The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD comes in a range of trims and is a carryover from 2007. This full-size pickup features aggressive styling, impressive fuel economy, and a wealth of options. Though its price is competitive with others on the market, some buyers might be drawn to the more contemporary design of other maker's pickups like the Honda Ridgeline. Nevertheless, with a number of engine choices and trim levels, the Colorado stands out from the crowd. And, while other makers are rumored to be in financial distress, Chevrolet keeps on truckin'.

Buyers can opt for the regular, extended, or crew cab. The crew cab is a four-door model that is a great pick for commercial use on the worksite. The two-door extended cab provides room for up to five passengers and is a good choice for commercial or private use. Under the hood, engine selections vary from a 185 horsepower 2.9L I4 to a 242 horsepower 3.7L I5 to a 300 horsepower 5.3L V8. While the I4 engine is not quite as powerful as other maker's choices, its 20 city MPG and 26 highway MPG is hard to beat.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the I4 and I5 trims, while a four-speed automatic is standard on the V8 trim. However, buyers can upgrade to the automatic transmission on the lower trims. While 2WD is standard on the pickup, consumers can opt for a 4WD version as well. The 2009 Colorado can tow up to 5,500-lbs and haul around 1,500-lbs.

Inside, the Chevrolet Colorado includes complete airbag protection, cruise control, a driver information center, and the OnStar program. OnStar is a safety system that features instant accident alerts, emergency services, roadside assistance, and handsfree calling. It also includes stolen vehicle location assistance. This allows OnStar representatives to provide law enforcement with the location of an owner's vehicle in the event that it is stolen, which also helps the authorities to find the suspects. However, buyers should be aware that only a one-year subscription is provided with the purchase of a Colorado, and after that trial buyers must pay a fee for the service. A three-month trial subscription to XM Satellite Radio is also included.

Taken as a whole, the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD is a solid truck with a great reputation. Those that are looking for a pickup with minimal frills will find that the Colorado is a great pick. However, if a buyer is looking for luxury additions and sophisticated technology, he or she might want to take a look at another model. With a base MSRP of $17,412, the Chevrolet Colorado is an affordable pick for buyers on a budget.