Cobalt is definitely getting long in tooth and I fully agree that it needs a Malibu style makeover ASAP, but its fuel economy isn't really that bad. No it doesn't match Civic and Corolla but my Cobalt daily driver averages 28-30 mpg in real world mixed driving. And I'd have had to spend several thousand more for a Civic or Corolla. That buys a lotta gas and is really immaterial since I won't buy a non-American brand car (but I realize I'm in the vast minority). I don't really have any problems with my Cobalt's build quality, but it could use better interior materials and resale is certainly a problem from the consumer confidence standpoint.

Aveo needs MUCH better gas mileage. It's about the same as Cobalts in a much smaller car. I think that the sedan is good looking, though.

 

I don't think the Cobalt is all that bad either...if I needed a car, the Sport or SS model would be at the top of my list. The Malibu is a better car, but lacks 2 key things (2 doors, M5) I want in a car.

We've considered trading the Comp G for a new Malibu, but I'd have to spend a lot more to get less features and performance than I have right now. Our car only has 27k on it...why get rid of it?

 

Only QC issues I've had with my Cobalt deal with the sunroof.

 

It's not horrible but it's also lagging behind the competition in almost every significant category. Cobalt quality and reliability isn't that bad but it's not on par with Civic or Corolla. Cobalt fuel mileage is not that bad, but it's still solidy 20% or so worse than the competition. 20% adds up quick - and to people buying this kind of car, it's also likely a huge/primary priority in their choice of vehicle.

 

Except when you compare the SS to the SI.

I know I know. That doesnt count.

 

I was very close to buying a Malibu, but I needed to have a LCD Nav based system and bluetooth handsfree for my phone (work car). GM's OnStar was a no go for me (I want a map that I can see), and I HATED the idea of buying pre-paid minutes for handsfree on my phone if its not Verizon. The V6 Malibu needs to get better mileage as well.

Other than that, AMAZING car, what an interior!!! The car is a gem, and if it wasn't for those two features I would've picked it up.

But I'm happy with my Fusion

 

Fuel economy should be the #1 priority for the next Cobalt. Cobalt is a decent car for the segment none of the cars in this class are on par with the Malibu. As far as the Civic goes I'd say the Cobalt is about 1 generation behind. It is as good as the 2000-2005, but the 2006 Civic pulled ahead. Astra also is better than the Cobalt.

 

I thought GM is already planning the 1.4L Turbo Ecotec for next year to improve fuel mileage.

 

While Corolla and Sentra pull ahead, the Civic is only about 7% better base model vs. base model. Significant, but not quite 20%.

 

Yeah... it was just a rough estimate based on the class as a whole.

FWIW comparing automatic to automatic Cobalt/Civic base models the difference is close to 20%. Looks like the manuals are pretty close though.

 

Now compare the automatics. Civic does better (vs. manual) and the Cobalt does worse.

 

City is lower and combined actually remains the same on the Civic, but it certainly pulls away on highway mileage thanks to its 5 speed auto. Cobalt loses a few, but I do have to say that I have a Cobalt 2.2 auto and have never seen anything near as low as 22 MPG even when my commute was 15 miles of stop and go.

I would hope that Cobalt will get a 6 speed auto within the next couple of years as it's migrating across the models (Malibu LTZ this year, Aura XE and XR 4 cylinders for 2009).

 

2008 EPA ratings are unrealistically pessimistic for all but the most inefficient of drivers - regardless of the car.

Still.. if you give that benefit for the Cobalt you'd also have to give it to the Civic.

 

Bingo. This is the second or third time they've "adjusted" the ratings to be more "realistic"--and the first time they've really gone overboard on the pessimistic side. If you can't beat the 08 ratings, you're a super-leadfoot, or there is something wrong with your car.

 

Interestingly, I got poo-poo'd here when I brought this up as they were developing.

They should have stuck with the 2007 standards, and lopped a flat 3-5% off for the people who drive like 'tards.