Chevrolet introduced the first generation of the Colorado mid-size pickup in 2003, which received a refresh in 2009.
In 2007, the world economic crisis hit General Motors hard and barely dodged the bankruptcy bullet. With money going out of its pockets and losing the Saab and Opel brands in Europe, GM had to strengthen its position in its home market, and a refreshed pickup was considered a solution. And it worked.

Chevrolet built the mid-size pickup in three cabin sizes, with the Double-Cab as the longest cabin. The Colorado sported a new front fascia inspired by its bigger brother, the Silverado. Depending on the trim level, it offered a body-colored horizontal bar between the headlights that crossed over the grille and supported the bow-tie badge. Chevrolet installed a pair of regular doors in the back to make things easier for the rear-seat passengers.

Inside, the carmaker offered a base model with automatic transmission for the U.S. market but with cranked windows and a manual air-conditioning system. It provided the same comfort level as any other mid-size SUV from those times. The pickup could accommodate two occupants at the front and three in the back. However, the middle rear seat was more cramped due to the transmission tunnel than the outer ones. On the dashboard, Chevrolet installed a four-dials instrument panel, and on the center stack, it arranged the transmission buttons on top, followed by the audio system and the climate control dials on the bottom.

Under the hood, Chevrolet offered a choice of three engines ranged between 185 hp and 300 hp. Only the base model was available with a five-speed manual, while the carmaker paired the other two to a four-speed automatic.