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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Quality Review

February 22, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Front passengers enjoy good head, leg and elbow space
Kelley Blue Book

Textured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the class
ConsumerGuide

Comfy front bucket seats
Detroit News

While working within the constraints of assembling a cheap compact car, the designers at GM have done a decent job of creating a very livable car with a good, smooth ride, although seating comfort isn’t ideal.

Cars.com says that "with front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat, all Cobalts seat five occupants," and other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that occupants should have ample room. Kelley Blue Book reviewers claim that "front passengers enjoy good head, leg and elbow room." Consumer Guide agrees, but notes that not everyone will be comfortable, as "the seat cushions are a bit short for best thigh support," the "generous rearward travel gives good legroom for tall occupants." MyRide.com also points out that the Chevrolet Cobalt SS features "deeply bolstered sport seats," though some reviewers find them a bit too confining.

The rear seat of the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe is also wanting for space, and MyRide.com says that "you'll find the rear seat to be quite cramped" and "spacious accommodations are not on the menu here." Consumer Guide contends the story is similar in the sedan, and while it "matches its rivals for head clearance," the "legroom and foot space are tighter than in most competitors."

Trunk space in this 2009 Chevrolet gets much more love in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com; Consumer Guide states that "the trunk has good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks." Cars.com agrees and appreciates that "the trunk can be accessed from inside the car." Interior storage is nothing to sneeze at either, according to Kelley Blue Book, which reports that "in many recent vehicles, a large glovebox door opens onto a constricted storage space, but the Cobalt's glovebox is ample in size."

The interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt emphasizes practicality over substance, and its budget-car heritage is clear in the build and materials quality found on the Cobalt. Edmunds in particular disapproves of the "bargain-bin interior materials" and "mediocre fit and finish," while Car and Driver finds fault with the "shiny, poorly grained plastic." Not all reviewers are cut from the same cloth, however, and Consumer Guide reviewers feel that the "textured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the class."

With respect to ride quality, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, especially in its base trims, does well. Cars.com says that "the ride is surprisingly good, with only larger bumps and holes causing trouble," and Kelley Blue Book declares it "a surprisingly good ride." ConsumerGuide agrees, reporting that the "Cobalt's stout body structure allows even base models to have a comfortably controlled ride, even on patchy pavement," and they claim that "the SS is fairly stiff, yet it's not bone-jarring as might be expected from a factory-tuned performance car."

Ambient noise isn't a major problem in most driving situations for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. ConsumerGuide reports that "wind rush and most road noise is relatively low for the class," but many reviewers also point out that under hard acceleration, the harsh engine noise intrudes into the cabin, especially with the 2.2-liter powerplants.

Conclusion

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers decent comfort levels for a small car but has a long way to go to bring a feeling of refinement and quality.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Front passengers enjoy good head, leg and elbow spaceKelley Blue BookTextured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the classConsumerGuideComfy front bucket seatsDetroit News While working within the constraints of assembling a cheap compact car, the designers at GM have done a decent job of creating a very livable car with a good, smooth ride, although seating comfort isn’t ideal. Cars.com says that "with front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat, all Cobalts seat five occupants," and other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that occupants should have ample room. Kelley Blue Book reviewers claim that "front passengers enjoy good head, leg and elbow room." Consumer Guide agrees, but notes that not everyone will be comfortable, as "the seat cushions are a bit short for best thigh support," the "generous rearward travel gives good legroom for tall occupants." MyRide.com also points out that the Chevrolet Cobalt SS features "deeply bolstered sport seats," though some reviewers find them a bit too confining. The rear seat of the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe is also wanting for space, and MyRide.com says that "you'll find the rear seat to be quite cramped" and "spacious accommodations are not on the menu here." Consumer Guide contends the story is similar in the sedan, and while it "matches its rivals for head clearance," the "legroom and foot space are tighter than in most competitors." Trunk space in this 2009 Chevrolet gets much more love in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com; Consumer Guide states that "the trunk has good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks." Cars.com agrees and appreciates that "the trunk can be accessed from inside the car." Interior storage is nothing to sneeze at either, according to Kelley Blue Book, which reports that "in many recent vehicles, a large glovebox door opens onto a constricted storage space, but the Cobalt's glovebox is ample in size." The interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt emphasizes practicality over substance, and its budget-car heritage is clear in the build and materials quality found on the Cobalt. Edmunds in particular disapproves of the "bargain-bin interior materials" and "mediocre fit and finish," while Car and Driver finds fault with the "shiny, poorly grained plastic." Not all reviewers are cut from the same cloth, however, and Consumer Guide reviewers feel that the "textured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the class." With respect to ride quality, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, especially in its base trims, does well. Cars.com says that "the ride is surprisingly good, with only larger bumps and holes causing trouble," and Kelley Blue Book declares it "a surprisingly good ride." ConsumerGuide agrees, reporting that the "Cobalt's stout body structure allows even base models to have a comfortably controlled ride, even on patchy pavement," and they claim that "the SS is fairly stiff, yet it's not bone-jarring as might be expected from a factory-tuned performance car." Ambient noise isn't a major problem in most driving situations for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. ConsumerGuide reports that "wind rush and most road noise is relatively low for the class," but many reviewers also point out that under hard acceleration, the harsh engine noise intrudes into the cabin, especially with the 2.2-liter powerplants. ConclusionThe 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers decent comfort levels for a small car but has a long way to go to bring a feeling of refinement and quality. 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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