Acceleration

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
4	7	4.6

No opportunity yet to test manual-transmission 148-hp model or any 173-hp SS. Responsive automatic transmission helps 148-hp sedan feel peppy enough. Similar Pontiac G5 GT shares Cobalt SS engine. With automatic transmission, acceleration is adequate but not as lively as 173 hp should act. Chevy says SS Supercharged does 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. Test examples felt less lively, though still plenty quick.

Fuel Economy

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
7	6	6.5

Test automatic-transmission LT sedan averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test SS averaged 23.3 mpg. Chevy and Pontiac recommend premium-grade fuel for Cobalt SS, SS Supercharged, and G5 GT.

Ride Quality

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
6	4	5.3

No opportunity yet to test with 15-inch tires. Cobalts with 16s absorb most bumps quite well, feel stable over swells and dips, but some testers detect undue body motions, coarse-surface vibration. G5 GT has 17-inch tires, sport suspension, and it rides firmly but is never uncomfortable. SS Supercharged has stiffer suspension, low-profile 18-inch tires, making it feel harsher than other Cobalts on rippled pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	5.8

Models with 16-inch tires slightly above average for class, with moderate cornering lean and quick, informative steering. G5 GT has slightly sharper moves, though some body lean still evident in turns. SS Supercharged has sports car poise on smooth roads, but can bounce over sharp midcorner bumps. Note that even with available limited-slip differential SS given to torque steer on take off. On all, stopping control good, but non-SS models have spongy brake pedal feel.

Quietness

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Wind rush, most road noise relatively low for class, though SS Supercharged suffers fair coarse-pavement tire thrum. The 148- and 173-hp engines moan unpleasantly when accelerating, but cruise calmly enough.

Controls

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	6	5.9

Neat, logical dashboard, but some testers find gauges a tad small, recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading. Simple climate controls, but set too low for easiest adjustment while driving. Supercharged includes boost gauge on left windshield pillar, plus jazzy two-tone leather sport seats and metal-look cabin trim. Nothing looks or feels especially cheap, though some testers found abundance of hard plastic in some models a let down at this price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Typical compact-car space and comfort. Seat cushions a bit short for best thigh support, but generous rearward travel gives good leg room for tall occupants. Some taller drivers found that shoulder belt did not adjust high enough for best comfort. SS Supercharged's bolstered sport seats hug well, but don't feel confining. Visibility a bit restricted to right rear in sedans, fully aft in coupes equipped with available rear spoiler.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
3	2	4

Sedan matches rivals like Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla for head clearance, but leg room, toe space tighter than in most competitors. Door openings also small. Coupe room, access best left to kids.

Cargo Room

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
3	3	4.8

Both body styles have usefully shaped trunks with good room, expandable via folding rear seats. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space, but trunk openings too small for really big cargo. Interior storage just average.

Value within Class

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
8	7	6

Cobalt and the similar Pontiac G5 are reasonably priced, well-equipped compacts available with many appealing features. Even the Cobalt SS Supercharged offers good value in an off-the-shelf sport compact that's fun to drive, despite a harsh ride and cheap-looking interior trim bits. Rear seat room and comfort trails class rivals, even in sedans. G5's lack of a 4-door body style limits its appeal, making Cobalt our Recommended pick.

Total Score

LT sdn w/3LT Option Pkg., auto.	SS Supercharged	Class Average
52	52	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60