Colorado comes with three different suspensions: The rugged Z85 is the standard suspension and is available with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, so you don't have to get the fancy off-road model to get 4WD. The Z71 off-road suspension is available with 2WD and 4WD. Appropriately, the low-riding ZQ8 sport suspension is only available with 2WD. Each comes in base or LS trim, though equipment varies with the suspension package. Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab versions are available, though not every cab style is offered with every suspension/trim combination.
A 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard in most models, rated 175 horsepower. A 3.5-liter five-cylinder rated 220 horsepower is optional ($1,000). A five-speed manual transmission is standard with either engine, with a four-speed automatic ($1,095) optional. Exceptions are ZQ8 LS and Z71 LS Crew Cabs, which come only with the inline-5 and automatic.
The Colorado ($15,695) Z85 base model comes with air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, a 60/40 split-bench folding seat, anti-lock brakes, and 15-inch steel wheels. Upgrading to LS trim adds color-keyed carpets, a center armrest with storage, tilt steering column (on Extended and Crew Cab models), cruise control, CD player, bright interior accents, and 15-inch aluminum wheels with P205/75R15 tires (on Regular and Extended Cabs; Crew Cabs roll on slightly wider rubber). It's available as an extended cab ($18,040). The 4WD versions are available in both regular cab ($18,255) and extended cab ($20,600).
The ZQ8 Sport model ($17,040) rides about two inches lower than a base Colorado, and features a monochromatic paint scheme, fog lamps, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Otherwise it is equipped similarly to the base suspension/base trim model. It comes only with 2WD and rolls on P235/50R17 tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Sport LS ($18,570) adds bucket seats and a center console, cruise control, and other amenities from the base-suspension LS.
The Z71 off-road model ($17,330) packs an automatic-locking rear differential, P265/75R15 on/off-road tires, and a Smoke Gray grille and wheel flares to complement its high-riding, off-highway suspension. (Ground clearance at the rear differential is 7.5 inches.) Order 4WD and you get skid plates, too. Again, there's an LS version ($18,600) with trim and equipment upgrades, although bench seats remain standard.
Power windows, locks and mirrors are standard on Crew Cabs and optional ($500) on other models. Traction control is standard on 2WD LS Crew Cabs, and on all 2WD Z71s but optional on other 2WD models ($295). Curtain-style side-impact airbags designed for head protection come standard on LS Crew Cabs, but are optional on other models. New Gen 6 OnStar ($695) boasts easier hands-free operation and other refinements for 2005; it's available only with LS trim. LS Crew Cabs also offer optional heated, power-adjustable bucket seats with leather seating surfaces ($1,495).
Two commercial-fleet models are available as Regular Cab ($15,045) and Extended Cab ($17,390) versions of the base-trim, base-suspension, 2WD truck. They come with hose-it-out vinyl floor mats and base cloth seating, ideal for muddy-boot applications. Bumpers are painted, shocks are heavy-duty gas-charged units, and air conditioning is an extra-cost option. They're good trucks to buy for other people to drive.