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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

Overview

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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

By KBB.com Editors

Soaring fuel costs have changed the face of the compact car customer. First-time buyers and budget-conscious consumers are no longer the only market for small cars—SUV drivers looking for an economical second car are also flooding showrooms. But these people have a bit more cash on hand and, although they want something that's good on gas, they don't want bare-bones transportation. Enter the Chevrolet 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. Available as either a coupe or sedan, the Cobalt is definitely worth a test drive.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small car with an upscale interior, a smooth ride and an all-American nameplate, the Cobalt is a worthy alternative to the Ford Focus. The Cobalt is also easy on gas, a key point of interest for many new car shoppers.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small car with a big back seat, the Cobalt can't compare to the Dodge Caliber or Scion xB. The Cobalt's engine is a bit coarse and its exhaust note is even louder.

What's Significant About This Car?

Both the 2.2- and 2.4-liter engines get a bump in horsepower, while an optional remote engine starter is available on models equipped with automatic transmissions.

Driving the Cobalt

Driving Impressions Clearly a cut above recent GM smaller cars, the Cobalt delivers reasonably spirited performance and a surprisingly good ride for a generally enjoyable experience—apart from exhaust noise. Suspension is more...

effective than in some other GM automobiles, with little feeling of looseness or lumpiness. Only the nastier bumps and holes are likely to be bothersome. With the easy-shifting automatic transmission, this sedan accelerates enthusiastically enough for its class. Nimble handling is accompanied by well-assisted, confident steering, which enhances agility in around-town driving. Though the Cobalt is stable on the highway, you must pay attention to remain centered in your lane.

Favorite Features

XM Satellite Radio
Satellite service is available even for lower-end automobiles these days. Once you've tried it on a long trip, you're likely to become a satisfied customer.

Glovebox Size
In many recent vehicles, a large glovebox door opens onto a constricted storage space, but the Cobalt's glovebox is ample in size.

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Details

Interior

Cobalt sedans have a high seating position for a more commanding view of the road, and all-around visibility is impressive. The interiors, crafted to offer five-passenger seating, are attractive, if rather basic. The only gauge on the instrument panel is for fuel level, but digital readouts deliver other data. Front passengers enjoy good head, leg and elbow space, but rear-seat passengers must accept a confining experience. An average-size person may have trouble getting in and out of the rear of the coupe. The 60/40 split-bench seatback includes a pass-through to the trunk, which holds 13.9 cubic feet of luggage.

Exterior

Chevrolet claims the Cobalt has a rigid body structure, which has ride, handling and quality benefits. Based on GM's global Delta architecture, its dimensions are comparable to the Cavalier's, except that the Cobalt is more than two inches taller. Each trim level has specific 15- or 16-inch wheels and appearance touches, though an overall kinship to the Cavalier is discernable. Coupes mimic the sedan's profile from the A-pillar forward, but a tapered reverse C-pillar leads back to Chevrolet's signature quartet of round tail lamps. Chevrolet claims a turning radius, curb-to-curb, of just 37.4 feet.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Base-model Cobalts come equipped with air conditioning, a CD audio system with auxiliary input jack, a tilt steering column, driver information center and electric rear-window defroster. Speed-sensitive electric power steering is tuned to match the tires and suspension. Brakes are front discs and rear drums. Stepping up to the LT and LTZ editions adds anti-lock braking (ABS), keyless entry system and cruise control, along with power windows and mirrors. The SS coupe and sedan get a larger 2.4-liter engine and more standard features. The new Cobalt Supercharged SS Coupe features a five-speed manual gearbox and the FE5 performance/handling suspension.

Optional Equipment

The Cobalt offers a number of nice features, such as side-curtain airbags, XM Satellite Radio, GM's OnStar communications system, AM/FM stereo with six-disc MP3-compatible CD player, remote start, a four-speed automatic transmission, heated leather seats, power sunroof, cruise control, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

Both the base 2.2- and 2.4-liter engines lack the refinement and quiet operation that has become the trademark of the Honda and Toyota powerplants. Both engines are strong performers, offering good acceleration and passing power while returning better-than-average fuel economy. The supercharged 2.0-liter in the SS Supercharged Coupe is a little spitfire of an engine, with loads of low-end torque that will make your heart race and your palms sweat.

2.2-liter in-line 4
148 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 (manual), 24/32 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
163 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 (manual), 24/32 (automatic)

2.0-liter in-line 4 Supercharged
205 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
200 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 (manual)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 1194 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.3/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.0/10

Styling

8.4/10

I love this car!!!

By AJ (IA) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good gas milage, sporty, comfortable"

Cons: "two doors, hard to drive comfortably with 4 people"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car at a used car dealership in 2010 with 37000 miles on it and since then I have had to put only the minimal repair work into it (oil changes, tires, etc. (just the small stuff)). My Cobalt is a two door coupe with a sun roof and a 5-speed manual transmission. I have had no problems with this car at all and the only reason I would ever get rid of it would be to get myself into a new car. I mean lets all be honest, who doesn't want a new car?"

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Excellent vehicle for commuting and road trips.

By Bubbles (AZ) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive, sporty and comfortable,"

Cons: "Slight blind spot due to spoiler"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owning this vehicle has been an excellent experience. The gas mileage is fabulous, around town and highway. It has a aerodynamic design that allows for great handling, regardless of weather conditions. The interior design is very comfortable, even during long road trips. It has great pickup when passing or climbing. The maintenance has been nothing more than tires and routine needs. The backseat is deceivingly roomy, 3 average sized adults can fit comfortably for short distances, 2 for any distance. I have been extremely satisfied with performance and appearance."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Dependable and Good MPG

By DFD (MI) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "MPG and Dependable"

Cons: "Radio replacement"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have owned this car for almost 18 months and have had zero issues. Routine oil changes and new tires were needed but expected at time of purchase. Average about 28 MPG driving 50/50 city/highway. The 2.2L has enough power and provides a good MPG for my work commute. A small issue with wanting to put an aftermarket stereo in since some of the cars diagnostics run through it."

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EXCELLENT VALUE GREAT RELIAB LOW MAINT

By mike97279 (NV) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value very reliable, no frills"

Cons: "Maybe a 2.8 liter engine for Racecar performance?"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I owned this car for 8 years. Besides oil change and a battery, nothing else broke / malfunctioned / disappointed. Granted, it was a little Spartan in the finish, but for 8 years, it was as reliable as old faithful. The stick-shift transmission was responsive, fun and with a 2.2 liter engine it would take me from Vegas to LA at a constant 90 mph+ for hours, non-stop. I would buy it again and again if offered."

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Amazing dependable car

By mr big toe (TN) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 185,544

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fast, sporty"

Cons: "basic model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car about a year, it has high mileage but drives like its new. so obviously it is well built. I love everything except the base ls model. no power windows. locks, cruise, ect. other than than, its a wonderful car :)"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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