The latest Chevrolet compact sedan is called the Cruze-- and it’s set to arrive on dealer lots any moment. Cruze replaces the Cobalt, which replaced long-lived Cavalier. Effectively, the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze kicks the Cobalt into used vehicle territory-- meaning that it’s time to put it under our used vehicle spotlight for a closer look.
Cobalt was available as a coupe or sedan between 2005 and 2010 inclusive, and it shared its platform and hardware with its corporate twin, the Pontiac Pursuit (which was later called the G5). Cobalt was available with numerous engine and driveline configurations-- all of which consisted of four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive.
Early models got a 2.2 litre powerplant with 145 horsepower, and a two-litre supercharged engine was also available with 205 horsepower. A bigger 2.4 litre, 171-horsepower engine was added to the lineup later in the Cobalt’s life, though it was later canned in favour of a revamped, 155-horsepower version of the 2.2 litre mill. Finally, a two-litre turbocharged engine made its way under the hood of the Cobalt SS (formerly Cobalt SS Supercharged) and cranked out 260 horsepower.
Note that earlier on, both “SS” and “SS Supercharged” models were available-- though the SS badge was later reserved only for the higher-performance models while the “Supercharged” designation was dropped.
Owners typically report that their Cobalts are easy to drive and deliver a nice and easygoing steering feel, a comfortable ride and higher-than-adequate levels of power with any of the larger engines on board. Decent fuel mileage is also reported, and numerous owners say their Cobalts ride with a stable and solid feel. Styling and all-around value round out the owner-stated positives.
Complaints include large doors on coupe models, which can make entering and exiting in tight quarters somewhat tricky. Limited rear seat space, cupholder design and low-budget interior trim materials finish the list of complaints.
Cobalt seems to have fared well when it comes to reliability, albeit a few small but noteworthy issues. The primary of these deals with an electric steering system failure, which could cause a loss of power assist. This may startle drivers and could result in an accident. Thankfully a recall addressed this situation-- as well as a potentially faulty shift cable that may prevent the vehicle from actually being in ‘park’ when the shift indicator suggested it was.
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| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Cobalt was available as a coupe or sedan between 2005 and 2010 inclusive, and it shared its platform and hardware with its corporate twin, the Pontiac Pursuit (which was later called the G5). Cobalt was available with numerous engine and driveline configurations-- all of which consisted of four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive.
Early models got a 2.2 litre powerplant with 145 horsepower, and a two-litre supercharged engine was also available with 205 horsepower. A bigger 2.4 litre, 171-horsepower engine was added to the lineup later in the Cobalt’s life, though it was later canned in favour of a revamped, 155-horsepower version of the 2.2 litre mill. Finally, a two-litre turbocharged engine made its way under the hood of the Cobalt SS (formerly Cobalt SS Supercharged) and cranked out 260 horsepower.
Note that earlier on, both “SS” and “SS Supercharged” models were available-- though the SS badge was later reserved only for the higher-performance models while the “Supercharged” designation was dropped.
Owners typically report that their Cobalts are easy to drive and deliver a nice and easygoing steering feel, a comfortable ride and higher-than-adequate levels of power with any of the larger engines on board. Decent fuel mileage is also reported, and numerous owners say their Cobalts ride with a stable and solid feel. Styling and all-around value round out the owner-stated positives.
Complaints include large doors on coupe models, which can make entering and exiting in tight quarters somewhat tricky. Limited rear seat space, cupholder design and low-budget interior trim materials finish the list of complaints.
Cobalt seems to have fared well when it comes to reliability, albeit a few small but noteworthy issues. The primary of these deals with an electric steering system failure, which could cause a loss of power assist. This may startle drivers and could result in an accident. Thankfully a recall addressed this situation-- as well as a potentially faulty shift cable that may prevent the vehicle from actually being in ‘park’ when the shift indicator suggested it was.
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| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |