I am considering downsizing from a fullsize to a Colorado or Canyon. I'm sure I would opt for the I5 engine. 3.5 vs 3.7? When did the change in engine size come? Would some of you owners offer up a few opinions on power, fuel economy, things to look for, overall opinion please? I will buy used as I cannot afford new, any model years to avoid? Any model years more preferable for any reasons?

 

I would look for an 07 or above. That's the year the changed the engine. I have an 05 with 96,000 miles on it and haven't had any issues but I know the 3.5's are supposed to have some kind of issue with the head going bad. As far as fuel economy, I know I can get around 24mpg's on long trips but its really not anything special city driving. I think they started offering the 5.3 v8 in them in 09 and if I was to buy another one, that's what I'd be looking for.

 

I've owned a few compact truck. S15 and the Dodge Dakota. At that time of my life, they served me well.
But I found for ruffly the same purchase money and operating cost I could drive a full size now.
I'm not trying to talk you out of a compact truck. but I found I catch myself putting my foot in the throttle more often to get it to perform like a V8. ($$$$) out the window

 

Yeah depending on why you want to downsize, the fuel economy difference is actually negligable

 

I down sized from an 06 Avalanche to an 07 Colorado. I was much happier with a smaller truck. The only drawback I had was that there is not as much performance gear for the Colorado. Mine had the 3.7 I5 and had decent power. I was getting about 17-19 around the city and 23-25 out on the highway. It was a blast to drive. I bought it new and put 40K on the odometer. The only problems I had was one of the low side (daytime) headlight bulbs burnt out, and the battery went bad at about 31K. I would still have that truck if I hadn't lost my job and had to return it to the bank.