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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

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

Overview

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2008 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 2008 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 definitely merits 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 2008 Chevrolet 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?

Trim names change to LS, LT and Sport, while XM Satellite Radio, head-curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system are made standard across the line. SS and SS Supercharged models are temporarily off the order menu.

Driving the Cobalt

Driving Impressions Clearly a cut above previous-generation GM smaller cars, the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt delivers reasonably spirited performance and a surprisingly good ride for a generally enjoyable experience—apart from the exhaust noise....

Suspension is more effective than in some other GM automobiles, with a firm, direct feel. 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, and the Cobalt is stable on the highway.

Favorite Features

XM Satellite Radio
Standard XM Satellite Radio is rare in this price range. 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.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Details

Interior

The 2008 Chevrolet 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 rear seatback includes a pass-through to the trunk, which holds 13.9 cubic feet of luggage.

Exterior

Chevrolet claims the 2008 Cobalt's rigid body structure contributes to benefits in quality, ride and handling. Based on GM's global Delta architecture, its dimensions are comparable to the old Cavalier's, except that the Cobalt is more than two inches taller. Each trim level has specific 15-, 16- or 17-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

The base LS Cobalt comes equipped with air conditioning, a CD audio system with auxiliary input jack, a tilt steering column, head-curtain side airbags, XM Satellite Radio, 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 2LT adds anti-lock braking (ABS), StabiliTrak stability control, keyless entry system, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. The Sport coupe and sedan get a larger 2.4-liter engine, 17-inch wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), FE3 suspension and more standard features.

Optional Equipment

The Cobalt offers a number of nice optional features, including GM's OnStar communications system (standard on 2LT and Sport), AM/FM stereo with six-disc MP3-compatible CD player, remote start, a four-speed automatic transmission, heated leather seats, power glass 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. On the positive side, these engines are strong performers, offering good acceleration and passing power while returning better-than-average fuel economy.

2.2-liter in-line 4
148 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4
171 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
167 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)

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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2008 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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