2009 Chevy Cobalt
- 2008 Chevy Cobalt
- Used Chevy Cobalt
Based on analysis of 74 Cobalt reviews and test drives.
Chevy Cobalt - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Chevy Cobalt ranks 19 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Chevy Cobalt, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Cobalt is an adequate performer with great fuel economy and enough upscale cabin options to entice a large audience. But its class-leading competitors have similar qualities and more comfortable seating.
Reviewers with realistic expectations are pleased with the Chevy Cobalt. Those writers highlight the car's dependable performance, available entertainment options, and noteworthy gas mileage. But others get stuck on the car's small dimensions and less than definitive styling.
If you need a roomier car with a bolder visual statement, the VW Rabbit might appeal to you. Reviewers are surprised by the amount of space inside the Rabbit, and also appreciate the car's unique VW design elements.
But one thing the Cobalt has going for it over the Rabbit is the chance to buy domestic. First introduced in 2004 to replace the well loved Chevy Cavalier, there were rumors the 2009 Cobalt was about to be replaced itself. But small engine cars are experiencing a renaissance, so while its successor the Chevy Cruze is well on its way, production on the Cobalt might continue as well.
General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company, has recently declared bankruptcy. While the company says that business should continue as usual, the bankruptcy could add a layer of uncertainty for GM buyers. However, those who are able to stomach the uncertainty may be able to get a great deal on a new Chevrolet. Check out What GM's Bankruptcy Means for You to answer any questions you have before buying.
For 2009, the Chevy Cobalt comes as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan in LS, LT and performance tuned SS Turbo trims. The Sport model has now been discontinued. The Cobalt is also available in a bare-bones trim called the LS XFE.
Be sure to check for 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
- Autoblog calls the Cobalt SS Turbo "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 Chevy Cobalt's performance is neither the best offered in the class, nor is it the worst. Kelley Blue Book says, "The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt delivers reasonably spirited performance and a surprisingly good ride for a generally enjoyable driving experience." Reviewers' favorite component of the Cobalt's performance, however, is its fuel economy. According to the EPA, the base engine rates at 22/30 mpg with the manual transmission, and 24/33 mpg with the automatic. continue
Cobalt Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Opinions on the 2009 Cobalt's appearance range from "frumpy" to "racy" with no middle ground. Representing the positive side, the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes, "This compact car has a sporty look with its low-slung roofline, curvaceous body and 15-inch wheels wrapped around all-season tires." However, About.com says, "The 4-door sedan retains its boring rental-car anonymous profile, though the coupe is a lot better looking." continue
Cobalt Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The Chevy Cobalt cabin might be as bare as expected for an economy car, but it doesn't have the bargain-basement materials that writers expect for the class. In addition, the Cobalt offers some of the nicest entertainment options of the affordable small car class. But the difficulty of finding a comfortable perch in either the front or rear rows prevent most reviewers from giving the car a glowing review. continue
Cobalt Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2009 Cobalt does well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. continue
Cobalt Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Chevy 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 2009 Cobalt's basic warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. continue
