2009 Cobalt is also getting VVT on the 2.2L. hwy MPG will be 35. If they added the 6 speed auto the Cobalt could probably match the Civic. Civic is also a lighter car.

 

I'd honestly rate the Cobalt as better than the previous-generation Civic (the latter of which we have two of in our company motor pool, and I greatly dislike them). There's not much comparison to the current-gen Civic, however.

If GM can't figure out how to get into a habit of performing significant updates every 4-5 years, I suspect they'll remain oh-so-close-yet-oh-so-far.

 

I can get the city MPG in my Cobalt...sometimes.
(in my 5 speed coupe I could get it too...big difference on gas between the 2)

I have owned 2 Cobalts (both 2.4L SS cars)--so I have my share of experince with them.

I put 40,000kms on total and each were in the shop once for a minor problem.

PROS--handles well
--solid
--- good brakes
--- good stereo

CONS: Rides too hard---a little more give would be nice
Steering is very numb
Automatic with 2.4L SUCKS
It feels and sounds droning, asmatic and like a anchor is tied to the engine.

My Dads 4cly Mazda 6 feels faster and sounds MUCH better. Revs feer as well.

I just wish the Cobalt were more engaging to drive. I serioulsy get so bored (note the 5 speed was a far better car in this sense)

Its far better then the J-bodies--but GM needs keep current and do a 2nd gen Cobalt.

 

VVT and a 6 speed Auto will certainly help Cobalt some. Does anyone know what happened to the refresh? I believe Cobalt was originally supposed to have a full MCE for 2009, but it ended up getting some detail changes and the SS Turbocharged. Were plans ever finalized for the replacement? I know for a while it was up in the air if it would even be a Delta, but I'd assume the next Cobalt and the next Gen. Astra will end up being produced together in the U.S. or Mexico.

With all of the momentum from the new Malibu (and the fact that the transaction price has increased so significantly over the last Malibu) Chevy needs to get the Cobalt updated and competitive quickly. Hopefully they'll see that people WILL pay more for a Chevy if it offers what they want.

 

Hopefully they'll see that people WILL pay more for a Chevy if it offers what they want.

That's what keeps Toyota earnign big bucks.

 

Lesson learned: make a good car and it'll sell. Now just change the UGLY taillights on it. I've grown to like everything about the car except for that horrid taillight setup.