Acceleration

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
4	7	4.4

No opportunity yet to test manual-transmission 145-hp model or any 171-hp SS. Responsive automatic transmission made test 145-hp sedan feel peppy enough. Similar 170-hp Saturn Ion with manual not usefully quicker. Chevy says SS Supercharged does 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. Test example felt that quick, but lacked available limited-slip differential, so it suffered marked sideways steering wheel tug, known as torque steer, in full-throttle takeoffs.

Fuel Economy

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
7	6	6.7

Test automatic-transmission LT sedan averaged 25.9 mpg with mostly highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure other Cobalts, but similar Ions with manual transmission averaged 25.1, while SS Supercharged's Ion Red Line cousin with manual averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly city use. Chevy recommends premium-grade fuel for SS and SS Supercharged.

Ride Quality

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
6	3	4.9

No opportunity yet to test with 15- or 17-inch tires. Cobalts with 16s absorb most bumps quite well, feel stable over swells and dips, but some testers detect undue body motions, coarse-surface vibration. SS Supercharged has stiff suspension, low-profile 18-inch tires, making it feel harsh on rippled pavement; try before you buy.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	5.6

Models with 16-inch tires slightly above average for class, with moderate cornering lean and quick, informative steering. 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

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	4.2

Wind rush, most road noise relatively low for class, though SS Supercharged suffers fair coarse-pavement tire thrum. The 145-hp engine moans when accelerating but cruises calmly enough.

Controls

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	6	5.9

Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find gauges a tad small. Simple climate controls, but set too low for easiest adjustment while driving. Supercharged includes boost gauge on left windshield pillar, plus jazzy two-tone leather sport seats and metal-look cabin trim. Nothing looks or feels cheap--a big step up for GM compacts.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Typical compact-car space and comfort. Seat cushions a bit short for best thigh support, but generous rearward travel gives good leg room 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)

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
3	2	3.9

Sedan matches rivals like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for head clearance, but leg room, toe space tighter than in most competitors. Door openings also small. Coupe room, access best left to kids.

Cargo Room

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
3	3	4.7

Both body styles have good trunk room that's expandable via folding rear seats. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space, but trunk openings too small for large cargo. Interior storage just average.

Value within Class

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
8	7	6.2

Cobalt earns our Recommended badge as a reasonably priced, well-equipped compact available with many appealing features. Even the SS Supercharged offers good value in an off-the-shelf sport compact that's fun to drive, despite a jarring ride. If you can live with subpar rear-seat room and comfort, Cobalt merits a look.

Total Score

LT sdn w/Spt. Opt. Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
52	51	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64