
| 2019 Colorado | 23 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 150 |
| 2018 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 183 |
| 2017 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 216 |
| 2016 Colorado | 25 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 714 |
| 2015 Colorado | 22 | 224.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 493 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →