2005 Chevrolet Cobalt: Road Test
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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt ▼
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- MSRP: $13,625 -$21,430
- Invoice: $12,739 -$20,037
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Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 4.1 |
No opportunity to test a 145-hp model with manual transmission, but Cobalt peppy enough with its smooth, sufficiently responsive automatic. SS Supercharged coupe's zip supports Chevy's 6.1 sec 0-60-mph figure. Test example was not equipped with available limited-slip differential and suffered torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side--in full-throttle takeoffs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
LS sedan with automatic transmission averaged 25.9 mpg in test that included mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with other Cobalts, but similar Ion with manual transmission averaged 25.1, while SS Supercharged's Ion Red Line cousin with manual averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly city use. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for SS Supercharged model, regular grade for other Cobalts.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to test Cobalt with 15-inch tires. Models with 16s absorb most bumps quite well, are stable over swells, dips, though some testers detect undue body motions, coarse-surface vibration. With stiff suspension, low-profile 18-inch tires, SS Supercharged feels harsh even on apparently smooth pavement. Try before you buy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
Equipped with 16-inch tires, Cobalt is pleasingly responsive, with natural steering feel and response, moderate body lean in turns, for overall road manners slightly above class average. SS Supercharged has sports-car poise on smooth roads, but can bounce over sharp midcorner bumps. On all, stopping power good, but brake pedal has spongy feel.
QUIETNESS
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Above class average for suppression of wind rush, most road noise, though SS Supercharged suffers fair coarse-pavement tire thrum. The 2.2-liter engine moans unpleasantly when accelerating, but cruises calmly enough.
CONTROLS
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Clean, logical dashboard design. Some testers find gauges a tad small. Simple climate controls, but they're mounted too low for easiest adjustment while driving. Supercharged coupe includes trendy boost gauge on left windshield pillar, plus jazzy 2-tone leather sport seats and metal-look cabin trim. Decor unexciting otherwise, but nothing looks or feels cheap--a big step up for GM cars in this price range. And OnStar, satellite radio are useful upscale options for the class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Typical compact-car space and comfort. Seat cushions a bit short for best thigh support, but there's sufficient leg room even for tall occupants. Some taller drivers found that shoulder belt did not adjust high enough for best comfort. SS Supercharged's bolstered sport seats hug well, but don't feel confining. Visibility a bit restricted to right-rear in sedans, fine otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3.6 |
Sedan matches rivals such as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic for head clearance, but leg room, toe space far tighter than most competitors. Door openings also stingy. Coupe room, access tighter still; best left to kids.
CARGO ROOM
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Both body styles have usefully shaped trunks with good room, expandable via folding rear seats. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space, but trunk openings too small for bulky cargo. Interior storage just average.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Cobalt is light-years better than Cavalier, and is overall a pleasant, solid, well-equipped car available with a range of appealing features. It's priced right, too. Even the SS Supercharged coupe offers good value in a ready-made "sport compact" that's a hoot to drive despite a jarring ride. If you can live with the limited rear-sear room and comfort, Cobalt merits a look.
Total Score
| LS sdn w/Sport Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 50 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 51
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