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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

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Want to save money? Check out the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Overview

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2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

By KBB.com Editors

A shaky economy and fluctuating 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 2010 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 a spicy SS model, 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 2010 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 2010

The Cobalt receives only minor changes for 2010. More equipment has been added to the MY LINK package, while a power sunroof and performance display are made standard on SS trims.

Driving the Cobalt

Driving Impressions Clearly a cut above previous-generation GM smaller cars, the 2010 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.

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Details

Interior

The 2010 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 2010 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 nearly immortal 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 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. The MY LINK package adds AM/FM radio with CD Player, MP3 playback and USB port, Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, OnStar with Directions & Connections plan and 16-inch aluminum 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)}

2.0-liter in-line 4, Turbocharged
260 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30

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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2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 53 Ratings for the 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.5/10

LOVE MY CAR!!

By Rose H (GA) on Saturday, May 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great price, fun to drive, cup holders, aux input"

Cons: "no bluetooth standard, no ashtray, no turn by turn"

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

"I am quite pleased with my Cobalt. It handles great and has super gas mileage plus it's comfy and cozy. Since owning it, I've had to have one recall done, which was for the gear shift housing. It came lose on my husband when leaving work but thankfully the dealership took great care of the car and even gave us a complimentary oil change while we were there! The interior is sweet. Smooth and comfortable. I'm a big girl so a little more wiggle room would have been great but I can't mark it down for that reason. It's an awesome ride and I would recommend it to anyone!"

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Rides smoothly, easy handling, love it.

By grannyzip (NC) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "a fun car, good price deal."

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

"A terrible blind spot on the side of front windshield. I cant see the lane that I am turning into. Otherwise the car has lots of zip and is good on gas. It has full turn-about when doing a u=turn. Seats are comfortable but not enough head support. Sound system is great. Highway driving is a blast!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Dollar for dollar one of the best small cars!!

By will (GA) on Sunday, October 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "fun to drive, great milage, cheap to own and run +"

Cons: "child sized back seat, 4 door w/no hatch back"

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

"I am 62 and have owned small cars since the 60's. This one has been as good as any I have ever owned. VWs, Toyota's, Nissan's, other Chevy's and several Chrysler products I have owned them all. This Cobalt is a peppy gas miser and comfortable front seating. I got the automatic w/air conditioning and xm/cd player radio. Basic in all other ways because I wanted the lowest price up front. What I got (given $4 gas) was a great value. Around town I get 30+ mpg, on trips (driving 75 mph)I get 38 to 41 mpg depending terrain and wind. Once coming back from Wyoming I had a tail wind and got 44 mpg. I have 20,000 miles on mine so it is hardly broken in yet. The 5 year 100,000 mile drive train warranty was one reason I chose this car over others. 0 problems to this point."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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What a Great Car!

By jstiger (IN) on Friday, September 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,050

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great price, definitely fun to drive, comfortable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I love my car - it has been extremely reliable and just the perfect size for myself and my two young boys. The look is great - I got the sport package so it had the spoiler I wanted as well as the moonroof that the boys wanted."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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2010 Cobalt Base Coupe

By Jim (OH) on Saturday, September 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,300

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: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Easy to drive-long time between gas station visits"

Cons: "cramped, not real stylish"

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

"If you want gas miliage in a small car for cheap- this is the one. The Bad- Crank windows, push locks, no a/c. The Good- Cheap to maintain, 40 plus MPG highway. Good warranty."

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