Initial reviews were promising: Here was a car that could possibly compete on equal footing with imported compacts. It wasn’t a bad engine, though perhaps it wasn’t as technologically advanced as some competitors’ powerplants. The base 2.2-liter Ecotec carried over from the Cavalier. Like the outgoing car, the Cobalt came in coupe and sedan form, although a convertible was not offered. It was also the basis of the promising Saturn Ion. This was an all-new design to replace the aging Cavalier, endowed with a bit of international DNA: It shared a platform with Holden, Vauxhall and Opel. When the bowtie brand unveiled the new Delta-platform Cobalt for 2005, reviewers were understandably cautious. Sure, there were a few half-hearted attempts at making a Cavalier that was also fun to drive, but there were a lot more flops than successes. For more than 20 years, the nameplate graced ever more downmarket cars as its technology and styling failed to keep up. With more than a few competitors offering superior handling dynamics (and hence a higher fun-to-drive factor), greater seat comfort and better build quality, we suggest cross-shopping before making a decision.For most consumers, Chevy’s Cavalier was a totally forgettable denizen of rental car fleets and subprime borrowers. These SS models are worth checking out, as they promise a more exciting and involving drive.Įxamined in isolation, the non-SS versions of the 2007 Cobalt would be a satisfactory choice for most folks shopping for an economy car, but we obviously don't advise buying a car that way. Standing apart from the other Cobalts, however, are the SS versions, which have more powerful engines (especially in the case of the Supercharged coupe) as well as tuned suspensions with larger wheels. Seat comfort is another area where the Cobalt falls short - although they offer some lateral bolstering, the seats are otherwise flat and offer little in the way of lumbar and under-thigh support.Īs indicated in a 2005 economy car comparison test, the Chevy Cobalt excels in acceleration but loses out in the handling area to more responsive and composed rivals such as the Mazda 3, Civic and Ford Focus. Compared to the interior in the Honda Civic, for instance, the Cobalt's design seems rather bland and its materials low-grade. But buyers in this class are typically more interested in overall quality and a comfortable cabin than a snarling exhaust or racy body styling. And an extensive roster of dealer-installed options like a performance exhaust system and ground effects allow more personalization than most competitors. Even the base model provides peppy performance and a quiet ride. The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt has more than a few things going for it. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's enough to challenge the front-runners.ĭon't get us wrong. And yes, the Cobalt is without question a much better car than the Cavalier. Improvements over the Cavalier in the areas of performance, ride quality, cabin materials and crash tests should have strengthened the position of Chevy's import fighter. Introduced a few years ago as a replacement to the aged Cavalier, the Chevrolet Cobalt presents a much more modern entry in the economy-car segment.
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