Chevrolet Cobalt Review

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LT Coupe Shown

If asked to name an economical, front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder compact car, chances are the average person would come up with an import, probably from Japan. However, the competent and quiet Chevrolet Cobalt is an example of America's ability to build a decent compact automobile as well.

True, the Chevy Cobalt doesn't really upset the pecking order in the compact car world; the imports, by and large, still offer better driving dynamics and interior build quality. However, the Cobalt beats most of its competitors when it comes to variety. It's available as a coupe or sedan, with four trim levels, three engines and two transmissions to choose from. As such, the diverse Cobalt lineup offers a good match for many types of buyers, from the relaxed and leisurely to the weekend hot-rodder.

Current Chevrolet Cobalt

The Chevrolet Cobalt is available as a coupe or sedan and comes in three trim levels: LS, LT and SS. The LS is the price leader, decently equipped with filtered air-conditioning, a CD player, XM Radio and a tilt steering wheel. More amenities, including full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, OnStar, leather upholstery and an upgraded Pioneer stereo are available on the upper trims.

Even when equipped with the base 2.2-liter, 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Chevy Cobalt can get out of its own way just fine, returning good fuel economy to boot. SS models get a,2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 260 hp while exacting a minimal penalty in fuel economy. Fun-seekers will likely be drawn to the high-spirited SS, which comes only with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional on all others.

In terms of safety, the Chevrolet Cobalt is a mixed bag. In contrast to some cars in this class, rear disc brakes and ABS are optional except on the highest trim levels. Side curtain airbags are standard, and the Cobalt has scored quite well in crash tests.

Small Chevrolet cars have rarely been known for the quality of their interiors, and the Cobalt doesn't do much to change this. In editorial reviews, the car has received negative commentary in regard to its hard plastics, inconsistent build quality and limited storage. On the positive side, the Cobalt's interior is nicely insulated from road and engine noise, and the front seats should be very comfortable for the majority of drivers and passengers.

Past Chevrolet Cobalt Models

The Cobalt debuted for the 2005 model year as a replacement for the long-running Chevy Cavalier, which was both smaller and of much poorer quality. The base and mid-trim Cobalt models have mostly stood pat through the years. The most significant changes for non-SS Cobalts have been the addition of side curtain airbags for 2008 (prior to that they were optional) and a boost in power (up from 145 to 155 hp) for the 2.2-liter inline-4 in 2009.

The SS versions, however, have had notable changes. At the Cobalt's debut there was the SS, which packed 205 supercharged hp along with a sport-tuned suspension. Then for 2006 there was a lower-priced SS with a 171-hp engine, so the supercharged SS was renamed, yes, the SS Supercharged. For 2008, the base SS was dropped, though its 171-hp engine saw duty in the new (and one-year only) Cobalt Sport. That year, the SS Supercharged was replaced by a turbocharged SS (just called the SS) with 260 hp. For 2009, an SS sedan joined the lineup.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.