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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
7.
8.
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review
Cobalt offers sedans and coupes in LS, LT, and sporty SS models. Sedans are also available in LTZ trim, coupes in SS Supercharged guise. All have a 4-cyl engine. The SS Supercharged has 205 hp, SS models have 173 hp, other Cobalts have 148 hp. The LTZ comes only with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the SS Supercharged only with a 5-speed manual. Other models are available with either transmission. Traction control is available with the automatic. ABS is optional for LS and LT models, standard otherwise. SS and SS Supercharged include rear disc brakes, sport suspension, and specific styling cues. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are optional on all Cobalts. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard. OnStar assistance is optional. Pontiac sells a retrimmed version of the Cobalt coupe called G5.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
A freshening is still said to be on for 2008 Cobalts, but a rumored all-wheel-drive performance model has been ditched, reportedly because its relatively high cost would have limited sales. Otherwise, Cobalt should see no big change for a while.
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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Engine noise |
| Acceleration (SS Supercharged) | Rear-seat room |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity yet to test manual-transmission 148-hp model or any 173-hp SS. Responsive automatic transmission helps 148-hp sedan feel peppy enough. Similar Pontiac G5 GT shares Cobalt SS engine. With automatic transmission, acceleration is adequate but not as lively as 173 hp should act. Chevy says SS Supercharged does 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. Test examples felt less lively, though still plenty quick.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 4.6 |
No opportunity yet to test manual-transmission 148-hp model or any 173-hp SS. Responsive automatic transmission helps 148-hp sedan feel peppy enough. Similar Pontiac G5 GT shares Cobalt SS engine. With automatic transmission, acceleration is adequate but not as lively as 173 hp should act. Chevy says SS Supercharged does 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. Test examples felt less lively, though still plenty quick.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission LT sedan averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test SS averaged 23.3 mpg. Chevy and Pontiac recommend premium-grade fuel for Cobalt SS, SS Supercharged, and G5 GT.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Test automatic-transmission LT sedan averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test SS averaged 23.3 mpg. Chevy and Pontiac recommend premium-grade fuel for Cobalt SS, SS Supercharged, and G5 GT.
Ride Quality
No opportunity yet to test with 15-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. G5 GT has 17-inch tires, sport suspension, and it rides firmly but is never uncomfortable. SS Supercharged has stiffer suspension, low-profile 18-inch tires, making it feel harsher than other Cobalts on rippled pavement.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 5.3 |
No opportunity yet to test with 15-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. G5 GT has 17-inch tires, sport suspension, and it rides firmly but is never uncomfortable. SS Supercharged has stiffer suspension, low-profile 18-inch tires, making it feel harsher than other Cobalts on rippled pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Models with 16-inch tires slightly above average for class, with moderate cornering lean and quick, informative steering. G5 GT has slightly sharper moves, though some body lean still evident in turns. SS Supercharged has sports car poise on smooth roads, but can bounce over sharp midcorner bumps. Note that even with available limited-slip differential SS given to torque steer on take off. On all, stopping control good, but non-SS models have spongy brake pedal feel.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5.8 |
Models with 16-inch tires slightly above average for class, with moderate cornering lean and quick, informative steering. G5 GT has slightly sharper moves, though some body lean still evident in turns. SS Supercharged has sports car poise on smooth roads, but can bounce over sharp midcorner bumps. Note that even with available limited-slip differential SS given to torque steer on take off. On all, stopping control good, but non-SS models have spongy brake pedal feel.
Quietness
Wind rush, most road noise relatively low for class, though SS Supercharged suffers fair coarse-pavement tire thrum. The 148- and 173-hp engines moan unpleasantly when accelerating, but cruise calmly enough.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Wind rush, most road noise relatively low for class, though SS Supercharged suffers fair coarse-pavement tire thrum. The 148- and 173-hp engines moan unpleasantly when accelerating, but cruise calmly enough.
Controls
Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find gauges a tad small, recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading. 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 especially cheap, though some testers found abundance of hard plastic in some models a let down at this price.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.9 |
Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find gauges a tad small, recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading. 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 especially cheap, though some testers found abundance of hard plastic in some models a let down at this price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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, fully aft in coupes equipped with available rear spoiler.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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, fully aft in coupes equipped with available rear spoiler.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Sedan matches rivals like Honda Civic and 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.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 4 |
Sedan matches rivals like Honda Civic and 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
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 really big cargo. Interior storage just average.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
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 really big cargo. Interior storage just average.
Value within Class
Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. Even the Cobalt SS Supercharged offers good value in an off-the-shelf sport compact that's fun to drive, despite a harsh ride and cheap-looking interior trim bits. Rear seat room and comfort trails class rivals, even in sedans. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt our Recommended pick.
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6 |
Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. Even the Cobalt SS Supercharged offers good value in an off-the-shelf sport compact that's fun to drive, despite a harsh ride and cheap-looking interior trim bits. Rear seat room and comfort trails class rivals, even in sedans. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt our Recommended pick.
Total Score
| LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto. | SS Supercharged | Class Average |
| 52 | 52 | 52.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/13/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LS 2-door coupe | $13,175 | $12,450 | $615 |
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| LS 4-door sedan | $13,175 | $12,450 | $615 |
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| LT 2-door coupe | $14,295 | $13,509 | $615 |
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| LT 4-door sedan | $14,295 | $13,509 | $615 |
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| LTZ 4-door sedan | $18,500 | $17,483 | $615 |
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| SS 2-door coupe | $18,285 | $17,279 | $615 |
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| SS 4-door sedan | $18,285 | $17,279 | $615 |
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| SS Supercharged 2-door coupe | $20,975 | $19,821 | $615 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Driver-seat lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, map lights, driver-side visor mirror, floormats.
LTZ adds to LT:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Pioneer sound system, satellite radio, remote engine start.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
SS adds to LT:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, Pioneer sound system, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 205/50R17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
SS Supercharged adds to SS:
Powertrain
2.0-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Performance suspension, 215/45R18 tires, painted alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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2LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$1,395
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$1,228
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Antilock brakes, traction control (ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission), cruise control, satellite radio, remote engine start (ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission), cargo net, bodyside moldings, 205/55R15 tires.
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3LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$2,095
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$1,844
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2LT Option Pkg. plus leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, white-faced gauges, body cladding, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, 205/55R16 tires, machine-faced alloy wheels.
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Enhanced Safety Pkg.
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LS, LT
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$795
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$700
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Curtain side airbags, front side airbags, antilock brakes. Includes traction control when ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission.
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Protection Pkg.
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LS
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$180
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$158
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Floormats, bodyside moldings.
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Performance Pkg.
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SS Supercharged
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$1,500
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$1,320
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Limited-slip differential, Recaro front seats w/unique trim.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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LS, LT, SS
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$850
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$748
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SS includes traction control, remote engine start. STD. LTZ. NA SS Supercharged.
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Limited-slip differential
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SS Supercharged
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$795
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$700
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$395
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$347
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Includes front side airbags. LT requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg. NA LS.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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OnStar assistance system
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LT, LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$695
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$612
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Includes one year service. LT requires Option Pkg. or Enhanced Safety Pkg. NA LS.
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Power sunroof
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LT, LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$750
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$660
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Includes illuminated visor mirrors. NA LS.
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Leather upholstery
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LT, SS
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$695
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$612
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel
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LT
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$195
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$172
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Includes radio controls. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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LT, LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$295
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$260
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Premium speakers
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LT
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$295
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$260
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Requires 2LT or 3LT Option Pkg.
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Cruise control
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LT
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$275
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$242
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Smoker Pkg.
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LS, LT, LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$15
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$13
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Ash tray, lighter.
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Floormats
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LS
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$80
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$70
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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LT
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$115
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$101
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Rear spoiler
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LS, LT, LTZ
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$275
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$242
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Conventional rear spoiler
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SS Supercharged
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$0
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$0
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Replaces high-mounted rear spoiler.
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Bodyside moldings
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LS, LT
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$100
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$88
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Special paint
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LT, LTZ, SS, SS Supercharged
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$295
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$260
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Engine-block heater
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LS, LT, LTZ, SS
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$50
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$44
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NA SS Supercharged.
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Polished alloy wheels
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SS Supercharged
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$395
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$348
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door coupe | Chevrolet Cobalt 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.3 | 103.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.3 | 180.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 57.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2730 | 2780 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.9 | 13.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.7 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.2 | 33.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | Supercharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.2 /134 | 2.4 /145 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 148 @ 5600 | 173 @ 6200 | 205 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 152 @ 4200 | 163 @ 4800 | 200 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 25/34 | 25/34 | 23/29 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/32 | 24/32 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door coupe | Chevrolet Cobalt 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Limited Slip Differential, 1-year OnStar Safe and Sound System, Curtain Side Airbags, 18-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels, Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.26 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta How could any coupe that brags about its sportiness with "rally yellow" paint, a big rear spoiler, and chrome wheels, that boasts a supercharged engine, manual transmission, a "performance handling" suspension, and low-profile 18-inch tires be so little fun to drive? From engine to suspension to shifter to body structure, nothing here rewards with any sense of grace or polish. The Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe is boring to drive slow and a chore to drive fast. Ed Piotrowski Cobalt SS Supercharged offers a good deal of performance at a reasonable price, even when it's loaded with most every available option. It's unfortunately shadowed, however, by the similarly-priced Honda Civic Si, which is more refined, easier to drive, has slightly better fuel economy, and is available with the added utility of a 4-door sedan body style. The outstanding Volkswagen GTI, though more costly, would also be a better choice than this Cobalt. Hopefully GM has something better in the pipeline for 2008 and beyond. Jack Stewart A lot of fun for the money. John Biel In SS Supercharged form, the Cobalt in this test an eager little pocket rocket at a pretty good price for that type of car. The coupe accommodations and hard ride will rule it out for a certain percentage of buyers in this segment, but what the heck, why can't every kind of small-car buyer have his or her interests served by the various Cobalt models? |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
7.
8.
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