2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review
Add your own review or comments

By New Car Test Drive

Overview

With its expressive styling and all-around competence, the Chevrolet Cobalt competes effectively against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. That's an impressive achievement, considering how long the competition has dominated this game.

The Cobalt is quiet and refined for a small car. Built on a strong, stiff platform, it delivers crisp handling and a smooth ride.

If you're looking for inexpensive, high-value transportation with a new-car warranty, the Cobalt is worth a look. Premium features are available like heated leather seats, XM Satellite Radio, MP3, and OnStar.

The SS models offer a dynamic driving experience. Driving the SS Supercharged model is an absolute hoot. Quick, responsive handling and brisk acceleration performance along with a sporty-sounding exhaust note make the supercharged coupe entertaining to drive, a sport compact that can more than hold its own in the class.

New for 2007, the 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter Ecotec engines get slightly more power. A remote vehicle starter is available on models with an automatic transmission ($190). Standard equipment has been upgraded to include AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary input jack and three-spoke steering wheel. An AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-CD player and MP3 playback is a new option for 2007. A new exterior color option is Sport Red Tintcoat. Special 16-inch high-vent steel wheels are now available on the LT model and 18-inch polished wheels are available for the SS Supercharged coupe.

Model Lineup

The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt is available in two body styles: two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Three different engines are available with suspensions tuned to match.

The LS, LT, and LTZ models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.2-liter engine and use the FE1 suspension.

The LS ($13,790) sedan and coupe come standard with air conditioning, cloth upholstery with height-adjustable front seats and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, automatic headlights, electric rear defogger, tilt steering column, CD player with auxiliary jack, and a driver information center. LS models come with wind-up windows and manually operated mirrors, front disc/rear drum brakes, and 15-inch wheels and tires. LS models have a body-color grille and door handles. They offer a choice of five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic ($850).

The LT ($14,910) sedan and coupe get power windows and door locks, anti-lock brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels. LT comes standard with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic ($850). The LTZ sedan ($18,790) is a premium model that comes standard with the automatic transmission, along with upgraded audio and premium trim.

SS ($18,210) coupe and sedan get a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine, the FE3 sports suspension, 17-inch wheels and high performance tires. SS also gets upgraded cloth, special body-color trim and other upgrades. SS models are available with the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic ($850).

SS Supercharged coupe ($21,110) features a 205-hp 2.0-liter engine, the high-performance FE5 suspension, and 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires.

Options include power sunroof ($750); OnStar ($695); XM Satellite Radio ($199), a rear spoiler ($275), in-dash 6CD player and MP3 ($295). The Sport package ($595) includes a brushed metal trim package for the dashboard, white-faced gauges, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tires.

Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, rear center shoulder belts, and the LATCH child seat retention system. All but LS come standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS). Head curtain side air bags ($395) designed to provide head protection are optional. OnStar is a good safety feature because operators will direct emergency crews to your exact location should your airbag go off and you fail to respond.