![]() ![]() ![]() Reviewers are largely pleased with the Cobalt's suspension and steering, which the New York Times says are "better than most cars in this class. That's owner and environment friendly." Handling and Braking MSN finds the optional four-speed automatic somewhat lacking, noting that it "upshifts at about 70 mph and thus doesn't hold passing gear until 75 or 80 mph are reached for the quickest passing." A final plus is the Cobalt's oil-life monitor, which, as USA TODAY explains, allows the drivers to "change oil according to how you drive, not every 3,000 miles or 7,500 miles, according to the manual. However, an automatic is optional on all models except the SS Supercharged, which only comes as a manual with a short-throw shifter. "There's no coming on the cam feel, just rich, electric torque (max 200 pound-feet at 4400 rpm) across the rpm band courtesy of a Roots-type Eaton blower pumping 12 psi of boost." And reviewers positively heap praise on the most powerful SS Supercharged 205-hp engine option, which USA TODAY calls "heck on wheels, a first-rate screamer that'll surprise and delight you much of the time." The Auto Channel adds that the engine has "a degree of refinement not expected from an American entry in the sport-compact class."Įxcept the LTZ sedan, which is only available as an automatic, all engine models are paired with a five-speed manual transmission. "Don't bother to rev the SS to heady levels to make power the car builds speed fast, almost stealthily, and carries it well," compliments Motor Trend. Reviewers are more pleased with the next-level 173-hp SS engine. The Sacramento Bee says, "At a time of gas-pump-price shock, those are welcome numbers from an internal combustion engine." Another plus is that regular unleaded fuel is recommended. According to the EPA, the 2.2-liter manual transmission is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. ![]() Auto Mall USA says, "It was smooth, but never felt truly powerful until it was revving very high." New Car Test Drive says, "If you want enjoyment in your driving you'll have to step up to the SS models." Though power may be lacking, fuel economy is a plus. Automobile Magazine calls the base 2.2-liter DOHC Ecotec engine "quiet, a minor miracle in itself." USA TODAY reports, "The non-supercharged engine claims an adequate 145 horsepower, but feels as if it has more, even with several people aboard."īut some reviewers still feel it doesn't pack quite enough power. The SS upgrades to a 173-hp 2.4-liter high-output engine, and the high-performance SS Supercharged boasts a 205-hp 2.0-liter supercharged and intercooled engine. The base-model LS, three LT models and LTZ sedan pack a 148-horsepower 2.2-liter engine, which is an inprovement of 3 hp from the 2005 model. The 2007 Chevy Cobalt comes with three engine options. All in all, I might consider buying another of these cars if it had the features and appearance I wanted on one.The Cobalt receives praise for its good handling and stiff chassis, which the New York Times says is a "nice balance between cushy and responsive." Reviewers largely find that the Cobalt delivers spirited performance, though annoying exhaust noise is a repeated criticism. A few random cons for the Cobalt are: Trunk is hard to open, and lid is heavy mouth of trunk is too small to take in larger items that might otherwise fit backseat is very cramped with little legroom so plan on anyone other than a child or dwarf hating it. UNLIKE the Cavalier, which tend to fall apart piece by piece unless they are babied. I have noticed that the Cobalts have really good body integrity-usually even the 10 year old Cobalts still look good with no rust or bumpers falling off, etc. These cars have a smooth enjoyable ride but if you go over a raised bump you will definitely feel it, and do your best to avoid bumps as the front suspension is somewhat fragile in my opinion. If you do buy any year Chevy Cobalt, make sure you check that it has had the recalls taken care of, as all Cobalts were subject to a few recalls pertaining to the ignition/steering column. The Cobalt is a solid, attractive car that gets good gas mileage. ![]() It's possible that an 05-07 could have gotten them as an option, but most likely not. I would recommend getting a 2008-2010 Cobalt if you are concerned about the side crash test scores because they automatically came with side curtain airbags as a standard feature. The issues they have are similar to ones the Cavalier had, which are a cheap front suspension which will most likely require a few repairs, and a few safety issues, namely side crash test scores (poor without side curtain airbags). Overall, I think Chevy Cobalts are good cars. ![]()
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