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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
Date Published: 9/09/08
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt gets more standard horsepower and a few new features. Chevy's compact car comes as a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan in LS, LT, and high-performance SS trims. The SS sedan is new for 2009. LS and LT have a 155-hp 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, an increase of 7 hp from 2008. The Sport model with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has been discontinued. The SS has a turbocharged 260-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. All Cobalts have a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Non-SS Cobalts with that transmission and 15-inch tires are called "XFE," which stands for "Xtra Fuel Economy." XFE versions have low-rolling-resistance tires and other drivetrain tweaks designed to increase fuel economy. A 4-speed automatic is available on the LS and LT. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Among the newly available features on the 2009 Cobalt include a wireless cell phone link and USB port for controlling iPods. Note that Pontiac sells a re-trimmed version of the Cobalt coupe as the G5.
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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (SS) | Engine noise |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat room |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission, Cobalt LS XFE has sufficient verve from a stop. Passing punch is a bit lacking, sometimes requiring a two-gear downshift in order to extract the most from the engine. Chevy pegs the turbocharged SS at 5.7 seconds 0-60 mph, but it doesn't feel quite that fast. Turbo or not, the manual transmission has positive shift and clutch action.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 8 | 5.1 |
With the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission, Cobalt LS XFE has sufficient verve from a stop. Passing punch is a bit lacking, sometimes requiring a two-gear downshift in order to extract the most from the engine. Chevy pegs the turbocharged SS at 5.7 seconds 0-60 mph, but it doesn't feel quite that fast. Turbo or not, the manual transmission has positive shift and clutch action.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Models with the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission are rated by the EPA at 37 mpg highway, one of the best in the compact-car class. Those Cobalts use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the SS.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
No opportunity to measure. Models with the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission are rated by the EPA at 37 mpg highway, one of the best in the compact-car class. Those Cobalts use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the SS.
Ride Quality
Cobalt's stout body structure allows even base models to have a comfortably controlled ride, even on patchy pavement. Float and wallow are minimal at worst. The SS is fairly stiff, yet it's not bone-jarring as might be expected from a factory-tuned performance car.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 5.1 |
Cobalt's stout body structure allows even base models to have a comfortably controlled ride, even on patchy pavement. Float and wallow are minimal at worst. The SS is fairly stiff, yet it's not bone-jarring as might be expected from a factory-tuned performance car.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Non-turbo versions are competent, but far from sporty. Those Cobalts, when equipped with the manual transmission, have low-rolling-resistance tires designed to increase fuel economy. Handling suffers as a result, with pronounced body lean and tire squeal while cornering even at modest speeds. SS versions are nimble, with little cornering lean and firm steering. They don't quite have the razor-sharp moves of a Honda Civic Si or MazdaSpeed 3, however. Their standard 4-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping control.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 5.9 |
Non-turbo versions are competent, but far from sporty. Those Cobalts, when equipped with the manual transmission, have low-rolling-resistance tires designed to increase fuel economy. Handling suffers as a result, with pronounced body lean and tire squeal while cornering even at modest speeds. SS versions are nimble, with little cornering lean and firm steering. They don't quite have the razor-sharp moves of a Honda Civic Si or MazdaSpeed 3, however. Their standard 4-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping control.
Quietness
Wind rush is relatively low for the class. LS XFE models exhibit coarse-surface tire thrum and suffer from a raspy engine note while accelerating, though it's quiet enough while cruising. SS has some turbo whine and a ticking resonance from the engine. Tire noise is noticeable, though again, not as much as might be expected from a car of its ilk.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Wind rush is relatively low for the class. LS XFE models exhibit coarse-surface tire thrum and suffer from a raspy engine note while accelerating, though it's quiet enough while cruising. SS has some turbo whine and a ticking resonance from the engine. Tire noise is noticeable, though again, not as much as might be expected from a car of its ilk.
Controls
Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find the gauges a tad small and recessed too far into the cluster for easy reading. The simple climate controls are set too low for easy adjustment while driving.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find the gauges a tad small and recessed too far into the cluster for easy reading. The simple climate controls are set too low for easy adjustment while driving.
Details
Hard plastics dominate the cabin. Textured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the class. LS models are pretty basic overall. Some additional trim bits in the SS impart a more sporty atmosphere, appropriate for that car's intentions.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.1 |
Hard plastics dominate the cabin. Textured surfaces and tasteful cloth fabric look good for the class. LS models are pretty basic overall. Some additional trim bits in the SS impart a more sporty atmosphere, appropriate for that car's intentions.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Typical compact-car space and comfort. The seat cushions are a bit short for best thigh support, but generous rearward travel gives good legroom for tall occupants. Some taller drivers found that the shoulder belt did not adjust high enough for best comfort. SS models have sport bucket seats that will feel confining to those of above-average girth. Visibility is a bit restricted to the right rear in sedans. The tall spoiler on the SS really restricts the view out back.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Typical compact-car space and comfort. The seat cushions are a bit short for best thigh support, but generous rearward travel gives good legroom for tall occupants. Some taller drivers found that the shoulder belt did not adjust high enough for best comfort. SS models have sport bucket seats that will feel confining to those of above-average girth. Visibility is a bit restricted to the right rear in sedans. The tall spoiler on the SS really restricts the view out back.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The sedan matches its rivals for head clearance, but legroom and foot space are tighter than in most competitors. The door openings are also small, making entry and exit a hassle. Overall room and access in coupes are best left to kids, and even they will complain about a shortage of legroom and headroom.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
The sedan matches its rivals for head clearance, but legroom and foot space are tighter than in most competitors. The door openings are also small, making entry and exit a hassle. Overall room and access in coupes are best left to kids, and even they will complain about a shortage of legroom and headroom.
Cargo Room
The trunk has good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space, but the trunk opening is too small for really big cargo. Interior storage is subpar, with a smallish glove compartment, center console, and door pockets.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
The trunk has good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space, but the trunk opening is too small for really big cargo. Interior storage is subpar, with a smallish glove compartment, center console, and door pockets.
Value within Class
Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. Base models with the manual transmission are pleasant to drive and promise fuel economy that exceeds the class norm. The high-performance SS has the moves to hold its own against performance-oriented compact cars, such as the Honda Civic Si and MazdaSpeed 3. Rear-seat room and comfort trail class rivals. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt the better choice between the two.
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. Base models with the manual transmission are pleasant to drive and promise fuel economy that exceeds the class norm. The high-performance SS has the moves to hold its own against performance-oriented compact cars, such as the Honda Civic Si and MazdaSpeed 3. Rear-seat room and comfort trail class rivals. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt the better choice between the two.
Total Score
| LS XFE sedan, manual | SS coupe | Class Average |
| 56 | 56 | 59.4 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/22/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LS 2-door coupe | $15,010 | $14,184 | $660 |
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| LS 4-door sedan | $15,010 | $14,184 | $660 |
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| LT 2-door coupe | $15,710 | $14,846 | $660 |
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| LT 4-door sedan | $15,710 | $14,846 | $660 |
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| SS 2-door coupe | $22,775 | $21,522 | $660 |
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| SS 4-door sedan | $22,775 | $21,522 | $660 |
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, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, 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, floormats.
SS adds to LT:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, Pioneer sound system, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/40YR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
2LT Option Pkg.
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LT
|
$1,295
|
$1,140
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Antilock brakes, traction control (ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission), cruise control, bodyside moldings, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
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Sport Appearance Pkg.
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LT
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$795
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$700
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, wireless cell phone link, white-faced gauges, fog lights, body cladding, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, 205/50R17 tires, polished alloy wheels. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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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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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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LS, LT
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$925
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$814
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LT w/2LT Pkg.
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$1,050
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$924
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LT w/2LT Pkg. includes remote engine start.
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Limited-slip differential
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SS
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$495
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$436
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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LS, LT
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$400
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$352
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Includes traction when ordered/4-speed automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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LT, SS
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$750
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$660
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LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
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LT
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$695
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$612
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Includes heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls. Requires 2LT Option Pkg., upgraded sound system.
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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., cruise control.
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Upgraded sound system
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LT
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$295
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$260
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Requires 2LT 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, SS
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$35
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$31
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Ash tray, lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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LS, LT
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$275
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$242
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High rear spoiler
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SS
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$150
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$132
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Bodyside moldings
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LT
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$100
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$88
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Special paint
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LT, SS
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$295
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$260
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 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 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.2 /134 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 155 @ 6100 | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 150 @ 4900 | 260 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 25/37 | 22/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/33 | --/-- |
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 | 5 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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