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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

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

Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

By KBB.com Editors

Soaring fuel costs have changed the mix of compact-car customers. First-time buyers and budget-conscious consumers are no longer the only potential owners 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 also want more than bare-bones transportation. Enter the 2009 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 and in a number of trims including the super fuel-efficient XFE and spicy SS models, 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 2009 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 New for 2009

For 2009 the Cobalt has a number of improvements. They include a revised 2.2-liter Ecotec engine delivering more power and better fuel economy, 15-inch low-rolling-resistance tires, a USB port added to the radio, standard OnStar and available Bluetooth phone connectivity, new 15- and 16-inch wheel options and a tire inflation kit as standard equipment. The Sport trim and 2.4-liter engine have been dropped.

Driving the Cobalt

Driving Impressions Clearly a cut above previous-generation GM smaller cars, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt delivers reasonably spirited performance and a surprisingly good ride for a generally enjoyable driving 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 potholes 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.

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Details

Interior

The 2009 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 somewhat confined space and 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 2009 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 former 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. 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 taillamps. Chevrolet claims a turning radius, curb-to-curb, of just 37.4 feet, handy for dealing with tight spots.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base LS Cobalt comes equipped with air conditioning, a CD audio system with USB and auxiliary input jack, a tilt steering column, head-curtain side airbags, GM's OnStar communications system, XM Satellite Radio, driver information center, traction control (models with automatic transmission and ABS only) 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.

Optional Equipment

The Cobalt offers a number of nice optional features, including AM/FM stereo with six-disc MP3-compatible CD player, remote start, a four-speed automatic transmission, heated leather seats, power glass sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free communication, cruise control, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The newly-improved 2.2-liter engine still lacks the refinement and quiet operation that has become the trademark of the Honda and Toyota powerplants, but it is not so raw as to be unlivable. On the positive side, the 2.2-liter engine is a strong performer, offering good acceleration and passing power while returning better-than-average fuel economy.

2.2-liter in-line 4
155 horsepower @ 6100 rpm
150 lb.-ft. of torque @4900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/37 (XFE, manual), 24/33 (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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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 1199 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

Great car ,low maintenance, great gas mileage!

By horse (TN) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 96,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great MPG"

Cons: "Very small backseat"

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

"I own the 2 door coupe LS model.It has Leather, heated Seats , All Power windows,etc. Sunroof and Spoiler, Stereo great with the premium sound package . Bought car with 60,000 on it ,currently have 98,000."

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Might be cheap now, but you'll pay for it later.

By Kate (WV) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "low initial price, decent gas mileage"

Cons: "poorly made"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Bought this car new in 2006 because, being a new college graduate, it was affordable. I got the basic LS model - nothing fancy, but nice enough and served it's purpose to get me from Point A to B. About a month after buying it, got a recall notice for fuel injector. No big deal, although it was an inconvenience to bring it back to the dealer and leave it for a few days. When I picked it up, they told me that the suspension components were leaking fluid and needed to be fixed too. Another inconvenience on a new car, but fine, under warranty. Other than a strange noise that the front R tire was making that they weren't able to diagnose, no further problems until now. Now, at 7 yrs old with only 75,000 miles, the clutch very unexpectedly went out. There was no warning, no noises or abnl functioning until I stopped at a light and then couldn't start again and the clutch was soft. Now, it needs $1600 worth of work to replace the master and slave cylinders, which are both leaking. In my opinion, this car has WAY too few miles to be requiring this amount of repairs, especially something as big as this. If you truly want a good deal, I would recommend staying away from Chevy. I'll be sticking to foreign cars from now on. My husband's 2001 Civic with 150K miles (i.e. 5 yrs older w twice as many miles as mine) is still going strong with the only necessary repair being a $600 oil pan replacement!"

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GREAT gas saver, steers and drives GREAT!

By Britt (IL) on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 106,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Easy to drive, great mpg, has some boost in it!"

Cons: "manual locks & wondows, no cruise control"

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

"This car gets better gas mileage than what the website says. I drove it on the interstate for two hours and got 36.6 mpg. At home (I live in the country so everything is at least 10 minutes away) I get 33 mpg on average. That's good gas mileage! It drives absolutely great, and accelerates very fast & well. It definitely has boost for a 4 cylinder car. It sucks that it doesn't have cruise control, but that is about my only complaint. I LOVE this car!"

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I love my car

By ladyrider (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 136,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "great price, affordable on a budget, fun to drive"

Cons: "automatic would be nice at times in heavy traffic"

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

"I love this car. I get great gas milage for starters with good air pressure. It looks sleek and sporty driving down the road and handles great. If I ever buy another car it will be another Cobalt. Even my son says he likes how it drives. He is only one of 2 that I let drive my car, that's how picky I am about my smokey gray baby. Excellent car!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Really reliable car.

By Benji (NY) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 129,000

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: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to park."

Cons: "Seats are hard to clean."

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

"I have had this car for 5 years. I bought it used but it was in great condition when I bought it. It is a basic car. Nothing exciting but that's what I like about it. I use it to commute and also everyday use. I have not had to replace anything but regular maintenance. I change the oil when I should and tires once a year. The only thing I don't like are the seats. They are a cross between cloth and vinyl. They are very hard to clean. Otherwise I love it. It will soon be passed down to my daughter. I feel it is a safe enough car for her to use."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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?"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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