The first-generation Chevrolet Colorado offered a factory inline-five in two versions: the 3.5L L52 from 2004 through 2006, followed by the 3.7L LLR, listed for Colorado applications from 2007 through 2012. It is a distinctive chapter in the Colorado’s history—not evidence that no other pickup anywhere has used a five-cylinder. The current 2026 Colorado uses a 2.7L TurboMax inline-four.
Which Colorado model years had a five-cylinder?
Chevrolet’s first-generation Colorado used a five-cylinder across two engine generations. GM’s 2004 technical kit identifies the original engine as an “In-Line-5,” with 3.5L (212 cubic inches) displacement and RPO code L52. GM then announced a larger 3.7L inline-five for the 2007 model year. An application guide lists Colorado 3.7L L5/LLR applications through 2012.
| Model years | Engine | Code | What the source establishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2006 | 3.5L inline-five | L52 | GM’s 2004 Colorado technical kit identifies the engine and displacement. |
| 2007–2012 | 3.7L inline-five | LLR | GM announced the engine for the 2007 model year; an application guide lists Colorado applications through 2012. |
Sources: GM/Chevrolet 2004 Colorado Restoration Kit, GM’s 2007 engine announcement, reproduced by The Auto Channel, and the Sun Workshop Solutions application guide. The guide’s version date is not stated in the retrieved text.
How the Colorado’s five-cylinder changed
2004–2006: 3.5L L52
The L52 was the Colorado’s original inline-five. GM’s 2004 technical kit is a primary archival source for its configuration, displacement and RPO code. These details help distinguish it from later trucks, but do not by themselves establish that the engine was available in every trim or drivetrain configuration.
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2007–2012: 3.7L LLR
For the 2007 model year, GM announced new, larger-displacement inline engines for the Colorado and GMC Canyon: a 2.9L four-cylinder and a 3.7L five-cylinder. The application guide lists Colorado 3.7L L5/LLR applications from 2007 through 2012. Together, these sources support an updated and larger five-cylinder during the first-generation run; they do not establish every year’s output, internal redesign details or universal trim availability.
When identifying a specific truck, verify its model year and engine through its VIN/RPO information and vehicle documentation. Engine, drivetrain and trim combinations can vary.
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What happened to the inline-five in today’s Colorado?
The five-cylinder belongs to the first-generation truck’s history, not the current engine lineup. Chevrolet describes the 2026 Colorado as powered by a 2.7L TurboMax inline-four on its current Colorado model page.
What used-truck buyers should check
Documented early valve-seat concern
A GM special coverage notice describes intake-valve-seat wear in some 2004–2005 Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks equipped with either the 2.8L four-cylinder or 3.5L five-cylinder. The wear could cause combustion leakage. The notice documents a condition in some vehicles; it does not establish that every L52 truck failed or that repairs remain covered today. See the GM special coverage notice.
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Practical checks before buying
- Confirm the truck’s engine and model year using VIN/RPO information and its documentation.
- Review service and repair records, including any work related to the valve-seat condition.
- Arrange an independent inspection; assess maintenance, rust, drivetrain condition and suitability for your intended use.
- Use a repair reference matched to the truck’s year, engine and drivetrain. Check the manual’s listed coverage before relying on it; a general Colorado manual may not cover every inline-five application.
What the available specifications do—and do not—tell you
The documented engine timeline is not a year-by-year buying or performance comparison. The sources cited here do not establish a consistent series of horsepower, torque, fuel-economy or towing figures, nor do they provide a comparative reliability ranking. Avoid comparing trucks on those measures without data matched to the exact model year, engine and configuration. A truck’s rated figures also cannot substitute for its observed condition and service history.
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- METAL + ENAMEL - Crafted from durable metal and enamel for a premium feel that is lightweight yet built to last. This Colorado key chain feels sturdy, detailed, and collectible-quality.
- PERFECT SIZE & LIGHTWEIGHT - Designed for everyday comfort at approximately 2” x 1.3”. Compact enough for pockets while still making a bold statement for Colorado enthusiasts and pickup truck owners.
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