🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Colorado

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

Generation Code:

GMT355

Generation Years:

2004-2012

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile, mid-size pickup truck for work, recreation, and everyday use.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota

Vehicle Philosophy:

Known for its ruggedness, capability, and value proposition within the compact pickup segment.

Standout Attributes:

Strong chassis, available powerful inline-4 and inline-5 engines, durable interior, and towing/hauling capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Format:

Digital PDF

Language:

English

Source:

Original Factory Owners Manual

Availability:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Driver Information System (Instrument Cluster), HVAC (Climate Controls), Lighting System, Door Locks & Security System, Occupant Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Powertrain Operation, Chassis Systems, Electrical Accessories, Fluids and Lubrication, Emissions Control System

Procedures Included:

Basic operation, dashboard warning lights, climate control usage, exterior/interior lighting functions, key fob operation, child seat installation, proper driving techniques, troubleshooting common indicators, vehicle cleaning, routine maintenance checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid refill procedures, battery maintenance, tire pressure checks, basic part identification, accessory installation guidelines

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, including routine checks, fluid specifications, capacities, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth mechanical repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Software Requirements:

PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable depending on PDF source quality

Print Quality:

Digital Reproduction (quality depends on original scan)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

2.9L LLV (300 Series)

Engine Type Base:

Inline-4, DOHC

Displacement Base:

2921 cc (178.3 cu in)

Horsepower Base:

185 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Base:

190 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Engine Code Optional:

3.7L LH7 (370 Series)

Engine Type Optional:

Inline-5, DOHC

Displacement Optional:

3700 cc (226 cu in)

Horsepower Optional:

242 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Optional:

240 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Cooling:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

126.9 in (3223 mm)

Wheelbase Crew Cab:

139.0 in (3531 mm)

Overall Length Short Bed:

192.4 in (4887 mm)

Overall Length Long Bed:

204.4 in (5192 mm)

Width Excluding Mirrors:

74.7 in (1897 mm)

Height:

70.1 in (1780 mm)

Bed Length Short Bed:

61.1 in (1552 mm)

Bed Length Long Bed:

73.2 in (1859 mm)

Bed Width Between Wheelwells:

45.2 in (1148 mm)

Curb Weight Est Min:

3800 lbs (1724 kg)

Max Payload Capacity Est:

1500 lbs (680 kg)

Max Towing Capacity Est:

5400 lbs (2449 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

4 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

4 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Good (for models with certain structural improvements)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes or front disc/rear drum depending on configuration)

Traction Control:

Available

Stability Control:

Not widely available on this generation

Airbags Standard:

Frontal airbags

Airbags Optional:

Side-impact airbags (curtain and/or seat-mounted)

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Latch System:

Standard on rear seats (where applicable)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Base:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, 4 speakers

Audio System Optional:

Upgraded audio systems with more speakers, MP3 compatibility, and satellite radio readiness (XM Radio).

Auxiliary Input:

Available on select models/trims

Cruise Control:

Available

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Available on some higher trims

Onstar:

Available on select models, offering safety and communication services.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000-45,000 miles or sooner if dirty).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect annually, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs Replacement:

Typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.9L:

5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter change

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with filter change

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool (Orange, extended life)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GM Synchromesh Friction Modified (e.g., ACDelco 10-4053 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron VI (e.g., ACDelco 10-9328 or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid (e.g., ACDelco 10-5037 or equivalent)

Differential Fluid Type Rear Rwd:

SAE 80W-90 (GL-5 rated, may require friction modifier for limited-slip)

Transfer Case Fluid 4Wd:

GM Auto-Trac Transfer Case Fluid (e.g., ACDelco 10-4025 or equivalent)

Common Problems:

Some common issues reported include minor electrical gremlins, potential for the 3.7L engine's timing chain tensioners to wear, and occasional issues with the tailgate latch or door handles. Rear main seal leaks have also been noted on some models.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check fluid levels, maintain proper tire inflation, and address any unusual noises promptly. The manual's detailed fluid specifications are crucial for preventing premature wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Lineage:

Chevrolet has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Task Force series and beyond. The Colorado continues this legacy in the modern compact segment.

Generation 1 Introduction:

The GMT355 platform was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the S-10 pickup. It was developed in conjunction with the GMC Canyon.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 model year saw minor updates, including refinements to available features and potentially minor styling tweaks, though the core platform remained consistent with the prior years.

Manufacturing Locations:

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA; Wentzville, Missouri, USA

Global Availability:

Sold globally under various Chevrolet and Isuzu badges (e.g., Isuzu i-370).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:

The Colorado (and Canyon) platform often received positive mentions from automotive publications for its capability and value in its class during its initial years.

Fuel Economy Est City:

Approx. 16-18 MPG (2.9L RWD)

Fuel Economy Est Highway:

Approx. 20-23 MPG (2.9L RWD)

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model year and market.