Mom's view: Small sedans always worry me because of their size. With cell phone gossiping SUV drivers untrained in the use of rear view mirrors waddling between lanes you tend to be on the defensive in diminutive vehicles such as the Cobalt. Fortunately, this Chevrolet has a goodly amount of safety features and handles well. Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, rear center shoulder belts, and the LATCH child seat retention system. All but the base model has ABS.
The other problem I had with the Cobalt is also a similar to those that other compact vehicles suffer from and that is a small fuel tank that holds just 13.2 gallons (US) thus making it necessary for you to stop to refuel after only 300 miles.
Chevrolet has produced a well-done interior that is far from cheap looking. Although the horn was recessed into the steering wheel hub making it difficult to use in emergency situations, the rest of the interior was fairly good. I did find the instruments difficult to read because of their small fonts and strange lighting. The door openings are a bit small and the seats need more thigh support, but there is little else to fault in this zippy Chevrolet. However, driving the Cobalt never made me forget this was a small car even though it had good visibility to the sides and front, and a sturdy ride. The brakes were adequate and the acceleration and passing ability were quite good and I never felt like I was not in control of the situation, but it would be difficult for a woman to leave an Impala sized sedan for the Cobalt. This is definitely a car for the younger set.
Overall, I would recommend this Cobalt, but I would pass on the base car and go with the upscale LT models that offer larger tires and four wheel disc brakes with ABS. The 4T45-E four-speed automatic does a good job and you don't pay much of a gas penalty when ordering one. As for option, I like satellite radio and OnStar and the upgraded MP3 stereo is a very good deal. The sports package and spoiler are reasonable, too.
Dad's view: This could be the best Chevrolet in recent years. It is priced right, performs well, and is fairly tight. I prefer the sedan to the coupe because it is easier to load and looks just as good. The supercharged SS coupe is a little over the top with its large rear spoiler, but it can hold its own with most anything in its front wheel drive price range.
Chevrolet really has outdone the competition with the Cobalt. It has class leading horsepower, interior space that is as good as anyone's, and only a little more attention to detail in the interior keep it from being king.
Driving the Cobalt revealed that most of the gauges were easy to read and the night lighting were more than adequate. The front headlights could use a little more lums. The seats were especially comfortable, in fact, the most comfortable of any General Motors outside of the sportier Cadillac. You can adjust them up or down as well as for rake and distance. Even those who have no problems dunking a basketball can find legroom.
Acceleration is good, but the engine is not as sophisticated as the competition and so the 145 horsepower does not feel that much more impressive than the others and really does not come online until nearly 5000 rpm are reached. Where is does shine is when you have the family onboard or when you are carrying a full load. The Civic and Corolla can't match the torque of the Cobalt. If you want to go fast the SS coupe with its 205-horsepower supercharged engine, is enticing, but I like the base 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine better and found it easier to live with.
The other problem I had with the Cobalt is also a similar to those that other compact vehicles suffer from and that is a small fuel tank that holds just 13.2 gallons (US) thus making it necessary for you to stop to refuel after only 300 miles.
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Overall, I would recommend this Cobalt, but I would pass on the base car and go with the upscale LT models that offer larger tires and four wheel disc brakes with ABS. The 4T45-E four-speed automatic does a good job and you don't pay much of a gas penalty when ordering one. As for option, I like satellite radio and OnStar and the upgraded MP3 stereo is a very good deal. The sports package and spoiler are reasonable, too.
Dad's view: This could be the best Chevrolet in recent years. It is priced right, performs well, and is fairly tight. I prefer the sedan to the coupe because it is easier to load and looks just as good. The supercharged SS coupe is a little over the top with its large rear spoiler, but it can hold its own with most anything in its front wheel drive price range.
Chevrolet really has outdone the competition with the Cobalt. It has class leading horsepower, interior space that is as good as anyone's, and only a little more attention to detail in the interior keep it from being king.
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Acceleration is good, but the engine is not as sophisticated as the competition and so the 145 horsepower does not feel that much more impressive than the others and really does not come online until nearly 5000 rpm are reached. Where is does shine is when you have the family onboard or when you are carrying a full load. The Civic and Corolla can't match the torque of the Cobalt. If you want to go fast the SS coupe with its 205-horsepower supercharged engine, is enticing, but I like the base 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine better and found it easier to live with.