The Chevrolet Colorado 4WD is young compared to its many counterparts on the market. Born in 2004, the Colorado replaced Chevrolet's earlier S10 pickup. Isuzu, a manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty trucks, assisted with the Colorado's fabrication. In 2005, Isuzu began selling its version of the Colorado, the i-Series. From the beginning, the Colorado has been available as either a regular cab or extended cab pickup. The buyer has always had a choice of either 2WD or 4WD. Not only that, Chevrolet has continuously manufactured the Colorado with either an automatic transmission or manual.

When the Chevrolet Colorado 4WD was initially released, it featured a Vortec 2800 4-cylinder or a Vortec 3500 5-cylinder engine. Either engine provided enough performance to haul and tow larger loads. However, the Vortec 3500 5-cylinder gave the 4WD the extra boost it needed to perform at the highest levels. The main reason that Chevrolet created the Colorado with a 4 or 5-cylinder engine is for fuel saving measures. In 2004, gas prices had already began to make their way on an uphill battle, and Chevrolet wanted to show America that their work truck could certainly respond to the increase in fuel costs.

The Colorado 4WD has not made any major changes since its inception in 2004. The extended cab version still boasts sedan-like roominess and comfort. A crew cab version has been available from the beginning; however, it was only offered with 2WD. While Chevrolet has created a pickup that does not have quite as much towing or hauling capacity as its competitors (pretty close, though), it has made a pickup that is incredibly affordable and works well for the occasional moving day.

In 2008, Chevrolet released its newest version of the Colorado 4WD, and not much has been altered. Chevrolet must be living by the motto, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." A few minor modifications have been implemented. The Colorado crew cab is now available with 4WD, and it also comes in a Z71 trim that offers superior suspension, a larger engine, tinted windows, automatic locks, and a CD player. While those additions may not seem like much, the Colorado has been known for its minimal accessories, so any technological advancements seem like major additions.

Though the Chevrolet Colorado 4WD is only in its fourth year, it is still going strong. Its sales are steady, and the buying public appreciates Chevrolet's attempt to provide an affordable truck that can perform on the road and save gasoline. Rising fuel costs, the escalating cost of living, and general financial strain have played a large part in Chevrolet's design of the Colorado. The Colorado 4WD is accessible to any buyer with a base MSRP of $16,050. That number puts the Colorado in the price point of many sedans on the sales lot and it is a welcome rate for many truck buyers.