GM has hit a sweet spot for cheap-car ride, achieving a nice compromise between cushy and responsive." Car and Driver adds, "GM has reprogrammed the electric-assist steering, resulting in a more natural heft and better feedback. Reviewers are largely pleased with the Cobalt's suspension and steering, which the New York Times says are "better than most cars in this class. That's owner and environment friendly." Handling and Braking MSN finds the optional four-speed automatic somewhat lacking, noting that it "upshifts at about 70 mph and thus doesn't hold passing gear until 75 or 80 mph are reached for the quickest passing." A final plus is the Cobalt's oil-life monitor, which, as USA TODAY explains, allows the drivers to "change oil according to how you drive, not every 3,000 miles or 7,500 miles, according to the manual. However, an automatic is optional on all models except the SS Supercharged, which only comes as a manual with a short-throw shifter. "There's no coming on the cam feel, just rich, electric torque (max 200 pound-feet at 4400 rpm) across the rpm band courtesy of a Roots-type Eaton blower pumping 12 psi of boost." And reviewers positively heap praise on the most powerful SS Supercharged 205-hp engine option, which USA TODAY calls "heck on wheels, a first-rate screamer that'll surprise and delight you much of the time." The Auto Channel adds that the engine has "a degree of refinement not expected from an American entry in the sport-compact class."Įxcept the LTZ sedan, which is only available as an automatic, all engine models are paired with a five-speed manual transmission. "Don't bother to rev the SS to heady levels to make power the car builds speed fast, almost stealthily, and carries it well," compliments Motor Trend. Reviewers are more pleased with the next-level 173-hp SS engine. The Sacramento Bee says, "At a time of gas-pump-price shock, those are welcome numbers from an internal combustion engine." Another plus is that regular unleaded fuel is recommended. According to the EPA, the 2.2-liter manual transmission is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Auto Mall USA says, "It was smooth, but never felt truly powerful until it was revving very high." New Car Test Drive says, "If you want enjoyment in your driving you'll have to step up to the SS models." Though power may be lacking, fuel economy is a plus. Automobile Magazine calls the base 2.2-liter DOHC Ecotec engine "quiet, a minor miracle in itself." USA TODAY reports, "The non-supercharged engine claims an adequate 145 horsepower, but feels as if it has more, even with several people aboard."īut some reviewers still feel it doesn't pack quite enough power. The SS upgrades to a 173-hp 2.4-liter high-output engine, and the high-performance SS Supercharged boasts a 205-hp 2.0-liter supercharged and intercooled engine. The base-model LS, three LT models and LTZ sedan pack a 148-horsepower 2.2-liter engine, which is an inprovement of 3 hp from the 2005 model. The 2007 Chevy Cobalt comes with three engine options. The Cobalt receives praise for its good handling and stiff chassis, which the New York Times says is a "nice balance between cushy and responsive." Reviewers largely find that the Cobalt delivers spirited performance, though annoying exhaust noise is a repeated criticism.
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