General Comments:
I purchased my bright white Cobalt coupe in late 2010. The fact that Cobalt production had ceased that year was a major factor in my decision, as great deals can be found when a new replacement model (Cruze) is being introduced, and dealers are eager to move any units of the outgoing car that remain in their inventory. I started researching dealer inventories online and found the best deal... the Internet makes buying a car so easy!! The sticker price on my car was $19000, but I ended up purchasing it for about $11500 - a pretty awesome deal for a brand-new car.
This is my second Cobalt coupe. I had a 2010 XFE, which I wrecked a few months after buying. It was a total loss, and since the car was so new, my insurance gave me a check for the full value. I went out and bought this coupe right away, which has an automatic transmission and power windows/locks/mirrors; options which my XFE lacked. The fuel economy is great, even though my automatic LT doesn't match the XFE's excellent MPG. In mostly highway driving, I get a pretty consistent 35 MPG (a loss of about 5 MPG overall with the first car).
I really love the 2.2L LAP inline 4. This engine was also a major selling point for me, as it has significantly more power than most base 4-cylinders in this class. In 2009 this motor was given many refinements, with variable valve timing being the most important. It may be a bit loud if I wring it out, but there is plenty of power, especially at the high end. It's very peppy, and the automatic has no problem snapping down into a lower gear for passing. That was NOT the case when I first got it - at first I was disappointed, because the transmission seemed to be slow to downshift, and the car seemed a bit lazy. However, after a few hundred miles of breaking it in, that totally changed. Even though it is only a four-speed, the shifts are smooth enough to be barely perceptible. I've owned other GM vehicles with similar transmissions, and found them to be very dependable and trouble free.
The exterior of the coupe is really sporty, and I get a lot of compliments on the car's styling. My favorite elements are the round taillights and the unique C-pillar. I prefer the styling of the coupe to the sedan, which in my opinion is very bland. I live on a dirt road, so I purposely opted for white paint that always looks clean. I think the uncluttered style and swoopy shape will stay fresh looking for a long time.
Unlike many, the interior of this car is my favorite thing about it!! I will admit that some of the interior materials aren't the best, but what I really love is the clean and straightforward design. I agree with some other reviewers that the black interior seems to present better than the gray (I've owned both). The fit and finish is generally excellent. My grandmother just purchased a 2012 Corolla, and the interior on my Cobalt is better in fit and comparable in materials/finish.
I have driven many competitor cars, including the Civic, Corolla, and Sebring, and this stereo is the best. It sounds awesome, even at really high volume, and the iPod controls are the best!! Automatic volume control is a very nice touch. The driver info system is also excellent, with the tire pressure monitor saving me a lot of hassle. The lumbar control for the driver's seat has been a lifesaver. I'm 6'2" and over 200 lbs, but I find the interior to be very roomy and more than adequate for me. The back seat, however, is really for children only unless it's a short trip.
The cabin is very quiet even at highway speed, and there are no squeaks or rattles after two years of ownership. This is very important to me, as my last car, an Oldsmobile, was very noisy at speed, and had lots of annoying squeaks and rattles. The car feels tight as a drum. GM quality has greatly improved over the last two decades.
Yes, this car has flaws, but all cars do. I bought the car fully aware of the pros and cons in the design. So far it's been dead reliable, and very satisfying to own. I would recommend anyone buy a Cobalt - everyone I know that has one including myself loves them!! If the Cruze was made in a coupe form, I would certainly consider buying one after I've worn out this Cobalt (but I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off, literally).
I really cross-shopped this car with the Honda Civic, which I initially favored, but at the price I paid, the Chevy is a better value. Also, as I mentioned before, because this was the last model year being produced, I was able to get a sweet deal on it. Brand-new car model designs usually have the most recalls and surprise quality issues in the first year, so I was pretty confident that most of the kinks had been worked out, because it was the last year of Cobalt production.
I'm really satisfied with my car.
19th Jun 2012, 09:10
I would not consider the Cobalt a competitive car to a Sebring - the Cobalt is a compact, and the Sebring is a mid-size. I've driven both, and there is no comparison between the two (with the possible exception that the V6 Sebring also gets 35 MPG on the highway). As far as the stereos go - the Infinity system in the Sebring is an amazing system.
I do think the Cobalt tends to give a more solid feeling than most compacts I've driven, and think they are a lot nicer than many give them credit for.
As for getting one for $11,500. - sounds like you got a great deal - enjoy it!
BTW - Make sure the dealer replaces or repairs the headlights under warranty; don't put it off.