2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS review from North America
"Perfect example of why GM is bankrupt"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
On rainy, foggy, and/or overcast days, the headlights are on, the instrument panel lights are not. The body control module is the problem. Chevrolet Customer Service states the "condition" is normal and refuses warranty service (service bulletin Document ID# 1530511).
The shifter has been replaced because you could not remove the ignition key.
Clunk in right rear was traced to a defective rear shock (dealer tightened antenna & said nothing was wrong).
Popping noise in front end required replacing stabilizer bar end links (dealer said nothing was wrong).
Vibration in front end traced to Continental tires (dealer said nothing was wrong) out of round (we replaced with Michelin, a vast improvement in ride and handling).
The brake warning light came on while driving, problem traced to fluid level sensor in master cylinder (dealer said nothing was wrong).
The cruise control would not engage on numerous times, problem traced to leather steering wheel wiring (not switches), replacement cured problem (dealer said nothing was wrong).
Numerous paint issues, pathetic repair work by the dealer. $250 to replace the thermostat, because it's on the back side of the engine between the firewall.
General comments?
No automatic dipstick; to check the automatic transmission fluid level, the car has to be raised on a level rack and a plug on the backside of the transmission removed. Terrible build quality.
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| Smooth, reliable and stylish |
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| The biggest waste of 15k ever! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2005 |
| Year of manufacture | 2005 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15 miles |
| Most recent distance | 16000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 27th July, 2009 |