Day-by-Day Review: 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT

April 29, 2007

By James Bergeron

Day 1:

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It has been a while since I’ve gotten the keys to a press vehicle that has come in priced around the $20,000 mark. This makes this week’s review all the more interesting, as this is what the average Canadian is looking to spend on a vehicle. With a starting price of only $17,385, the Cobalt LT packs a solid amount of value in a vehicle that should appeal to many.

The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt was released late 2004 as the replacement for the rather long-standing Cavalier, a car that was really showing its age. General Motors wanted a total change, so after 23 years of service, they renamed this compact sedan to ensure customers didn’t confuse this new car with something you rent at the local Enterprise dealership.

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My test model is the LT version, which comes standard with the Ecotec 2.2L inline four cylinder engine producing 148hp and 152lb/ft of torque. My tester is equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission ($1,250) , remote vehicle start ($255), the LT wheel package, which adds ABS and 16″ High Vent Styled Steel Wheels ($1,165) and a body-colour rear spoiler to top it off ($420).

The LT comes standard with power door locks and windows (auto down for the driver), remote keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack and MP3 capability powering seven speakers, two front airbags and traction control.

For the base price of $17, 385 and and an extra $1,195 for freight/PDI and A/C tax, you can walk out the door with a really well-equipped vehicle. The Cobalt’s main competitors are the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Dodge Caliber and Ford Focus; by the end of the week I should have had enough seat time to let you know if it is a worthy competitor.

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT
MSRP as tested: $21,670

For more information on Chevrolet and the Cobalt visit GM Canada

Day 2:

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A little advice for my readers as I recall the end of my day, walking out to the car to head home. Where is the car? I can’t find it! My advice, then? Don’t buy a brownish-gold car — or sandstone metallic, as Chevrolet calls it. Amidst the sea of silver and brown in the parking lot at work I couldn’t find the car — and I was standing right in front of it!

I’m actually impressed so far by the Cobalt. The interior bits of the car feel very solid and the dash and console pieces, although plasticky, are not much different than what’s found in imports at this level. The plastics feel solid and do not flex under pressure, which gives a sense of quality to the interior.

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There are a few minor things I have noticed that bother me. The first is the cup holders: they are tiny, and for a north american vehicle this is an oddity, to say the least, when the Big Three domestics usually build their vehicles for the super-size-me crowd.

As someone mentioned in the forum, the door sills are very wide; I actually fell into the seat once when I misjudged the step into the vehicle. During the winter months, this could lead to dirty pant legs and wet ankles.

I’ve also noticed the headlights are little on the weak side, although this could be my perspective talking: I did drive a vehicle with HIDs last week, and my own two vehicles have HIDs as well. I have, however, driven many vehicles with projector beam halogen bulbs with a much brighter light pattern than that given off by the Cobalt’s headlights.

Seating is a little on the high side for a sedan, with firm cushions front and rear. Leg and head room feel average and very similar to its competitors as well. There is nothing extremely fancy about the interior of the Cobalt, as you have seen from the pictures, but everything is within easy reach and the controls are very intuitive. I have no complaints about the interior besides those tiny cupholders.

Day 3:

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Three days into my week with this vehicle and I’m still enjoying it. As one can imagine, drive this many cars and you can get bored quickly. The Cobalt is a fairly basic car, but it is more than sufficient for my daily commute to work and back.

The turning radius of the Cobalt is exceptional. In the Costco parking lot, I had to avoid an oblivious driver and was still easily able to make it into my intended parking space. The Cobalt is really easy to maneuver in parking lots and reversing is extremely easily with good sight lines all around.

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Only good things can be said about the ride and handling. Bumps are soaked up smoothly, providing a quiet ride with some good road feel. On the highway, the Cobalt is extremely quiet for a vehicle in this class with virtual no wind or tire noise.

The Cobalt feels very sure-footed on the road and seems to handle extremely well. In the first corner I tried to take a little quick the car actually turned in much sooner than I expected. The vehicle feels light on its feet and very similar to the Mazda3 against which it competes.

The 2.2L engine is a little grumbly during slow acceleration, and especially when it is cold in the morning. Once the engine warms up, though, it seems to be a little quieter and on the highway or at any speeds above 60km/h, engine noise is imperceptible. If you drive a lot in 40km/h zones, though, the noise might become a little annoying.

Day 4:

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Well the week is over already, and I have come to a conclusion on the Cobalt. It seemed like everyone I met asked me if I liked the vehicle or not. I’m not sure if they were asking facetiously or if they were just honestly interested in the car, but I always gave my honest opinion — which seemed to surprise a great many of them.

The only real complaints I have with the Cobalt are the seats, which are not the most comfortable on longer trips; the small cup holders; and the grumbly engine noise on acceleration, particularly at lower speeds.

I averaged 9.7L/100km during my week with the Cobalt in driving that was closer to 90% city if not more so; remarkably good gas mileage for a 2.2L engine.

So, what is my opinion? Well, the Cobalt is not a class leader or a standout as far as driving dynamics, fuel economy or fit and finish. But it is a very strong class contender. The LT model, such as my tester, is excellent value at a starting price of only $17,385. Leave off the silly options that my tester had and you can drive away with a well-equipped car for a bargain price.
*Rating out of 5: