Used 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)