2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0 turbocharged 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
The best FWD car ever built
Faults:
My key got stuck in the ignition around 81,000 miles. My warranty is already expired, so I unfortunately had to pay out of pocket to replace the master cylinder for the key.
General Comments:
The Chevy Cobalt SS is very quick right out of the factory. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The one disappointing thing about the Cobalt SS is that it isn't rear wheel drive; however, as far as front wheel drive cars go, the Cobalt SS is arguably the best ever built.
Though I have not taken my vehicle to the track, you can read through various automobile magazine publishers that Chevy's little FWD demon is much faster than plenty of cars around the majority of race tracks.
The Cobalt SS not only performs exceptionally well and is really fun-to-drive, it also averages notable gas mileage. I average roughly 26.0 mpg in highway and city driving combined.
The Cobalt SS is only offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. I honestly have to admit that I dislike the transmission. It's pretty clunky and has pretty long-throw shifts. I've owned a number of manual transmission cars before and the Cobalt's gearbox has been the worst.
One cool aspect of Chevrolet's manual transmission in the SS is the "no-lift shift." It is fun to use when hitting wide open throttle on the open road (or freeway on ramps)!
The Cobalt SS' appearance is all right. I own the coupe variant with a high-riser wing. This car seems to draw police attention, and surprisingly enough, mine is completely stock! I have yet to even do one performance mod to this car. You can opt for a not-so-attention-garnering package, such as the sedan, which is arguably the most fun-to-drive sedan south of a BMW M or Mercedes-Benz AMG.
If you're picky about interior looks and quality, be prepared to be disappointed. The Cobalt SS has a very hideous interior. It's too bad Chevy didn't throw the Cruze interior into the Cobalt before axing it from their line-up.
My SS has been pretty reliable, which is amazing when you realize my 2009 Cobalt already has 84k+ miles on it! Besides the regular oil changes, I haven't had to have much else done to this car.
Be sure you still have a factory warranty, though! Repairs can be expensive without one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th November, 2011
31st Mar 2010, 21:24
Good review; I just have to make one little comment though, really it's quite unrelated.
I find it somewhat funny when people complain about plastic interiors. I drive an '88 S-15, and for those who know what the interior of a late '80's S-10/S-15 looks like, you'll know what I'm talking about. Of course, this is a cheaply-made, tough little pickup (yeah I called it tough, it's served me well). However, I feel this proves two points;
1) Auto manufacturers have always used cheap plastics in their cars, as soon as it became economically feasible, and cost-effective.
2) The plastic they used in my pickup I'm sure is easily inferior to the stuff they use in BASE model (key word, BASE) cars nowadays, and I feel the plastics today are of higher quality, and look better (An all red and gray plastic interior? Though I don't care much about interiors, some people would hate that combination!)
Of course, with lower-end models what else do you expect? But either way, I'm glad to see people pleased with their products, and I hope everyone will have good luck with their GM's and Fords. I have had good luck with GM's, having two over 200,000 miles. When I get older and can afford one, I have my eye on a Silverado...
Happy motoring everyone!