2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

Chevrolet Cobalt Introduction :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt priced at MSRP: $14,990 – $23,525 is one of the top five best selling cars in the US.  Affordability is the prime reason which makes it one of the best sellers. It is a very popular car in spite of having tough competition from its contenders.

Chevrolet Cobalt Basic Style :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is available in two options viz. two door coupe or four door sedan body styles. They are available in three different trim levels such as LS, LT, and high performance SS levels. The SS model is a new additional to the existing Cobalt line up and stand out in their exterior styling.  It is well dressed with great exterior colors along with unique front and rear fascias. The slightly lowered ride height and special rocker molding enhances its appearance. The LS and LT trims lacks behind in such exterior blessings. Chevrolet offers an option of the Sport Appearance Package to all those individuals who wish to buy a stylish looking car but do not wish to shell out extra money for buying the SS model. The sports package adds quite a few features at an affordable cost of $795. The sports package includes fog lights, polished alloy wheels, body cladding, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tip.

The interiors of the Cobalt are quite functional. The dashboard is neatly and logically places along with a few important control features. The inner cabin is simple and can comfortably seat five passengers .The interiors offer a tinge of modernity but seems rather bland if they are compared to its competitors.

Chevrolet Cobalt Features :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has added a galore of options to the list of features that are included in this model to reach all the tech savvy segment of people. The features vary according to the trims but the standard features that are included in all the trims are 15 inch steel wheels with wheel covers, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, USB port for ipod connectivity, satellite radio and an auxiliary radio jack. It also includes one year of OnStar services. The LT trim includes additional features such as keyless entry system, cruise controls, power accessories, upgraded front seats and front seat armrest. Chevrolet offers options like the 2LT package to all those who wish to buy high tech vehicle at affordable cost. The 2LT package includes automatic transmission, 16 inch aluminum wheels, four wheel antilock brakes, cruise controls, remote vehicle starter system and body color side moldings. The LT models allows the buyer to upgrade to the Sport Package.

The premium SS model includes 18 inch wheels, turbocharged engines, Brembo front brakes, sport tuned suspensions, sport seats covered with suede like material and Blue tooth. The various optional features are included in packages and there are very few standalone features that are available for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The navigation system is totally omitted and is not available in the options list also.

Chevrolet Cobalt Performance :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers improved performance and handling in the SS models while the LS and LT models offer apathetic performance. The LS and LT models are equipped with 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with new variable valve timing that generates 155 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. The Cobalt SS version uses a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes an impressive 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The LS and the LT versions are equipped with five speed manual transmission while a four speed automatic transmission is optionally available. The manual and automatic transmission both offer reasonably good performance. During our test drive we found that the SS model moved from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The brakes were also very functional and provided good stopping controls. The engine was found to be a bit coarse and the exhaust made louder noise which was not very appealing. The fuel economy was also very impressive. The Chevrolet Cobalt 2009 has introduced variable valve timing which addresses the fuel efficiency problem. It has been estimated that the base model with automatic transmission offers 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined while manual transmission versions offer 25 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. The SS model returns 22 mpg on city levels, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.Overall we can say that the base model is not very stunning but the SS model offers a great value for money with its impressive performance.

Chevrolet Cobalt Quality :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has been well designed to offers comfortable seating for five passengers. The front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat offers passengers ample of room. The front as well as the rear passengers enjoys spacious headroom and leg space which makes it ideal for taller passengers also. This model offers ample of storage in the trunk space via folding rear seat backs. The storage can be easily accessed from the inner side of the cabin also which can be noted as an additional benefit.

The interiors of the cabin are designed with textured surface and cloth fabrics which offer a mediocre look. It may not be the best of its class but is neither disappointing. The 2009 Chevrolets Cobalt’s sturdy body structure offers a smooth ride even in the base models. The inner cabin noise was not noted as a major a problem when we test drove the car,Overall the 2009 cobalt offers pretty good comfort levels but need to work on a few flaws to become the best of its class.

Chevrolet Cobalt Safety :

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers very standard safety features such as full-length side curtain airbags, anti skid system and tire pressure monitor. Antilock brakes are standard on SS models and optional on the LS and LT versions. All models with the automatic gearbox and antilock brakes also have traction control.  The Chevrolet Cobalt offers high seating position which offers better all round visibility to the driver which in turn reduces the risk of accidents.

During the various tests conducted to check the efficiency of the safety features the scores varied depending upon the body style. Both the Cobalt coupe and sedan scored four stars for front impact driver protection and five for front impact passenger protection. In the front side impact test  the coupe earned four stars and the sedan earned only three stars while in the rear side impact tests  the sedan outscores the sedan by five stars to four.

Conclusion
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is a very affordable car which has been well designed by the designers at GM and which offers a good smooth ride. The main highlights of this Chevrolet car are it offers excellent performance in the SS level, no cabin noise makes driving a pleasure; it also offers spacious trunk and an impressive fuel economy. The main drawbacks that were noted were the interiors were very mediocre; the engine is coarse and made peculiar noise.

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