2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE is a new option package designed to offer improved fuel economy. Model-year 2008 also marks the return of the Cobalt SS high-performance model to this compact car's roster. The rest of the Cobalt lineup shuffles some model names and features. This is the larger of Chevrolet's two compact cars, and Cobalt comes as a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan. All use 4-cylinder engines. LS and LT coupes and sedans are offered with a 148-hp 2.2-liter engine. Manual-transmission Cobalt LS and LT models come with the XFE package, which includes specific tires and powertrain tweaks designed to maximize fuel economy. Note that the XFE package is not available on Cobalts equipped with the 2LT option package. Sport coupes and sedans have a 171-hp 2.4-liter. SS is a coupe only, and it has a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter. This SS replaces the SS Supercharged, which had 205 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. A 4-speed automatic is optional on all but the SS. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. SS versions have unique styling cues, 18-inch tires, specific suspension tuning, and interior trim. Note that Pontiac sells a retrimmed Cobalt coupe as the G5, though that model does not offer a turbocharged engine.

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 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.