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Chevrolet Cobalt - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt ranks 24 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 80 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Cobalt, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chevy Cobalt is surprisingly fun to drive for an inexpensive car, boasts solid fuel economy, and is available with one of the nicest stereo systems found in this price range.  But its seats are simply uncomfortable to many reviewers, and its styling looks out of date.

But the Cobalt can't crack the top half of the huge small car class because it is small inside, with too little rear-seat space for adults.  Hard seats in front and back are a common complaint.  And its styling looks dated next to most other small cars.

The Cobalt is one its way out.  Its successor, the Chevy Cruze, will arrive for the 2011 model year.  Reviewers who've seen it say it is a much more refined car, and may threaten the class leaders.

For 2010, the Chevy Cobalt comes as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan in LS, LT and performance tuned SS Turbo trims.  A bare-bones trim, the LS XFE, claims better fuel economy than other Cobalts.

One incentive to take a closer look at the Cobalt is that until November 1, GM is offering a 60-day money-back guarantee on all Cadillac, Chevy, Buick, and GMC vehicles. You should also be sure to check for other current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Cobalt.

• "An attractive small car with a bit more size, style and equipment than its entry-level competitors, but with a reasonable price tag and good gas mileage" -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. ... G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt the better choice between the two." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Chevrolet Cobalt will satisfy the needs of drivers looking for economy of price, economy of operation, and a nice, quiet ride." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Solidly built, suitably refined, and attractively priced, it's an American car that can compete with its foreign rivals. Although by no means a driver's car, The Cobalt is quiet and refined by the standards of the class." -- Motor Trend
• "Chevrolet has taken a chapter from the Rolling Stones and devised a way to consider wants and needs: Cut all of those pesky luxury features out of a car and build a point A to point B compact -- the 2009 Chevy Cobalt LS XFE." -- Detroit News
• The Cobalt SS Turbo is  "the most impressive performance car to wear a bow-tie badge on sale today." -- Autoblog
• "The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS delivers an excellent sport-driving experience, but can work as an economy commuter when driven more carefully, with the added pleasure of full iPod connectivity." -- CNET

Cobalt Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Chevy Cobalt is short on engine power (in all but the performance-oriented SS trim), but offers nimble handling and a comfortable commute.  Kelley Blue Book says, "The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt delivers reasonably spirited performance and a surprisingly good ride for a generally enjoyable driving experience." Read More

Cobalt Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

A handful of reviewers like the styling of the 2010 Chevy Cobalt, but most consider it dated and cheap next to more recently-designed competitors.  About.com says "The 4-door sedan retains its boring rental-car anonymous profile, though the coupe is a lot better looking."   Read More

Cobalt Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The passenger cabin of the 2010 Chevy Cobalt is a mixed bag.  Reviewers say it offers some of the most refined entertainment options of the affordable small car class, including an optional Pioneer sound system that beats almost anything else found at this price.  But they also say the front seats are uncomfortable, and the rear seats are both uncomfortable and small, even for a compact car. The difficulty of finding a comfortable perch in either the front or rear rows prevent most reviewers from giving the car a glowing review.  Read More

Cobalt Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2010 Cobalt earns mixed scores in federal government crash tests.  The insurance industry hasn't tested the 2010 Cobalt, but gave the mechanically-similar 2009 edition solid frontal-impact crash test scores, but weaker side-impact scores. Read More

Cobalt Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Cobalt carries a basic warranty good for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More