2009 Chevrolet Cobalt: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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 Base, 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. LS and LT models with that transmission are available with the XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) Package, which includes 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.

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 Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus (coupe), Hyundai Elantra Touring, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. The Volkswagen Jetta also adds a diesel engine.