I had the chance to look the Cruze over carefully at NAIAS. I think the car is spot on, and the interrior is very nice.

I have not heard the car is an unbadged SS.

I do think it's a nice car, no doubt about it.

 

Sir, you have a pretty warped idea of what performance is, and I'm sure Fbodfather could give you more than a short lesson on what "SS" is or isn't.

There is no such thing as SS being a "no compromises" vehicle. Never has been. SS has been a sport package first and foremost. Camaros came in SS350 packages. 80s era Monte Carlo SS came fully loaded. the 90s Impala SS was essentially a fast luxury car that handled.

Chevrolet decided only a few years ago that the SS badge would represent in addition to great handling and performance, a unique engine.

The Cobalt sedan certainly DESERVES to wear the "SS" badge.

The Cobalt SS sedan is IDENTICAL to the coupe in components, and very close in weight. If the Cobalt SS coupe can carve up the Nurburgring, then certainly so can the sedan.

The number of doors isn't an issue to the SS badge (90s era Impala SS?). The wheels being driven are not an issue to the SS badge (the popularity of SRT4 Neons and tuner cars should prove that).

I think people like mudbone actually know and understand the realities and history of not just the SS label, but of performance as well.


Getting off facts, and to just opinion, I think the Cobalt SS sedan is fantastic. I suspect any critic that got a spin in or drove one, they'd likely change their tune. Although the quality of some of the interior materials leave alot to be desired, the GM Performance Division seats are top drawer in comfort and grip. The shifter is one of the better ones I've felt in a FWD car. The engine and acceleration is simply off the hook!

If there was ever a sleeper car that you wanted to go around destroying egos, the Cobalt SS sedan is THE car to do it in.

I understand the "WHY'S" on GM killing the car. Buyers of fast FWD cars overwhelmingly want alot of "Look-at-me" factored into the looks, and the Cobalt SS is about as eye-catching as a utilities fleet car. The thing simply isn't selling... and most enthusiast don't even know it exists (I didn't even know it existed till last year's LA press preview). But in the future, these are going to be the Cobalts worth money. It's rare, it's quick as heck, and since most people were unaware of the things, they'll be special intrest cars.

 

and they will be cheap since they are not on the radar..would be a good DD in 5 years time..

 

I did mean the old LT1 Impala SS. I wasn't too clear about that. As to the "idiot" comment, I must have been in a foul mood Of course, anyone is entitled to their opinion. I happen to think four-door SS vehicles are fine -- even desirable.

 

So I have read several blogs that the Cobalt SS turbo sedan is history after the 2009's roll off the assemly line. Big, bad mistake on GM's part. I own a new 2009 SS turbo sedan and I am loving it every minute I crank up the engine. This car is a real sleeper. Great engine, excellant brakes, great steering and lateral grip with those big, fat tires. The seats are fantastic with very good support in the back and bottom. Very comfortable for such a small car out on the highway. So GM has not been selling them very well and no wonder since they do not advertise the car. Many enthusiasts do not even know this car exists. So what can GM expect? GM is really sliding into a bottomless pit. It has been poorly managed for the past 40 years. I understand that with the government stepping in to now manage GM GM's performance operations have been shut down and now they are going to produce nothing but Prius copies. Another BIG, BAD move on GM's part. If this keeps up GM will finally fade into history to join Packard and Studebaker. Then at least I will have a clear conscience to buy a Honda Accord but it will never ever be the exciting car my 2009 Cobalt SS turbo sedan is.

 

Aggree totally and I'll go one step further by saying this is the best Chevy out there right now for the money. I find myself liking this car more than the new Camaro. For one I don't feel like I'm in a coffin in it, I can see out from every angle for safety reasons, it will outhandle the Camaro, it is stealthy(see how many miles you can go without being pulled int he new Camaro) Insurance is cheaper, I can hang my arm out the window without dislocating it, I can fit stuff in the trunk without being a Tetris master. I can actually fit 2 people in the back and not have to give them a flashlight to see. With the exception of straight line speed the Cobalt SS does everythign I need just as good or even better than the Camaro does, for $10k less. When the stage 1 upgrade comes out the car will be putting down 290hp and over 320 ft lb's in a 2900lb car and still keep your warranty.

 

FWIW, I think I've seen a grand total of TWO Cobalt SS sedans on the road...

...............and I even live in the area that builds them...............

 

That is a real shame. Truth be told -- I've never even seen one. I would love to drive one too.

 

I don't think I've seen a Cobalt SS sedan on the road yet. I've probably seen the turbo coupes on the road 5 times or so.

 

I have to agree w/ you , sad to say !

I knew I liked the Cobalts (SS's ) as I had driven a supercharged version at the Auto Show in Motion. That's on a short course , which means limited romp time, and, of course, the turbo car has more power.

The coupe is hard to see out of the back, though, and due in large part to this thread I may have to shell out some dough for a sedan !

The lack of gauges is a bummer, though, as well as the lack of a center console.

The fun factor is through the roof - when the turbo comes on that car feels GREAT !!!!!!! , and the 5 speed adds to it - the whole shifting/clutching action just makes you feel more a part of the driving experience.

Not that my auto SS can't be fun , but in a different way.

(Look ma - no hands ! )

They did not offer much off sticker - I guess due to the $ 2500.00 rebate or 0% offer they currently have.

I am in a quandry now as I really don't want to sell or trade in the Camaro, but really don't have room for 4 cars, or really need a car payment.


Dammit, I sure like that Cobalt, though !


Britt

 

Nobody does miss those. Idiot. Those things are a shell of former Impala SS's. The SS badge doesn't deserve to be on anything FWD..... end of story. Idiot.

 

Sorry -- my patience is wearing thin these days -- so I got to about a dozen posts and then said ."oh welll........." --

Did anyone read the Motor Trend article on the Cobalt SS sedan back a month or two ago?

Now - -I don't believe a lot of what I read.......

What I DO know is that we took a Cobalt SS sedan out to Spring Mountain Motorsports Park to do a performance video last August -- this was a pre-production sedan -- and I -- as well as the professional instructors - -were blown away by this car -- (remember.....Dr. John Heinricy was behind its creation...) --

........we'd put one in most auto shows and people would be amazed --

......the sad part -- very low sales --

...........and before someone says "well -- why didn't you advertise it?" I'll simply say -- 'read the papers'........

Great performer -- U.S. sales (total industry) went from 16.5 million to about 9.5 million annualized rate............that's when automobiles like this die.....

 

And very sad. I have been trying to promote this car locally because of it.

I have driven the car, although I have not punched it, being that they were new and honestly... it's the type of car that makes me say: "This is Chevrolet", forget about the SS name, CHEVROLET.

Corvette/Camaro and now the Cobalt.. UFFF... People are talking a lot about it. Please do not kill this excellent SS.

I hope the Cruze comes in like those pictures because that car is beautiful inside and out.

I may get killed but with the cobalt and its ride quality, I can't understand why hasn't it sold more than the corolla. This car rides great and handles very good (not talking about the SS this time). But people are too biased with the "almighty" toyocrap. Interiors are far worse than the Cobalt and people still complain about them.

 

For giving me a payment for the next 6 years !!

At zero percent, though.

I pick up a Cobalt SS Sedan tonight !


Britt

 

Way to go!

Welcome to Cobalt SS ownership.

One of the most under-rated cars on the road, IMO.

Enjoy!