By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National July 1, 2008Vehicle Overview
Launched for 2005, the front-wheel-drive subcompact Cobalt comes in sedan and coupe body styles and is available with several engine, transmission and trim level options. The Cobalt's competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.
New for 2009
The Chevrolet Cobalt gets variable valve timing on its 2.2-liter engine in an effort to improve mileage. GM's OnStar communication system becomes standard on all models, and the high-performance SS model is available as a sedan.
Exterior
All Cobalt body styles feature a horizontally split grille with a gold bowtie badge. Built on a 103.3-inch wheelbase, the Cobalt measures a bit more than 180 inches long overall, making it longer than any of its competitors. At 67.9 inches wide, it's narrower than the Civic and Corolla but wider than the Focus by more than an inch. At 57.1 inches, the Cobalt is about half an inch taller than the Civic but still shorter than the Focus and Corolla.
- New wheel options in 15-, 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes depending on model
- High-performance SS model available in coupe or sedan
- Sport model dropped
- Available Sport appearance package with spoiler, body molding, 17-inch wheels and other items
- Different rear-end designs for sedans and coupes
Interior
With front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat, all Cobalts seat five occupants, and the trunk can be accessed from inside the car. On models with an automatic transmission, an optional remote start system allows drivers to start the engine with a key fob. Seats with heated, leather surfaces are optional on LT models, and SS models have unique interior trim bits. Bluetooth connectivity is available. Standard equipment includes:
- CD player with auxiliary input jack
- Air conditioning
- XM Satellite Radio on all models
- Driver information center
Under the Hood
LS and LT models use a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with new variable valve timing. GM says the engine will be more powerful and fuel-efficient, but it has not been tested for fuel economy. The SS model uses a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which uses direct injection. The LS and LT are available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, whereas the SS is only available with the manual.
- 155-horsepower, Ecotec 2.2-liter (150 pounds-feet of torque)
- 260-hp, turbo 2.0-liter (260 pounds-feet of torque)
- New final drive axle ratio improves fuel economy
- Four-wheel disc brakes on SS models
- Standard electronic stability control on SS models
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on 2LT and SS models and optional on LS models. Cobalts with the automatic gearbox and antilock brakes also have traction control.
- Free one-year subscription to OnStar, which alerts authorities in the event of a collision and provides crash data
- Side curtain airbags are standard on all models, but side-impact airbags for the front seats are not available
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Joe Bruzek | Cars.com National | May 14, 2009 |
| Joe Wiesenfelder | Cars.com National | November 17, 2008 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | July 1, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | April 30, 2009 |
| Tom Strongman | KansasCity.com | April 24, 2009 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | March 1, 2009 |
| Tom Strongman | KansasCity.com | November 15, 2008 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | September 14, 2008 |
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