2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

Base MSRP: $14,990
MPG: 25 city/35 highway (base trim)

The “cash for clunkers” CARS Act is very popular among car buyers now. Thanks to that, it will receive a $2 billion dollar extension to fund it all the way to its November deadline. So what have people been buying?

Some good news for GM

The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is in the top 10 most popular small cars purchased in connection with the cash for clunkers program. This is partly why GM has 18.7 percent of the 185,000 new cars sold thus far, beating Toyota’s 17.9 percent.

Affordability and Fuel Economy

The strongest selling point of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is its affordability. Its base trim comes with an MSRP of $14,990. Qualifying for the maximum $4,500 cash for clunker voucher means that you can buy one at just a little over $10,000.

What you get for the base trim is a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter inline-four engine. It produces a decent 155hp while providing a remarkable average mileage of 30 MPG. The higher LS and LT trims are also powered by the same engine type, both providing an average mileage of 29MPG (27 for automatic versions).

For those willing to purchase the SS trim, you get a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that has an impressive 260hp and a respectable 25MPG rating.
Other strengths of the Cobalt are its smooth ride and its quiet cabin.

Cons

Aside from the SS trim, the Cobalt falls short against the likes of the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, which are in the same class and price range. The Cobalt has a mediocre fit and finish, its rear seats are tight, and it lacks interior space. The handling for non-SS trims leave a lot to be desired.

Final thoughts

As a workhorse economy car, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is a decent purchase. The price tag of the base XFE model is enough of an incentive for anyone who needs an affordable economy car.

For those who look for interior quality and better handling, the SS version may satisfy your demands. However, it has an MSRP of $23,425.

3/5

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