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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

February 22, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The interiors...are attractive, if rather basic
Kelley Blue Book

Available Sport appearance package with spoiler, body molding, 17-inch wheels and other items
Cars.com

Neat, logical dashboard
ConsumerGuide

For 2009, Chevrolet has changed the model lineup and added an optional Sport Appearance Package to its compact Chevrolet Cobalt. However, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that Chevrolet needs to do more to make base versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt more visually exciting.

Reviewers at ConsumerGuide report that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt "comes as a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan in LS, LT, and high-performance SS trims," while also noting that "the SS sedan is new for 2009." The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is definitely the class standout in the styling department, and The Auto Channel says that it is "dressed up with unique front and rear fascias, slightly lowered ride height and increased track, special rocker molding, standard rear wing...and some great, vivid colors." Reviewers are less kind to the LS and LT trims, though, as Car and Driver rips into the "generic, character-free...exterior design" that they claim is "already a step behind the competition when the car launched in 2005." For those who don't want to shell out the extra money for a Chevrolet Cobalt SS but still want the better styling, ConsumerGuide states that the Sport Appearance Package adds the "fog lights, body cladding, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip...[and] polished alloy wheels" from the SS for just $795.

Despite the exterior differences on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt lineup, once you are behind the steering wheel, the styling story is the same for all Chevrolet Cobalts. The interior of this compact 2009 Chevrolet is functional, but certainly not at the cutting edge of interior design. ConsumerGuide reviewers appreciate the "neat, logical dashboard," although some of "the gauges [are] a tad small and recessed too far into the cluster for easy reading." Kelley Blue Book reports that "the interiors, crafted to offer five-passenger seating, are attractive, if rather basic." On the negative side once again is Car and Driver, where testers deride the "cheap-looking interior" on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Edmunds splits the difference between these opinions, finding that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has "a modern feel," but when "compared to the interiors of the Honda Civic or Saturn Astra the Cobalt's design seems rather bland."

Conclusion

Even with SS styling now optional across the lineup, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is in urgent need of a makeover—especially inside.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:The interiors...are attractive, if rather basicKelley Blue BookAvailable Sport appearance package with spoiler, body molding, 17-inch wheels and other itemsCars.comNeat, logical dashboardConsumerGuide For 2009, Chevrolet has changed the model lineup and added an optional Sport Appearance Package to its compact Chevrolet Cobalt. However, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that Chevrolet needs to do more to make base versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt more visually exciting. Reviewers at ConsumerGuide report that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt "comes as a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan in LS, LT, and high-performance SS trims," while also noting that "the SS sedan is new for 2009." The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is definitely the class standout in the styling department, and The Auto Channel says that it is "dressed up with unique front and rear fascias, slightly lowered ride height and increased track, special rocker molding, standard rear wing...and some great, vivid colors." Reviewers are less kind to the LS and LT trims, though, as Car and Driver rips into the "generic, character-free...exterior design" that they claim is "already a step behind the competition when the car launched in 2005." For those who don't want to shell out the extra money for a Chevrolet Cobalt SS but still want the better styling, ConsumerGuide states that the Sport Appearance Package adds the "fog lights, body cladding, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip...[and] polished alloy wheels" from the SS for just $795. Despite the exterior differences on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt lineup, once you are behind the steering wheel, the styling story is the same for all Chevrolet Cobalts. The interior of this compact 2009 Chevrolet is functional, but certainly not at the cutting edge of interior design. ConsumerGuide reviewers appreciate the "neat, logical dashboard," although some of "the gauges [are] a tad small and recessed too far into the cluster for easy reading." Kelley Blue Book reports that "the interiors, crafted to offer five-passenger seating, are attractive, if rather basic." On the negative side once again is Car and Driver, where testers deride the "cheap-looking interior" on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Edmunds splits the difference between these opinions, finding that the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has "a modern feel," but when "compared to the interiors of the Honda Civic or Saturn Astra the Cobalt's design seems rather bland." ConclusionEven with SS styling now optional across the lineup, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is in urgent need of a makeover—especially inside. 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "The interiors...are attractive, if rather basic" Cars.com: "Available Sport appearance package with spoiler, body molding, 17-inch wheels and other items" ConsumerGuide: "Neat, logical dashboard" For 2009, Chevrolet ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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