2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | Review | Buying Guide
The Cobalt is the successor to the soon-to-be-discontinued Cavalier, and it is GM’s push to reclaim the compact car segment’s top spot. Taking off where the Cavalier began, the Cobalt debuted in December 2003 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and as an all-new 2005 model targets the premium small car buyer.
The Cobalt lineup includes coupe and sedan models, as the Cavalier did. The sedan model features base, LS and LT trims, while coupe models are available in base, LS and SS Supercharged trims. Each includes a specific interior, exterior appearance and wheels, as well as a long list of standard and available features. The Cobalt SS, with a more powerful engine, will debut in mid-2005 as 2006 model.
In effect, the Cobalt is the new wave in the compact class. Chances are, it should make people forget about the Cavalier quite quickly.
Under the Hood
The Cobalt will basically use the same engine as the Cavalier (with the exception of the Supercharged SS). That engine is a tried Ecotec 2.2-liter inline 4-cylinder model. It is mated to a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic transmission, and it generates 145 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
Though the top-line SS won’t be out for a little while, why not wet your appetite a little? Under its hood will be a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 205 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission does the shifting.
Base models use vented front disc brakes with single-piston calipers and composite rear drum brakes. Four channel antilock brakes (ABS) are standard on LS and LT models. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on SS Supercharged models. The new Cobalt also offers an enhanced electronic traction control system on all models equipped with an automatic transmission and ABS.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The new Cobalt promises to be nicely equipped at all trim levels. Standard features on the base model include air conditioning, electric rear window defroster, an AM/FM/CD audio system, a tilt steering column and a split-bench rear seat with pass-through to the trunk area.
Five people can fit easily inside the new Cobalt. Versatile storage is achieved with 60/40 folding rear seats.
Available features include heated leather seats, power sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, MP3 playback and OnStar.
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