My ZR2 Crush
One of my most-read posts was the one I did on my old Jeep Wrangler. This one is about my latest toy and an intentional attempt to raise readership. It is about my 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2, which is Crush orange in color. Ok, this is more than just a tactic to increase readership. I genuinely love automobiles and anything that moves and has an engine. Notice I didn’t say motor; the jury is still out on that, as the only fully electric car I have driven was not inspirational.
The ZR2 has received bad press on the internet and in automotive circles. Most are for transmission issues with the 8-speed automatic and the dreaded “shutter.” Others are for all types of stuff, including the backup camera, air-conditioning and steering rack. I am happy to report I have had none of these issues, and the only recall I have ever had is the early airbag deployment recalibration completed with a simple software update.
My automotive history is long and twisted, and I will likely save it for a future post, depending on how it goes. Let's just say I have had many vehicles, most of which have been in the Jeep / Dodge family, with a few Fords, a BMW, a Mini, a Toyota, a Suzuki and even a Honda thrown in. Being somewhat of an anti-Chevy person (mainly to spite my Father and Father-in-law), I have resisted for a long time. In spectacular car-person fashion, I received a call from a dealer friend, who insisted that I just “had to drive” this truck, and I took the ZR2 for a spin. Immediately I noticed the quiet cab and the superior ride comfort compared to my Jeep Wrangler. I swallowed my pride and made a trade demand for my Wrangler, I thought they would never come close to matching, and a few days later, I picked up my new ZR2.
Of course, I researched before buying the truck and had concerns about the transmission, but I was assured that the issues were resolved in the 2019s. Yeah right! For now, I am hanging on to my ZR2, and despite my dislike for Chevy, it is my favourite truck I have ever owned. Why, you ask? Here is the list:
- Comfort, it is the most comfortable midsize truck I have ever owned.
- Drivetrain, regardless of the concerns with the transmission, the drivetrain (at least for now) is great — of power and a smooth shifting transmission. Fuel economy is in the high 11’s to low 13's L/100km on the highway. Not great, but usually better than EPA at 100km/hr.
- ZR2 Package, the lift, DSSV shocks, and front and rear lockers have all worked flawlessly and made the truck a little more fun. The truck can go just about anywhere.
- Crush orange color — this is not for everyone, but it is definitely my favourite color for a truck.
- Proportions — I am not sure how old you are reading this, but ever since I was a kid and the first time I saw Back to the Future, I always loved Marty’s truck. This truck has similar proportions and reminds me of that truck. This might be why I bought it in the first place. I am not really sure.
- Performance and sound, this truck came with a performance intake and exhaust. It sounds great. I am not sure if it is more powerful than a stock truck, but it sounds better. That is enough for me.
- Price — and finally, this truck did not cost me an arm and a leg. I paid $49,854 plus tax for the truck, which didn’t seem like a bad deal considering that my 2016 Wrangler was $52,595.
- It's a midsize truck. It looks like a truck, drives like a truck, and functions like a truck, not a car or an SUV.
To further expand on this last point. A truck has a pan designed to carry stuff (duh). It has a function; for example, I have gotten myself a truck tent which adds a bunch of camping functionality with minimal cost and keeps the go-anywhere camping factor at a maximum. No camper to tow and a bed (literally) that is off the ground and safe(r) from nighttime critters.
If you need the functionality regularly, then you might need a truck. If you don’t buy a car, save your money and the extra operational costs. Or maybe even consider a small SUV.
Where from here? I have no plans for any modifications; the truck is just right from the factory (with the added intake and exhaust). A few people complain about the forward slant and opt for the levelling kit. But not for me, I grew up on cars and trucks with jacked-up rears, and the look works for me. Personal preference.
This year marks the end of the factory warranty. Will I venture into the unknown and trust the reliability of the ZR2, or will I opt for something different? I am not sure. I have thought about the new Ranger, but I don’t like the engine; it is cheaper on gas, but if you ask it to tow anything, it is anemic. A friend who used to own a 2018 Colorado now has the turbo Ranger and curses it every time he pulls his boat and has to climb anything larger than a speed bump.
The new ZR2 with the turbo? Not yet. I don’t trust that engine configuration, at least not right away. For now, it is the ZR2, even though I am pretty sure I still hate Chevys.
