Time to head to Colorado

Has the cost of owning and operating a light-duty pickup got you down? Then maybe it's time to head to Colorado.

Getting the job done doesn't always entail plowing around in a full-size truck. For less strenuous activities, something less bulky, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, is a perfectly reasonable solution that can save you money over the long -- and short -- haul. It could also be considered a tempting second-vehicle choice, or even a replacement for your not-so-fuel-efficient sport utility vehicle.

The Colorado, along with its nearly identical GMC Canyon counterpart, first arrived for the 2004 model year and has since received numerous styling and mechanical upgrades. They're not quite big enough to be considered midsize (that's Dodge Dakota territory), but they closely copy their full-size Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra stable mates by offering regular-, extended-cab (with two rear access openings) and four-door crew-cab styles, rear- and four-wheel-drive availability on all versions, plus a wide variety of trim levels and power choices. A 6-foot-long cargo bed is standard on regular- and extended-cab models, while a 5-foot box comes with all crew cabs. With a 57-inch-wide box, the Colorado passes the 4-foot-wide building-material test, but not between the wheel housings where it's just 43 inches across. This key dimension is often where big and small trucks are often compared and could be a sticking point.

Chevrolet has done a good job creating an attractive design for its junior pickup, even though it remains similar looking to the previous-generation full-size Silverado. Still, the look wears well and Chevy's trademark split grille and fender flares give the Colorado an all-in-the-family presence.

Of course hauling capacities are not as great as on larger pickups, but the Colorado can still transport up to 1,400 pounds of cargo and tow up to 6,000 pounds of trailer. Exactly how much loading and pulling you can do is affected by your choice of powertrains. The base engine is a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder that produces 190 pound-feet of torque. A 242-horsepower 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is optional. Here, the fuel penalty when compared with the 2.9 is just 1 mile per gallon. The brute-force champ is the 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8, available on extended and crew cabs only. At 15 mpg city and 21 highway, it gives up just 2 mpg to the 3.7. Installing the 5.3 in a compact pickup weighing about 1,000 pounds less than a comparably equipped Silverado promises spirited performance no matter the load, although fuel economy is surprisingly close.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on both four- and five-cylinder trucks, while a four-speed automatic is optional, but standard on the V-8.

Buyers can also select from three available suspension setups with the off-road-oriented Z71 providing more than 11 inches of ground clearance.

The base 1LT Colorado is somewhat content-deprived, but does have air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise control and previously optional head-curtain airbags. Four-wheel-drive trucks come with a two-speed transfer case (low range) and protective skid plates, while a special work truck package deletes some of the standard stuff to save a few bucks.

Move up to the more complete 2LT and cruise control and keyless remote entry are added, along with chrome wheels and power windows, locks and outside mirrors.

From here the sky is literally the limit, with a power sunroof, heated bucket seats, leather interior and premium audio systems among the extra-cost goodies. There are also plenty of option groupings available, from severe off-road to the bodyside-cladded-and-big-wheels look that will further personalize your pickup.

With a significantly lower price than a full-size pickup and better fuel economy, the compact Colorado is an appealing alternative to get the job done, because although times might be tight, the job still needs to get done. Compared to a larger truck, it's also better suited for wriggling in and out of traffic, it's easier to park and, with the right powertrain and cab style, is even better looking and a ton more fun to drive.

So, who's heading to Colorado?