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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Bottom Line

February 22, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

The experienced reviewers at TheCarConnection.com picked the best, most useful information to share regarding the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven the Cobalt and pass along their observations and advice.

Likes:

  • Smooth ride
  • Road noise is quite absent
  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Spacious trunk

Dislikes:

  • Engine noise
  • Steering feels vague
  • Drab interior
  • Uncomfortable seats
  • No thorax side airbags offered

Buying Tips:


The Pontiac G5 has an almost identical mechanical layout to the Cobalt coupe, with a similar price, and you may like the G5's styling better.

The Cobalt is Chevrolet’s family of compact coupes and sedans, and it returns for 2009 with only minimal changes. Last year, the big news was the expansion of the high-performance SS to the sedan body style, rather than just the coupe, and mid-year, new more fuel-efficient XFE models joined the lineup.

Three trim levels are offered on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt: LS, LT, and SS. The first two feature a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower, which is up by 7 horsepower compared to 2008. Chevrolet Cobalt SS models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Chevrolet has applied the efficiency gains of the XFE model to the entire non-SS Cobalt lineup, which means that all models will get a significant fuel economy boost compared to last year's model. Thanks to a taller drive ratio and variable valve timing, the EPA estimates that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will get 37 mpg on the highway and a respectable 25 mpg in the city.

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS has a different personality altogether, with abundant power on tap from a 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that shares much of its fundamentals with the engine in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Brembo front brakes, stability control, and side airbags, along with a new body kit, are standard on the SS. With a new five-speed manual transmission, it can scoot to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds.

Performance from the base versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is quite perky—provided you’re traveling on a relatively straight road. But the Cobalt’s normally aspirated four-cylinder engines are neither as smooth nor as quiet as most other engines in its class. Get to curves and the Cobalt’s electric power steering maintains a light, detached feeling that’s not at all confidence-inspiring. A soft suspension calibration for the base models doesn’t help either, though ride quality is good.

The interior packaging of the Cobalt is a bit odd compared to rivals and, dare we say, a bit retro. The seats are mounted low and oddly proportioned in front, inviting a driving position that’s more reclined than most drivers want, while the backseat is also low and cramped; it's split, and it folds forward to expand the already generous trunk space. The interior overall is quite drab and plasticky, but the instrument panel area itself is very clean, straightforward, and well designed.

Last year's Sport package becomes the Performance Appearance Package and is available on 2LT models; it includes a rear spoiler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, stainless-steel exhaust with chrome tips, fog lamps, white-face gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shifter knob. XM is installed free of charge across the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt line.

Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard on the 2LT and SS, but ABS is optional on the rest of the line, and stability control isn't otherwise available. Safety ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt aren’t stellar either. In NHTSA tests the sedan scores just three stars in the side driver category; in other categories the Cobalt gets four and five stars. The IIHS awards the highest rating of "good" for frontal offset impacts and "acceptable" in side impact tests.

The Cobalt has unimpressive resale value and, according to Consumer Reports, one of the lowest rates of satisfaction of any small car, which is another reason to be wary, but the Cobalt's five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty—backed by Chevrolet dealerships everywhere—is enviable.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, also consider:

Reason Why:

Nearly all of the Cobalt's rivals have been redesigned in recent years, and most of them offer a more desirable overall package. Although the Cobalt has a decent ride, many buyers will be happier with the crisper handling provided by the Honda Civic or Ford Focus. Like the Cobalt, the Ford Focus and Honda Civic are available in coupe or sedan versions; the Ford Focus was just restyled for 2008 and has a very refined, attractive, and quite roomy interior, while the Civic feels especially nimble and responsive on the road, though it's tight on backseat headroom. The Sentra, Elantra, and Corolla are each very well-designed small sedans, conservative and basic but more refined and just as roomy—and in the case of the Elantra, especially smooth and refined. All of these rivals have a better-appointed interior than the Cobalt.

The Bottom Line:

The price is right for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, yet most of its competitors offer a better overall value.

The experienced reviewers at TheCarConnection.com picked the best, most useful information to share regarding the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven the Cobalt and pass along their observations and advice. Likes:Smooth rideRoad noise is quite absentImpressive fuel economySpacious trunkDislikes:Engine noiseSteering feels vagueDrab interiorUncomfortable seatsNo thorax side airbags offeredBuying Tips: The Pontiac G5 has an almost identical mechanical layout to the Cobalt coupe, with a similar price, and you may like the G5's styling better. The Cobalt is Chevrolet’s family of compact coupes and sedans, and it returns for 2009 with only minimal changes. Last year, the big news was the expansion of the high-performance SS to the sedan body style, rather than just the coupe, and mid-year, new more fuel-efficient XFE models joined the lineup. Three trim levels are offered on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt: LS, LT, and SS. The first two feature a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower, which is up by 7 horsepower compared to 2008. Chevrolet Cobalt SS models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Chevrolet has applied the efficiency gains of the XFE model to the entire non-SS Cobalt lineup, which means that all models will get a significant fuel economy boost compared to last year's model. Thanks to a taller drive ratio and variable valve timing, the EPA estimates that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will get 37 mpg on the highway and a respectable 25 mpg in the city. The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS has a different personality altogether, with abundant power on tap from a 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that shares much of its fundamentals with the engine in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Brembo front brakes, stability control, and side airbags, along with a new body kit, are standard on the SS. With a new five-speed manual transmission, it can scoot to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds. Performance from the base versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is quite perky—provided you’re traveling on a relatively straight road. But the Cobalt’s normally aspirated four-cylinder engines are neither as smooth nor as quiet as most other engines in its class. Get to curves and the Cobalt’s electric power steering maintains a light, detached feeling that’s not at all confidence-inspiring. A soft suspension calibration for the base models doesn’t help either, though ride quality is good. The interior packaging of the Cobalt is a bit odd compared to rivals and, dare we say, a bit retro. The seats are mounted low and oddly proportioned in front, inviting a driving position that’s more reclined than most drivers want, while the backseat is also low and cramped; it's split, and it folds forward to expand the already generous trunk space. The interior overall is quite drab and plasticky, but the instrument panel area itself is very clean, straightforward, and well designed. Last year's Sport package becomes the Performance Appearance Package and is available on 2LT models; it includes a rear spoiler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, stainless-steel exhaust with chrome tips, fog lamps, white-face gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shifter knob. XM is installed free of charge across the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt line. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard on the 2LT and SS, but ABS is optional on the rest of the line, and stability control isn't otherwise available. Safety ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt aren’t stellar either. In NHTSA tests the sedan scores just three stars in the side driver category; in other categories the Cobalt gets four and five stars. The IIHS awards the highest rating of "good" for frontal offset impacts and "acceptable" in side impact tests. The Cobalt has unimpressive resale value and, according to Consumer Reports, one of the lowest rates of satisfaction of any small car, which is another reason to be wary, but the Cobalt's five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty—backed by Chevrolet dealerships everywhere—is enviable. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, also consider:Ford FocusNissan SentraHonda CivicHyundai ElantraToyota CorollaReason Why:Nearly all of the Cobalt's rivals have been redesigned in recent years, and most of them offer a more desirable overall package. Although the Cobalt has a decent ride, many buyers will be happier with the crisper handling provided by the Honda Civic or Ford Focus. Like the Cobalt, the Ford Focus and Honda Civic are available in coupe or sedan versions; the Ford Focus was just restyled for 2008 and has a very refined, attractive, and quite roomy interior, while the Civic feels especially nimble and responsive on the road, though it's tight on backseat headroom. The Sentra, Elantra, and Corolla are each very well-designed small sedans, conservative and basic but more refined and just as roomy—and in the case of the Elantra, especially smooth and refined. All of these rivals have a better-appointed interior than the Cobalt. The Bottom Line:The price is right for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, yet most of its competitors offer a better overall value. The experienced reviewers at TheCarConnection.com picked the best, most useful information to share regarding the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven the Cobalt and pass along their observations and advice. Likes: Smooth ride Road noise is quite ...

Other Choices:

Nearly all of the Cobalt's rivals have been redesigned in recent years, and most of them offer a more desirable overall package. Although the Cobalt has a decent ride, many buyers will be happier with the crisper handling provided by the Honda Civic or Ford Focus. Like the Cobalt, the Ford Focus and Honda Civic are available in coupe or sedan versions; the Ford Focus was just restyled for 2008 and has a very refined, attractive, and quite roomy interior, while the Civic feels especially nimble and responsive on the road, though it's tight on backseat headroom. The Sentra, Elantra, and Corolla are each very well-designed small sedans, conservative and basic but more refined and just as roomy—and in the case of the Elantra, especially smooth and refined. All of these rivals have a better-appointed interior than the Cobalt.

Next Steps:

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See the Chevrolet Cobalt in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (5 total)

  1. By Mark #1, Posted: 1/29/2009

    CobaltSSbuilder

    Ford focus does not compare with Cobalt's handling. See Nurburgring results.

  2. By  JennyBart #2, Posted: 4/17/2009

    Make-over needed but...

    Almost everyone agrees that the Chevy Cobalt drives really nice. Some known problems with the cylinders here and there, but at the low price, you get more than what you pay for if it comes to looks.

  3. By Trey #9, Posted: 7/27/2009

    With gas prices on the rise many Americans are adding small cars to their consideration list. Import brands like Honda and Toyota have long held the dominant position in the subcompact category, but what about buyers who prefer to shop the domestic brands? Enter the Chevrolet Cobalt, an American take on the small car.
    While previous small General Motors like the Chevy Cavalier might give you pause, the Chevrolet Cobalt is a different animal. Good fuel economy, attractive styling and high value make the Cobalt worthy of consideration.
    A quick look at the average number of days a Cobalt sits on the lot (around 60) suggests that good deals can be found if you make dealers compete. Tip: When you go into the dealership, use these magic words: "out the door price." It is the price you will pay after all fees, taxes, incentives, etc. The other prices are generally teaser rates. If you want the real deal, use this process: http://excarsalesman.typepad.com/cars/chevrolet-cobalt/

  4. By Mike Emerson #30, Posted: 8/19/2009

    OK, honestly.....
    I made it to the 2nd paragraph, and saw the term, base model and exciting visually.
    We need to get real. One thing I have learned by living in Huntsville, as compared to Detroit, is that people DO NOT CARE about visually exciting cars. These folks drive Camry's and Corolla's. Why? Utilitarianism. There are many down here that buy a white Camry, or Corolla, and just drive them, and refer to them like an appliance, such as the microwave, or a toaster. They wash them maybe twice per year, and only after a dusting of snow where the salt spray has been applied. Visually exciting? Whatever. How about a car that gets 40+ per gallon, has manual windows, and never, ever breaks down, EVER. Oh, and costs around 12K, out the door.
    The perfect appliance.

  5. By Freddy #31, Posted: 10/27/2009

    I just bought a 2009 Cobalt LS one month ago and I love it! Yes, it is pretty plain, but sure is a lot of fun to drive! Great gas mileage! Very comfortable and powerful little engine!

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