There are numerous competitors in the compact-car segment, and this Chevy doesn't have an easy task:
Dodge Caliber SE, $16,395
Ford Focus S sedan, $15,699
Honda Civic DX sedan, $16,990
Hyundai Elantra L, $15,845
Kia Spectra LX, $15,695
Mazda3 GX (2010), $15,995
Mitsubishi Lancer DE, $16,598
Nissan Sentra 2.0, $14,998
Pontiac G5 XFE sedan, $15,745
Saturn Astra XE 5-door, $18,390
Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4-door, $20,995
Suzuki SX4 sedan, $17,395
Toyota Corolla CE (2010), $15,610
Volkswagen City Jetta, $16,900
Some models may seem expensive by comparison, such as the Astra and Impreza, but they include standard equipment that is optional in others. The Kia Spectra is about to be replaced by the 2010 Forte.
Conclusion
The Cobalt is a sympathetic car that offers a comfortable ride, decent interior space and good fuel economy. As for the XFE mods, the fuel-savings gain isn't that substantial, especially once you bolt winter tires on, so if you're more inclined towards a better-equipped LT, don't restrain.
Yet compared to quite a few rivals, the fit and finish of the Cobalt is underwhelming. It doesn't feel as refined or as its Civic, Mazda3 and Corolla arch-rivals. It doesn't feel as expensive as it costs. But this criticizm doesn't do the car justice; it does the job it's asked to do without complaint and is backed by a good powertrain warranty. That's why 60,000 Cobalt and G5 buyers chose them, and we can't argue with that.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Dodge Caliber SE, $16,395
Ford Focus S sedan, $15,699
Honda Civic DX sedan, $16,990
Hyundai Elantra L, $15,845
Kia Spectra LX, $15,695
Mazda3 GX (2010), $15,995
Mitsubishi Lancer DE, $16,598
Nissan Sentra 2.0, $14,998
Pontiac G5 XFE sedan, $15,745
Saturn Astra XE 5-door, $18,390
Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4-door, $20,995
Suzuki SX4 sedan, $17,395
Toyota Corolla CE (2010), $15,610
Volkswagen City Jetta, $16,900
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| The fuel-savings gain isn't that substantial, especially once you bolt winter tires on. |
Some models may seem expensive by comparison, such as the Astra and Impreza, but they include standard equipment that is optional in others. The Kia Spectra is about to be replaced by the 2010 Forte.
Conclusion
The Cobalt is a sympathetic car that offers a comfortable ride, decent interior space and good fuel economy. As for the XFE mods, the fuel-savings gain isn't that substantial, especially once you bolt winter tires on, so if you're more inclined towards a better-equipped LT, don't restrain.
Yet compared to quite a few rivals, the fit and finish of the Cobalt is underwhelming. It doesn't feel as refined or as its Civic, Mazda3 and Corolla arch-rivals. It doesn't feel as expensive as it costs. But this criticizm doesn't do the car justice; it does the job it's asked to do without complaint and is backed by a good powertrain warranty. That's why 60,000 Cobalt and G5 buyers chose them, and we can't argue with that.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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