Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon Toast?

[MikesZ]

Looks like GM is thinking of giving up on small trucks:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/24/r...small-pickups/

[nova]

Wouldn't suprise me. With their current capabilities there's not much point too them. No better fuel economy than a Silverado (the one with the 6 speed auto I looked at Sat claimed 22 or 23) for less payload and towing capacity.

If GM wants to make the best cars, that platform is one thats would need major work to keep around.

[DGthe3]

They're not going to introduce a replacement? Odd. I think that a well done small pickup could sell well. Fuel economy would be a priority, then towing (since you can't fit much in the bed anyway)

[comiskeybum]

ford is thinking about making the f-100 which would feature an ecoboost 4cyl approaching 30mpg. why cant GM go do something like that?

although Ford's F-100 is far from official and i could easily see ford nixing small pickups as well

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

They're not going to introduce a replacement? Odd. I think that a well done small pickup could sell well. Fuel economy would be a priority, then towing (since you can't fit much in the bed anyway)

...and a far more pleasing appearance...something akin to the SEMA Show version of a few years' ago, with wheel openings/styling and "fresh" facia that makes a more integrated fashion statement...

S/T buyers don't want/need 2000# payloads or 6000# Tow ratings. They want a smaller more eco-friendly TRUCK with acceptable power, better-than-Full-size fuel economy, and clean crisp appearance...and they'll buy 'em in respectible number$...

It's a W I D E open market, cuz NO ONE is meeting those demands, fully...

[MikesZ]

This little truck design looked very promising:

http://thelab.gmblogs.com/bare-necessity-truck/

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

ford is thinking about making the f-100 which would feature an ecoboost 4cyl approaching 30mpg. why cant GM go do something like that?

although Ford's F-100 is far from official and i could easily see ford nixing small pickups as well

F100 was cancelled. It was a cool idea, a striped down F150. But the execs then decided to keep beefing it up, to the point where it was almost an F150 again. But in doing so, they eliminated the gains they were trying to make and so they cancelled it. There is a new Ranger that has been seen lately though.

[jleinaweaver]

I bought a Canyon in 2004 when they first came out. Can't say I've ever been really impressed with it.

Noticed that they now have a V8 version of these trucks, that makes me wonder why? Might just as well buy a full size truck.

[n!ght r!der]

Originally Posted by MikesZ

This little truck design looked very promising:

http://thelab.gmblogs.com/bare-necessity-truck/

That truck looks like something out of a video game.. It's really cool tho. I'd buy it if I could drop a new engine in there or something.

[nova]

Originally Posted by jleinaweaver

I bought a Canyon in 2004 when they first came out. Can't say I've ever been really impressed with it.

I'm the same way with my '06. Its an ok truck but nothing spectacular. Thats why I'm getting a cheap junker for Lowes runs and hauling the dogs and trading the Colorado on a Camaro...

[Inspector 17]

I would think that with all the small trucks out on the roads, GM would want to stay in this market. Not everyone is comfortable with the driveability of a full-sized truck (parking in tight spots for example) and not everyone needs a full-sized truck. I think a good redesign could put them back in the mix.

[SleepWarz]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

They're not going to introduce a replacement? Odd. I think that a well done small pickup could sell well. Fuel economy would be a priority, then towing (since you can't fit much in the bed anyway)

I'd own one right now if they offered them with an optional ls3 or something.

[Russo]

ive spent several weeks building Canyon/Colorado's, Ranger, Dakota, Tacoma, etc mid size trucks.... the BEST truck for $ is the Dakota... if GM could slap a 6 speed auto with the 5.3/3.7 and make the truck more of a mid size than a light duty, it would sell SOO much better...

i'd like to see Ford redesign the Ranger the same way but use the Duratec 35 and optional Duratec 37 with 6 spd auto/manual...

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by SleepWarz

I'd own one right now if they offered them with an optional ls3 or something.

It would be the L92 in a truck, but they do offer a 5.3L V8 in some models.