![]() But a narrow trunk opening precludes the loading of bulky items. Rear passengers will find themselves short on leg room.Ĭargo space is good thanks to a standard split folding rear seat and strut-type lid hinges. Visibility is good in standard models, but trickier in Superchargeds due to that model’s tall rear spoiler. SS Supercharged has more-bolstered sport seats that snug occupants, but at the same time are not confining. ![]() Cobalts have adequate head and leg room, though tall drivers may find the seatbelt does not adjust high enough for best comfort. Supercharged models add a boost gauge on the left windshield pillar as well as stylish sport seats and metal-look cabin trim.ĭriver and front passenger comfort is typical compact-car fare. While there are still hard plastic surfaces to be found, they do not look or feel cheap. Interior materials are a big step up for General Motors compact cars. The 145-hp engine sounds harsh during acceleration, but calms down when at speed. These compacts are quiet enough while cruising, with supercharged models suffering coarse-surface tire thrum. ![]() SS Superchargeds are more athletic still. Base models tested showed good grip and quick steering. Handling also is above average for the class. SS Superchargeds have low-profile 18-inch tires and a sport suspension, making them feel harsh on rippled pavement. Note that 145-hp Cobalts use regular-grade fuel, and Chevy recommends premium for SS and SS Supercharged.Ĭobalts with optional 16-inch tires ride well, showing good stability over bumps. The SS Supercharged is similar to Saturn Ion Red Line, and that Saturn averaged 19.4 mpg in our test. Similar Ions with manual transmission averaged 24.9-25.4 mpg. We recommend getting the available limited-slip differential to minimize torque steer (unwanted pulling to the side) during acceleration.Ī test Cobalt LS sedan with automatic transmission averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. SS Supercharged feels as quick as Chevy’s quote of 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. Even with manual, a test 171-hp Ion doesn’t feel significantly faster than models with the 145-hp engine. Otherwise, these compact coupes and sedans were largely unchanged for what would likely be their final model year.Ĭobalt and similar Saturn Ion have adequate acceleration with either the 145- or 171-hp engine and manual or automatic transmission. The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt lineup lost its high-performance models. Newly available features on the 2009 Cobalt were a wireless cell-phone link and a USB port for controlling iPods. The 2.2-liter four in LS and LT models gained 7 horsepower for a total of 155, but the Sport model and its 171-hp 2.4 were dropped. This SS replaced the SS Superhcarged, which had 205 hp.Īn SS sedan joined the existing coupe for 2009, and all Cobalts got a few new features. SS was a coupe only, and it had a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The rest of the Cobalt lineup shuffled some model names and features. The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS marked the return of a high-performance model to this compact car’s roster. Also added were non-supercharged SS sedans and coupes, powered by a 171-hp 4-cyl engine. Base models were renamed LS, LS became the LT, and LT sedans became the LTZ. Other options included front side airbags packaged with curtain side airbags, sunroof, and OnStar assistance.Ĭhevrolet expanded Cobalt’s engine and model choices for 2006. Traction control was standard on LT and SS Supercharged, available on base and LS. ABS was optional on base models, standard elsewhere. Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, CD player, and 60/40 split folding rear seat were standard. SS Supercharged models had 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, and 4-wheel disc brakes. A 4-speed automatic was standard on the LT, optional on base and LS. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on base and LS models, mandatory on the SS Supercharged. Trim levels were base, LS, and LT for sedans base, LS, and SS Supercharged for coupes. Larger and costlier than Chevy’s Korean-built Aveo, Cobalt offered sedans and coupes that shared a basic structure with the Saturn Ion, though coupes didn’t have Ion’s rear access doors.
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