24th Apr 2007, 17:00

9:45 Undoubtedly, over the past forty years, the Corolla has garnished a solid reputation for quality and reliability. This car put Toyota on the map in North America and opened the door for others to follow. However, my decision on what make and model to buy is based on what's available today, not twenty years ago.

It's my opinion that most of todays offerings are basically the same in quality and price with a few exceptions such as Kia and the offerings soon to arrive from China. As for the Cavalier, GM started selling them back in 1986. They sold a lot of Cavaliers because they were cheap to buy and to insure. Granted the Cavalier is not as well built as the Corolla, but there are many high mileage older model Cavaliers in service that have proven to be a real value similar to the Corolla.

The Scion is not for me, too small and trendy, they're not as well built as the Corolla and they're too expensive for what you get. These are targeted to the youth market, not people my age who want a little ease of entry and comfort.

One thing I've learned over the years is that "we" North Americans want our cake and to eat it to. We will buy cars like a Yugo or Lada and then complain when it breaks down or when the price of parts shocks us. Not many of us buy products rationally, but rather on impulse and what's trendy.

Personally, I think it's in my best interest to buy products made in North America, a task that's proving harder and harder to do. Yet I'm not prepared to sacrifice my hard earned dollars on sub par products. If I didn't think the Cobalt was a good value, I would not have considered it.

I've still not seen any responses that are truly objective or impartial. I consider the Cobalt to be a good value and would like to hear from those of you who care to comment.

25th Apr 2007, 09:03

"The Scion is not for me, too small and trendy, they're not as well built as the Corolla and they're too expensive for what you get."

That is a bold faced lie. The Scion is very well equipped for the price, the tC is a good example of that. By the way the Scion tC is just as well built as the Corolla as it is made in Japan and exported to the U.S.

But either the Scion tC or Corolla are much better buys then the Cobalt. I am not insulting the Cobalt, I just don't think you get enough for what you pay with the Cobalt. The car you all should avoid is the Ford Focus as it is an unreliable piece of junk.

27th Apr 2007, 10:18

9.03

Sorry, but your comment lacks substance and is purely bias. The only Toyota worth buying is a Corolla. Scions don't measure up and never will, regardless of where they're made. They won't stand the test of time! They're over priced and marketed to a gullible few who think this junk is cool and will pay obnoxious prices for them.

Your comment about the Focus is a "bare faced lie". My son purchased a new 2002 wagon and has put over 200k on it. Other than regular maintenance nothing has gone wrong with it. It truly is a very good car for the money.

Obviously your point of view is extremely bias and your participation in this review pointless. For those of us who are not on Toyota's or Honda's payroll, please submit your factual unbiased comments, I'm interested in what you have to say about the Cobalt!

28th Apr 2007, 12:20

In case anyone out there hasn't heard, Toyota just pulled the rug completely out from under GM. They sold over 100,000 more vehicles than GM just recently and, as all Toyota drivers knew was inevitable, they are now the best selling auto manufacturer in the world. Congratulations to Toyota for gaining the well-earned #1 spot. Bye, bye, GM.

28th Apr 2007, 22:54

This makes no sense, especially if you're an American, why you're cheering on the downfall of one of a large American company?? You like seeing hundreds of thousands of AMERICANS laid off? In case you didn't know, the American automakers employ 8 out of 10 autoworkers in the US. My guess is that with all the bad press Toyota has been getting; coupled with their recent quality problems (go to youtube and type in 'my toyota sequoia'), they won't be #1 for very long. Personally, I don't want to pay $50000 for a Yaris because Toyota stomps out all the competition; I'd rather drive a riding lawn mower to work.

29th Apr 2007, 08:29

It sucks that this happened to GM, but it was inevitable as Toyota builds better products then GM, although GM has really stepped up in the recent years with their vehicles and I wish them the best.

Now if Ford went bankrupt I would be having a block party and doing cartwheels (It would suck for the people working at Ford, although Ford is already laying a lot of them off anyway) because those guys do not deserve to be in business and they obviously do not care for their customers.

29th Apr 2007, 19:08

Google search Toyota oil sludge and see what pops up.

1st May 2007, 17:05

I hear that GM is thinking about buying Japan, maybe then they'll be able to sell some vehicles there.

1st May 2007, 17:27

10.14 You're right, I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to Toyota and I really don't care. Who gives a flying whatever about where a Scion is made or what plans Toyota has for it. A Lexus is a Mercedes "wannabee" and a Scion is not a Celica.

You obviously don't know anything about GM, Ford or Chrysler and it shows. I buy vehicles that have true value built in. You, on the other hand, don't know what you don't know!

GM makes great cars just like Toyota, Honda, Ford etc. I choose cars that I like, not on what people like you say. If you think you're influencing anyone with you ultra bias comments then you,re plain stupid.

27th Nov 2007, 22:53

I'll agree that the Cobalt would be a better choice than the Caliber, but your comment that even VW makes a better small car is just plain funny! Go read the Volkswagen reviews and you'll see what I mean!

6th Jan 2008, 03:13

I rented and drove a cobalt for a week. Nice little car, actually has some pickup and really does handle well. Exterior looks not bad. Interior did feel a little cheap, but I don't think much different than others in the economy class. I would consider it comparable to the corolla. I know buying a used model has risks, but due to chevy selling so many of these fleet, you can get a 2007 or 2006 cobalt with 20k miles or so at a heck of a price.

14th Jul 2008, 23:14

I got a 2 door LS 2006 Cobalt in 06. I have been very impressed with the car so far. It has about 25,000 miles so far, and the only problems I have with it, is it sometimes shakes when I brake, and the inside is a little hard to clean.

Also it's a little cramped, but it works for me.

It is very good on gas, which is a relief. I looked at many other cars, but this one caught my eye. Anyways, it's been a good car so far, and I have been impressed with it.