For 2007, Chevy has dressed up Colorado's interior (all but the base-level W/T, that is) with chrome accents added to door handles, air outlet control knobs, front door sill inserts, small speaker bezels, and instrument cluster trim rings. The center stack and HVAC trim are now painted silver, and cloth has been added to the door insert padding.

Otherwise, however, Colorado's interior is swathed in hard plastic that's not finger friendly but should prove to be durable, important in a working truck. Inside door releases feel solid and sturdy, but have the same hard feel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is well cushioned, however, and feels good in hand and should remain comfortable for the long haul.

The optional front bucket seats are wide and soft, and lack lateral support, whether upholstered in cloth or leather.

Each door panel has a molded map pocket contoured for a bottle or can. The center console has cup holders that look capable of handling a variety of drink containers. The center armrest opens into a small storage space, big enough for a large wallet, but it wobbles when pushed. A small tray on the console is useful.

Instruments are traditional white-on-black with orange needles. They are easy to read and don't hide their functionality with artsy markings. This practical approach continues to the center stack. No ground-breaking innovation here, just straightforward knobs and dials that don't require a postgraduate degree to operate. Turning on the dome light requires fumbling around for a small thumbwheel, however, which we found difficult while navigating in pre-dawn darkness. For this reason, we recommend the optional electrochomic (automatic-dimming) rearview mirror, which features map lights, compass and outside temperature display. Light switches on mirrors often lead to thumbprints and frequent mirror adjustments, but in this case they're a step up.

The Crew Cab's back seat is surprisingly comfortable, particularly when compared with the back seats of old-generation compact Crew Cabs. There's a reasonable amount of leg room, especially with a little cooperation from those sitting in front, and the seat is comfortably high. The seatback angles back slightly, making it more comfortable than the bolt-upright backrest found in some other pickups. The wide cabin provides enough shoulder room for adult males, but don't expect the width of a full-size pickup. Getting in and out of the back seats is a little awkward because the door is relatively narrow and you have to swing your feet in to clear the wide B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors).

Forget about sitting in the back of an Extended Cab. It has back seats, but they're only good for hauling kids short distances. The rear seats flip down, providing a good place for cargo and with modifications it would be okay for a medium-size dog. The rear doors are rear hinged, meaning they swing open suicide-style.