I saw a newspaper ad for a Cobalt with automatic and all power goodies in the paper for close to $11 grand. That seems like a pretty good deal for a car which, by all accounts, is a big step up from the Cavalier.

I remember reading about the Cobalt and how the GM engineers studied the shock valving of the Jetta and finally figured out why it rides so good, relatively speaking. Lutz immediately said they were putting that suspension piece into the Cobalt, damn the cost.

I know it's not a Civic or Mazda 3, but for $11k? That seems like a no brainer for a cheap daily beater? Am I wrong?

 

For some odd reason the only talk from GM I have heard is Vette/Solstice.
The G6/Cobalt seemed to have dropped off the face of the Earth. That new Impala update has been quiet. Seems like maybe they are trying to think of ways about this looming chapter 7.

The cobalt is a great car for the money if you can't spend anymore. I would personally opt for a Mazda 3 or Civic in this category, but this is a place that has always been dominated by Japanese compact cars.

I think that GM needs to focus on the Mid Size sedan and especially the full size.

 

haven't you guys seen the lastest consumer report's most and least reliable list? the cobalt is the only car in the economy category to receive a "least reliable" rating.

 

I drove a loaner Cobalt and was impressed.. I liked it better than my daughters older Civic. Seemed to be quite competent and complete for the price.

 

I predict a American vs. Japanese flamefest ...

Seems like a decent car. Not exactly a good looker though.

 

I drove a friend's Cobalt for a bit. Base model, nothing fancy, but I was impressed. Interior quality is great for an American car (the fabric they used for the doors/headliner and stuff is VERY nice, IMO). It also seemed to handle well for a fwd car. The clutch is a bit tricky and I'm not sure why. Maybe it was just really vaugue feeling...

All in all, I liked it and I think it should certainly be able to compete with other manufacturer's offerings in this category.

 

The only one I've driven was a brand new rental while my SVT was in the shop. I had to return it in less than 20 miles because the gas tank was leaking into the trunk. It drove well other than that.

 

IT's gotten pretty good reviews. They said it was on par with the previous gen civic and even with a mazda3. $11k is a great deal. The new Impala is also a really nice car. Alot of car for the $ which again has been put on par with the Toyota Camry. Shame, GM finally has some decent product but other stuff is keeping them from exploiting it.

 

As far as the Cobalt being competitive, I've heard it's a massive improvement over the Cavy. I think it is already competing well with the Corolla, Mazda3 and focus. I see them about as often as I would expect to for that kind of car.

However, I think GM will have to do some sort of 3rd-year update to bring it even further up into competition. The Mazda3 has navi, as does the new Civic. Plus, I'm already seeing TONS of new Civics. In fact, I would say the Civic could possibly outsell all other cars in its class this year. And given that it is all-new, and leaps and bounds ahead of the last one, GM is going to have to step up earlier than they expect to keep the Cobalt at a decent pace.

 

The Colbalt SS is a fun little car, but can get pretty expensive with the right options.