![]() | Auto Market Review |
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AMR Review: 2005 Chevy Cobalt - Feelin' Blue
The Background The Packaging Engine choices are a 2.2L normally aspirated Ecotec DOHC 4 banger, or a 2.0L supercharged unit (like in the Saturn Ion, with which the Cobalt shares its Epsilon platform). Power is 145 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque for the 2.2 and 205 hp and 200 lb-ft for the supercharged unit. These are great numbers for this class, making the Cobalt a competitor for the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V and Neon SRT-4, at least in terms of power. It is also a competitor for the Saturn Ion, including the hot Red Line version of the Ion Quad Coupe.The Looks The sedan doesn't look that bad in photos, and has yet to be featured in TV spots, at least in the Northeast market. The front end is distinct from that of the coupe, and the rear has lights that are closer to those of the Dodge Neon than the Cobalt Coupe. They're actually quite nice. If you ignore the heinous C-pillar, the car looks classier and more substantial than the Cavalier ever did. Unfortunately, though, the C-pillar is very awkward looking, and cheapens up the shape of the car. The bumpers aren't sculpted in such a way to give the car a feeling of substance or class, and this also cheapens the car. However, the most damaging aspect really only comes out in person. The cut line between the rear end and the fender is high, large, long, and very poorly integrated into the shape of the car. The first time I saw the car in person, it was an odd brownish color, and the rear quarter of the car took on two colors, one on either side of the joint between the panels. I just don't understand the logic here. Why put a huge joint that high up when you can't get your panels to assume the same angle? You get odd light refraction that makes the car look like it was in an accident and poorly repainted. To be sure, some makers use high cut lines as accent touches, but they make damn sure their panels have the same angles or take on explicitly different ones so that onlookers never assume there was a production mistake on that car or bad body work at play. When I heard that the Cobalt would be competing with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza and friends, I laughed. This car almost looks like it can do it in photos. Now I'm not one to put much faith in what marketers and artists can do to evoke buyer interest. I decide to find out for myself just how well this car stacks up. I went out and grabbed a Cobalt from a local dealer. Here's where I really started to have issues with the car, but I'll get to that in a moment. The interior looks so much better than the Cavalier's, and really better than most Chevrolets right now. The Malibu has a brand new interior, yet it is nowhere near as good as the Cobalt's. For those who know me, you know I am picky about steering wheels. GM doesn't do well here in my eyes, but the Cobalt's doesn't look all that bad. It's bland and traditional, but not as ugly or dumpy as other GM wheels. That's all that matters. Where the car really excels inside is with the stereo. It looks clean and lacks all of that bulbous gray plastic GM typically uses on its stereos. To be sure, the HVAC and stereo controls look great, and feel quite good. I don't know if Delphi has turned a new leaf since they've branched out into consumer electronics and learned a thing or two, or if GM has specified better looking and feeling stuff, but they've really done well here. And the thing plays MP3s, too. XM satellite radio is available, as well. No Competition Where the Cobalt does well is in the pricing. It is more expensive than the Cavalier, but I can't say I felt it was unfairly priced when I saw it. The Coupe comes in three trim levels: Base, LS (both 1A and 1B), and SS Supercharged. They come in at $14,190, $16,485/$17.080 and $21,995 respectively. The sedan is the same with the Base and two LS versions, but currently has an LT version instead of the SS (an SS version is to follow for the sedan later in 2005). The LT runs at $18,760. For both cars, the base runs on 15" steel wheels, while the LS moves to 16" aluminum rims, with the 1B package adding a sports package. The SS runs on 18" aluminum rims, while the LT keeps the LS's 16" units, but adds leather. The SS also has a boost gauge to monitor the supercharger. I do think $500 or so off the sticker would have been more appropriate, but the car wasn't a bad value per se. Unfortunately, while GM hoped to avoid rebates on the Cobalt, they're giving them on all of their cars, so the Cobalt isn't safe. The result is that all the effort put into the new name and positioning is being hurt by brand-destroying rebates. The Final Review What has come out is really a competitor for the Saturn Ion sedan and Quad Coupe. That's not a good thing. The Saturns really cannot compete with anything they're put up against (maybe in Red Line form against the vanilla versions of its competitors' cars). The last thing GM needs is for its struggling Saturn unit's volume car to be directly challenged by its platform-mate. And the same goes for the Cobalt. The only car that might honestly be considered in the same breath is the Ion. Sure, GM gets the money either way, but wouldn't it be better if they could get the sale at the expense of one of their competitors rather than themself? I wish I could love this car, but I can't. It could have been different. GM, if you're listening, I'm available for consultations on the next Cobalt. That is, if you decide to make another one, and I don't think you should. |
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